Boulton piano

ABERDEEN, S.D. – A husband and wife musical duo will perform an upcoming concert at Northern State University.

Dr. Kenneth Boulton and JoAnne Barry will present a recital of music for piano four-hands at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in NSU’s Krikac Auditorium. Joining them for one of the selections will be NSU faculty members Dr. Darci Bultema, associate professor of voice, and Mr. Michael Skyles, instructor of voice.

Featured on the program will be music by Georges Auric, John Corigliano and Lowell Liebermann.

“We have selected music that celebrates the energy, character, and sound of New York City,” said Boulton, NSU dean of fine arts. “We are also privileged to collaborate with such talented colleagues. Their presence will help make this program an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

For more than 28 years, Boulton and Barry have presented piano duet and duo concerts throughout the United States and Europe. Enthusiastic advocates of piano ensemble playing, the husband and wife team are in demand for their lecture-demonstrations of four-hand technique and repertoire, particularly works appropriate for student use.

Originally from Seattle, Boulton received his bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., and master’s and doctoral degrees in piano performance from the University of Maryland at College Park. His recording, “Louisiana – A Pianist’s Journey,” was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo without Orchestra. Boulton started at NSU in 2016 as the dean of the School of Fine Arts.

A native of Alexandria, Va., Barry holds a bachelor’s degree in organ from James Madison University in Harrisburg, Va. She pursued graduate studies in musicology and organ at Radford University in Radford, Va. Following her completion of a Master of Library Science at the University of Maryland, Barry served as an archivist for the Philadelphia Orchestra Association from 1990 to 2004.

The concert is free and open to the public.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions