Tarleton Hosts Native American Composer, Pianist Connor Chee

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The Department of Performing Arts and the Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and International Programs at Tarleton State University will present composer and pianist Connor Chee in a guest recital at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Theater. 

The recital focuses on Chee’s work as well as that of Indigenous composers. Admission is free.

Chee is known for combining his classical piano training and Native American heritage. He made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 12 after winning a gold medal in the World Piano Competition. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Chee’s solo piano work is inspired by traditional Navajo chants and songs.

​He has released four studio albums of original pieces and piano transcriptions of Navajo music. The Navajo Piano won Best Instrumental Recording at the 16th Annual Native American Music Awards, and his piece “Beginnings” won Best New Age Song.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
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