KINGSTON, R.I. -- April 9, 2003 -- The University of Rhode Island will highlight the purchase of its second concert grand piano with a musical performance on Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m. in the URI Fine Arts Center Concert Hall.

The performance repertoire includes classical, jazz and crossover pieces such as L’Isle joyeuse, Blue Bossa and American Rhapsody. "We tried to select pieces that called for the use of two pianos, concerts that involve this are rare," said Manabu Takasawa, URI assistant professor of music.

Featured artists include URI piano faculty and staff members Joseph Parillo, Audrey Kaiser, Manabu Takasawa, Kathryn Chester, and David Zinno on double bass. URI advanced piano students John Norigian of Cranston and Heidi Burchett of Exeter will also perform, along with Richard Brownell of North Kingstown on drums.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling the URI Music Department at 874-2431 or at the URI Box Office the day of the performance. Proceeds will go to the URI Piano Fund, established to fund the purchase of a practice piano for music students.