By Néstor CASTIGLIONE

Pianist Charles Fierro, a stalwart of the local musical scene best known to locals as a regular guest performer at the Glendale Noon Concerts, passed away last December after a brief illness. During his life his art elicited praise from the likes of Aaron Copland and Nadia Boulanger, the latter praising his “masterly technique.” Fierro had also earned the praise of his students and fellow faculty at California State University Northridge (CSUN) where he had taught for 30 years, racking up distinguished teacher and creative teacher awards in the process.

This Saturday night, the school will demonstrate its affection and respect for the late pianist once more in a memorial piano recital open to the public.

Fierro’s sister Nancy Fierro, herself an internationally recognized pianist, reflected on his tenure at CSUN.

“His students described him as a passionate teacher who understood music clearly and could communicate his insights with ease,” she shared.

Among the works that Fierro had been performing and touring in his final years were the “Ludus Tonalis” cycle by Paul Hindemith and the Copland “Piano Fantasy,” the very work whose performance had gained the attention of its composer 40 years prior.

“I’m very pleased with what you did with the ‘Piano Fantasy.’ I think it is a first-rate rendition,” Copland said to Fierro. “To encompass a half-hour work with the assurance and musicality you bring to it is quite a feat!”

CSUN’s faculty concert in memory of Charles Fierro will take place this Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the school’s Cypress Hall (18236 Nordhoff St., Northridge). Admission is free to the general public. To obtain tickets and more information, please go online to https://www.csun.edu/mike-curb-arts-media-communication/music/events-type/all or call (818) 677-3000.

  Nestor CASTIGLIONE