Staff, students and friends of the University are invited to the second in a series of lunchtime musical recitals to be held on campus this semester, when Professor Leslie Smith will play a selection of blues and Klezmer on Friday 27 May at 1.10 pm in Pathfoot Lecture Theatre.
Professor Smith works in the Computing Science & Mathematics department of the School of Natural Sciences, but has been playing music since he was 10 years old. He says: “Blues and Klezmer music are my favourites. Klezmer was originally eastern European Jewish dance music and I have been hearing this from childhood. I discovered blues in my teens and later played in a folk-rock band in Blantyre.”
Although his playing career was interrupted by the need to earn a living, Professor Smith has always had a piano and has played with a range of different bands, including the Allan Jazz Band, the Glasgow Yiddish group and a ceilidh band, as well as accompanying many singers.
Professor Smith says: ‘I have not quite decided on the final programme for 27 May, but I'm planning a Klezmer sandwich - some blues pieces, then some Klezmer and finishing with some blues.”
Places at the recital are free to all, but those who wish to attend should reserve a place by contacting externalrelations@stir.ac.uk or telephoning 01786 467 055.