Written by Gina Cielo
Fifty-one years of experience. Four-hundred hours of preparation. Four countries. One passion for music.
Dr. Jeffrey Hopper, Harding University’s dean of International Programs, recently performed in his own piano tour from Oct. 16-24 throughout areas of Europe.
Hopper said this tour would have been impossible without a life-changing event that happened eight years ago. In 2001, Dr. Burks offered Hopper the position of dean of International Programs. After teaching in the music department for 27 years, Hopper claims he was ready for a new adventure.
“The job seemed like an exciting, new challenge,” Hopper said.
Hopper accepted the job, but knew that it would be a different journey than he was used to. In a profession that doesn’t incorporate music, he knew he wanted to continue carrying out his passion for music. The tour seemed like the perfect way to continue sharing his musical talent.
When Hopper found out he would be performing this tour last summer, he began practicing vigorously. He practiced 3-4 hours a day and held small recitals in the Honors College house to showcase his work. Although Hopper has been playing the piano for 51 years, his preparation was crucial to the success of the tour.
“I performed 4 hours in Europe. I prepared for more than 400 hours,” said Hopper.
The tour spread across four European countries. The locations included London, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Florence, Italy; and Athens, Greece.
In these cities, Hopper had the opportunity to perform in remarkable locations. In London, he played at a medieval church calledSt. Olave’s. He also performed inKong Arthur Hotel,Strozzi Renaissance Palaceand the Harding Hotel in Athens.
Among these locations, Hopper said that the Strozzi Renaissance Palace in Florence was his most memorable. Many Italians and tourists attended, making it the most attended recital during his tour.
In both Athens and Florence, Harding’s international program students and faculty were able to attend his performance. He choose 10 classical songs to play in his performances. He used compositions from Mozart, Scarlatti, and Chopin.
According to Hopper, the tour was very successful. The recital halls were all full, and he said he played really well.
When asked if he has plans for another tour, Hopper said with a smile, “I don’t have a plan, but I won’t be surprised if I do.”
