Lee University faculty members Steve Benne and Dr. Phillip Thomas will present a recital on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in Squires Recital Hall.

The program will include pieces by G.F. Handel, Charles Gounod, J.S. Bach, and Robert Schumann.

Steve Benne, instructor of double bass at Lee, is principal double bassist with the Knoxville Symphony. He has also acted as principal bassist with the New American Chamber Orchestra. In Europe, he has performed at the Grec Festival, the Korsholm Music Festival, the Priory of Chirens Chamber Music Festival, and the Uppsala Festival. In the United States, Benne has performed with the Florida International Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Grand Teton Music Festival.

Benne’s teachers include Lawrence Hurst, Stuart Sankey, and Eldon Obrecht. He plays a Cremonese bass made in 1683 by Aegidius Barzellini.

Teacher, music historian, and pianist, Thomas began his teaching career at Lee University as a piano instructor in 1977. He currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in music history and literature. In addition to chairing the Musicianship Studies Department, he is also the founding Executive Director of Lee’s annual piano festival.

Thomas has also served as adjudicator for a variety of competitions on the local, regional, and international levels. He has appeared as harpsichord soloist with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information about the recital, contact the School of Music at 423-614-8240 or by email at [email protected].