Willis Delany, former Southeastern faculty member, takes the Pottle stage.
His concert repertoire for the evening included everything from
Romantic-era Frederic Chopin to jazz pianist Bill Evans.
The Lion's Roar / Emily Stephan

A former Southeastern faculty member made his first appearance on the Pottle Auditorium stage in 14 years.

Nationally acclaimed pianist Willis Delony’s musical career has lasted for over thirty years. He has toured the world and is currently booked for a performance in New York City’s Carnegie Hall this October.

From the mid-1980s until 2000, Delony was a faculty member at Southeastern. He approached Dr. Kenneth Boulton, head of the department of fine and performing arts, about returning to the university to give a concert.

Delony’s style is an assortment of musical genres, predominantly jazz and classical.

“I’m an active classical and jazz musician with lots of additional experience in the popular and commercial music worlds,” said Delony. “These various musical influences have helped shape my musical personality.”

The selections for the concert showcased everything from Frederic Chopin’s “Polonaise-Fantasy, Op. 61” to Bill Evans’ “In Memory of His Father Harry L.” These two musicians are only two of Delony’s musical inspirations.

“As a jazz pianist, [Southeastern alumni] Bill Evans is one of the most significant influences on my playing and thinking,” said Delony. “Also, I’m continually inspired by composers such as Chopin, who was well ahead of his time and has had enormous influence on all types of music. As a classical pianist, I was particularly inspired by the late Van Cliburn, a native of Shreveport who became a world famous concert artist in the late 1950s and inspired generations of aspiring pianists who followed.”

Delony’s influences are not limited to the classical world. He also takes inspiration from contemporary artists working in the world of popular music.

“My favorite contemporary musician is Stevie Wonder, whose genius as a performer, composer and musical innovator is acknowledged by musicians across the stylistic spectrum,” said Delony.

Audience reaction to the performance was generally positive. The students who showed up solely for extra credit points enjoyed the concert more than they had anticipated.

“I’m here for my Music 151 class,” said William Joseph Jr., a senior English major. “I’m not normally into this type of music, but this is incredibly well-performed and sounds great.”

Delony’s hope for the audience was that they left happy and with a broader appreciation of a musical style different from what they are usually exposed to.

“I hope they’ll leave with a smile of their faces and perhaps share my own sense of wonder at how diverse the music world is,” said Delony. “And I hope they’ll hear that so-called ‘serious music’ can be delivered with a sense of fun as well.”

For more information on upcoming events within the department of fine and performing arts, contact Kenneth Boulton at [email protected] or visit the university website.