Marcella Branagan
Marcella Branagan excels as both a solo performer and chamber musician. In addition to a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, Dr. Branagan holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Piano Performance from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a certificate for post graduate study in chamber music from the Staaliche Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, West Germany.
She has studied piano with Leo Smit, Stephen Manes, Ana Maria Trenchi de Bottazzi, and Rebecca Penneys - chamber music with the late Mischa Schneider, Auriele Nicolet, Paul Katz, and the New Arts Trio.
While living in Europe she performed extensively. As part of the Branagan Miranda-Vargas Duo, she was awarded a Silver Medal at the 1972 Maria Canals International Music Competition held in Barcelona, Spain and a Special Citation at the 1773 Gaudeamus International Competition for Modern Music held in Rotterdam.
A grant from the New York State Council for the Arts to commission a work from the composer Persis Veher made possible several concerts which included a performance in the Mary Seaton Room of Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, New York.
Dr. Branagan has been acclaimed for her dynamic and exciting pianism and has received particular praise for her master class and lecture/recital presentations. She has recorded for National Public Radio and Spectrum Records. Currently, Dr. Branagan is a member of the piano faculty at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Available for performances with orchestra, solo recitals, master classes, and lecture/recitals.