LEWISTON — Pianist Chiharu Naruse of Gray will return to the Franco-American Heritage Center on Saturday, Nov. 17, to perform works by Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Liszt.

The 7:30 p.m. recital is the third concert in the Franco Center’s 2012-13 Piano Series.

Already praised for her keyboard talents in her native Japan, Naruse went on to study in Germany with Klaus Baessler and received master’s degrees in music performance and music instruction from the Hochschule fur Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin.

In 2002, she came to the United States to work with Frank Glazer, renowned pianist and artist-in-residence at Bates College.

She has given solo recitals and performed with chamber groups in Europe and Japan. Here in Maine, her recitals have included appearances at Bates College, Gould Academy and the Ocean Park Music Festival.

Naruse has also performed with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, Maine Pro Musica Orchestra and the Portland String and DaPonte String quartets. Early next year, she will in collaboration with violinist Dean Steinat present all three of Beethoven’s piano-violin sonatas at Bates College.

Besides her performance career, Naruse is a piano teacher, chamber music coach, juror at music competitions and accompanist. She directs the professional division at the Portland Conservatory of Music, as well as the conservatory’s Karger Scholars Program for ensemble training of gifted student musicians. 

Concert tickets are $16 for adults/$14 for seniors/free for students under 21. Call 689-2000, visit the Franco Center box office weekdays from noon to 4 p.m. or log on to www.FrancoCenter.org.

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