From Omaha to Italy: UNO Piano Students Shine at InterHarmony

By ahilt21 on July 22, 2026

This summer, two University of Nebraska at Omaha piano students represented the School of Music on the international stage at the InterHarmony International Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy.

Bennett Lambelet, a freshman piano performance major, and J.T. McLaughlin, a master’s student in piano performance, spent two weeks immersed in intensive musical study alongside talented performers from around the world. Their experience included private lessons, chamber music coachings, and masterclasses with internationally renowned guest artists. They also presented solo performances in historic churches dating to the sixth and seventh centuries.

In addition to their solo performances, both students collaborated with fellow festival musicians in chamber music performances as well as a rigorous schedule of rehearsals, lessons, and concerts designed to prepare emerging artists for professional careers.

Beyond the classroom and concert hall, the students experienced the rich culture and history of northern Italy, exploring the charming streets of Acqui Terme while building friendships and musical connections with artists from around the globe.

“International festivals like InterHarmony provide experiences that simply can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom,” said Dr. Kristín Jónína Taylor, Associate Professor of Piano at UNO, who attended the festival as a solo artist and faculty member. “Students are challenged artistically, exposed to new perspectives, and inspired by performing in historically significant venues alongside musicians from many different countries.”

Bennett’s solo performance of the fugue from Samuel Barber’s Piano Sonata was highlighted on the InterHarmony social media pages.

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