Trinity Star Arts Council proudly presents nationally-acclaimed artist Richard Dowling performing “GREAT SCOTT!—A Centennial Celebration of Scott Joplin’s Ragtime Piano Music.” This amazing program will be presented on May 5 at 7:00pm at Lakeside United Methodist Church in St. Elmo. The concert is open to the public and admission is free.
Mr. Dowling performed the complete piano works of Scott Joplin at Carnegie Hall, New York City, on April 1, 2017, exactly one hundred years after Joplin’s death. He is the first pianist to publicly perform the complete cycle of the composer’s 53 rags, marches and waltzes, several of which were made famous in the 1974 movie, The Sting, such as “The Entertainer” and “Maple Leaf Rag.” The program here will feature these well-known tunes, as well as many others from the collection.
Throughout the current season, Mr. Dowling will be performing the all-Joplin concerts nationwide in celebration of this unique genre of music. He has just released a 3-CD set of this music, to be added to his over a dozen CD’s of classical, chamber, jazz and popular music. He holds advanced degrees from Yale and the University of Texas, including a Doctoral Degree in piano performance. As a Piatigorsky Foundation artist since 1994, he has performed over 1,000 recitals across the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe. He is a Steinway Artist, as well, and is actively involved in editing, publishing and retailing print music.
According to The New York Times, Richard Dowling is an “especially impressive, fine pianist.” With his easy charm, playful sense of humor and boyish good looks, Mr. Dowling is the perfect spokesman for ragtime. Freestone County is very fortunate to be able to experience this artist’s brilliant talent.
(Photo by Peter Schauf)
