Acclaimed Pianists to Perform at Thomaston Opera House

The Thomaston Opera House has been selected by the Adams Foundation of Santa Barbara, CA as one of five cities to participate in a pilot series of piano recitals by acclaimed pianists in the spring of 2002. The series is designed to reestablish piano recitals in communities throughout America. The recitals at the Thomaston Opera House will feature duo-pianists Richard and John Contiguglia on Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m.; and pianist Robert Blocker on Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m.

The idea for Adams Piano Recitals was born a year ago after Stephen Adams, philanthropist and piano lover, heard the Contiguglia brothers perform at Yale and in Santa Barbara. The foundation's intent is to make possible live piano recitals at affordable prices by nationally and internationally acclaimed American artists performing on the finest available Steinway pianos in small, acoustically superior halls.

Richard and John Contiguglia are identical twins who have collaborated as a piano duo since they were five years old. They have received rave reviews from critics on both sides of the Atlantic. The Washington Post described them as "Phenomenal Duo Pianists," the national newspaper of Holland, De Trou, hailed them as "in a class by themselves." Records and Recording proclaimed, "They have given the two-piano medium a whole new dimension. The Contiguglias stand apart in a lofty world of their own, unrivaled and supreme." Byron Belt, for Newhouse News Service, called them "foremost among today's duo-pianists."

Robert Blocker has been Dean of the Yale School of Music since 1995 and was previously Dean of UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture. He has served as a consultant to major educational institutions and agencies, is a frequent speaker at professional conferences for the arts and higher education, and has published articles in several national journals. He began his musical studies with Louise Mathis in Charleston, SC at the age of five; his debut came ten years later with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in the historic Dock Street Theater. In the ensuing years, Blocker has presented concerts throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, China and several Pacific Rim countries. He has received critical acclaim for his performances, and his remarkable pianism embraces a range of artistry that moves from poetic introspection to bold virtuosity. Recital appearances and orchestral engagements have won him a large and devoted audience.

The Thomaston Opera House is taking reservations for the above performances; tickets are $15 for one recital or $25 for both. For more info call 860-283-6250.