High Desert Chamber Music continues its 2016-17 season, presented by Mission Building & Renovation, with award winning pianist Robert Thies. This piano solo recital will take listeners on a voyage through the world’s musical capitals, and some highlights include Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat Major, “The Hunt”, Schubert’s Impromptu No. 3, Debussy’s Clair de lune, and Gershwin’s beloved “Rhapsody in Blue”.
Pianist Robert Thies has been featured in a number of HDCM events, and is certainly no stranger to Central Oregon, having made solo appearances with the Sunriver Music Festival and the Central Oregon Symphony. “I am glad to have this opportunity to present Robert in a solo recital that he has put so much thought and care into programming. His previous performances in the HDCM Concert Series have been so well-received, and there has always been an expectation for him to return to Bend,” states Executive Director Isabelle Senger.
Thies first captured worldwide attention in 1995 when he won the Gold Medal at the Second International Prokofiev Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia. With this victory, he became the only American pianist to win first prize in a Russian piano competition since Van Cliburn’s famed triumph in Moscow in 1958. Praised for his “thoughtful and intensely moving interpretations” Thies enjoys a diverse career as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. As a Steinway artist in the United States and abroad, Mr. Thies has developed a reputation as a genuine and sincere artist, creating delicately balanced programs and performing in a manner to draw focus to the composer rather than to himself.
This concert will take place on Friday, March 31, at 7:30pm at Bend Church (formerly First United Methodist Church) in Downtown Bend and is brought to you by Pure Care Dental. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is recommended. Ticket holders may join Robert Thies at 6:45pm for a pre-concert talk about the program.
High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring world class chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Now in our ninth season, we present an acclaimed series of classical chamber music concerts, ranging from string duos to piano quintets. As the premier and leading chamber music organization in the region, we offer an exciting roster of professional performing artists. We are proud to be a local organization presenting a national level of excellence. Tickets and more information are available by phone or online through High Desert Chamber Music.
HDCM 2016-2017 title sponsors include Mission Building & Renovation, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, KQAK Radio and KBNW Radio, German Master Tech, Neil Kelly, and Pure Care Dental. Additional support comes from Hertz Car Sales of Bend, Tower Theatre Foundation, BendBroadband, and Creative Images of Life.