UA Celebrity Series Present Pianist Christopher O’Riley

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ­ The School of Music at The University of Alabama will present renowned pianist Christopher O’Riley in concert as part of this year’s Celebrity Series on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m., in the Moody Music Concert Hall.

The concert is sponsored by the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation.

Tickets, which are available at the Moody Music box office, are $22 and $15 general admission, and $7 for students with valid Ids. Call the box office at 205/348-7111 for more information.

An artist whose poetic gifts and captivating virtuosity have made him one of the most versatile pianists performing before the public today, O’Riley enjoys a thriving concert career. His singularly broad repertoire ranges from music of the English Renaissance and French Baroque periods to the new works of today’s leading composers to such non-classical forms as the tango. He also plays many of his own arrangements and transcriptions.

His performing schedule regularly takes him to major cities throughout America and has been highlighted by frequent engagements at both Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Internationally, he has appeared in cultural capitals worldwide including London, Paris, Vienna, Hong Kong and Melbourne. Recognition of his talent has been widespread. His honors include top prizes at the Van Cliburn, Leeds, Busoni and Montreal competitions, as well as an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Andrew Wolf Memorial Chamber Music Prize. As an emerging young pianist, he enjoyed the sponsorship of Young Concert Artists, the Xerox/Affiliate Artists Program and the Pro Musicis Foundation.

“Christopher O’Riley is just one more example of the unique range of talent and entertainment we strive to provide the West Alabama and University communities,” said Joyce Grant, coordinator of music services at UA. “Our featured guest has established himself as one of the world’s most renowned pianists, travelling the globe from London to Hong Kong performing. And we are proud to have him now perform in Tuscaloosa at The University of Alabama.”