Richard Alston:  

Pianist Richard Alston¿s performances throughout the United States and Europe have been met with critical acclaim. A graduate of The Juilliard School as a recipient of the prestigious Maria Guerra Judelson Scholarship, he is the winner of numerous competitions and awards. His early career began at age fifteen when he made professional orchestra debut at the Brevard Music Festival and soon after at Lincoln Center with the Symphony of the New World, under the direction of Everett Lee, performing Tschaikowsky¿s Piano Concerto No. 1 at Avery Fischer Hall. He has been heard on National Public Radio, WQXR and WNYC in New York and appeared on television, in programs that include the PBS television documentary ¿Classically Black¿ where he performed and lectured on compositions by composers of African descent from the 17th through the 20th centuries. His recording of the Arensky Piano Concerto op. 2 with Czech National Orchestra under the direction of Paul Freeman on Centaur Recordings received enthusiastic praise from music magazines and publications across America and abroad. Alston has also enjoys a distinguished academic career, holding the position of Assistant Professor and Director of the Performing Arts Department at Essex County College and is on the Board of Music Advisors for Westminster Choir College Education Opportunity Program and former member of the Music Advancement Program faculty of The Juilliard School. Professor Alston is the of the ¿Musician of the Year¿ Award from the National Association of Negro Musicians and is recognized by the New Jersey Education Association with its ¿Excellence in Music¿ Award. Richard Alston is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University . His teacher and coach is Prof. Paul Hoffmann. You may view videos of Richard Alston in concert at youtube search RCAPNO. To visit Richard Alston's website google Richard Alston Pianist. Prof. Alston is the Founder and Director of the Crossroads Music Academy. REVIEWS ¿ Thank you for the beautiful music......at Gracie Mansion. Everyone greatly enjoyed the selections.....You help to make a special evening even more memorable. Your talent is truly a gift. Rudolph W. Giuliani ¿Thank you so very, very much for the Arensky CD! This healthy romantic literature I had not known before. You have performed a great service in bringing it to light..........you play so totally musically! It is a splendid recording ! Dominique-Rene de Lerma Professor of Music ...Expand for more