Per a press release from Krannert Center:
Captain Ian Gindes is an all-American pianist whose sensitive interpretations have earned him a reputation for inspiring performances of challenging masterworks. His father, who was a pianist and attorney, recognized Captain Gindes’ talent and served as his first teacher. Following his Visalia, California, childhood, Ian matriculated at California State University and Northern Colorado State where he trained under Professor Errol Haun, an alumnus of the University of Illinois.
At age 25, influenced by his deep respect for military service members and sense of duty, Ian joined the Army National Guard. In addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as a commissioned officer, he has actively used his talent at the keyboard to raise money for military families and victims of terrorism. “It is very important to me, to give back and use my talent for those families in need of relief,” said Gindes. After completing basic training and transferring to begin officer training, Gindes began studies at the University of Illinois in piano performance under the tutelage of Professor Ian Hobson, who Gindes says was a familiar figure in his musical education; his father owned a copy of a Hobson recording which left a lasting impression on the younger Gindes. Gindes commissioned as an officer in 2007 and later transferred to the 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Machesney Park, Ilinois. In 2011, Gindes won the first prize in the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition and, as a result, debuted at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Many in the Champaign-Urbana region may be most familiar with Gindes through his July 2013 performance with the Urbana Pops Orchestra about which News-Gazette reviewer John Frayne exclaimed, “The high point of the evening was the dramatic and energetic piano solo played by guest artist Ian Gindes in George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue . . . . Gindes played with strong phrasing, with sudden releases from the keyboard, and his pauses lent high drama to the unfolding of Gershwin’s masterpiece.”
A 2011 doctoral graduate, Captain Gindes has earned a solid reputation for dramatic and athletic interpretations of Romantic period and American composers which will be on full display in this appropriately timed, patriotic program that honors service men and women and also celebrates American Music Month. The performance will begin with a color guard presentation and the singing of the National Anthem by tenor Cornelius Johnson. Audiences are sure to delight in Copland’s Buckaroo Holiday from Rodeo and three selections from Our Town, followed by Gershwin/Earl Wild’s Etude No. 4 “Embraceable You” and Etude No. 6 “Fascinatin’ Rhythm.” The program will also feature Passacaglia, from the album Inventions, by rising composer Kris Becker and a tribute to World War I service members during Copland’s Corral Nocturne from Rodeo. Pianist Jiafeng Yan will join Gindes for a two-piano version of Rhapsody in Blue before a grand finale that is certain to have patrons on their feet.
WHEN? Sunday, November 2 at 3pm
WHERE? Foellinger Great Hall
HOW MUCH? Free, no ticket required
Visit KrannertCenter.com or call 217.333.6280 or 800.KCPATIX (527.2849). Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired may also contact Krannert Center via TTY at 217.333.9714.