Acclaimed pianist to pay homage to Radiohead at SU Jan. 20

Wednesday, January 14, 2004, By News Staff

Acclaimed pianist to pay homage to Radiohead at SU Jan. 20January 14, 2004Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s Rose, Jules R. and Sanford S. Setnor School of Music will host the critically lauded pianist Christopher O’Riley, who will perform an eclectic program of Brahms and Rameau, as well as personal arrangements of his favorite Radiohead songs on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. The concert will be held in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, located in Crouse College. The performance is free and open to the public with complimentary parking available in Irving Garage.

O’Riley brings a wide-embracing musical taste to his programs, whether at the keyboard or on the air. The mix has proved a hit with fans worldwide. Best known for his conversation on the nationally distributed radio program for Pubic Radio International, “From the Top,” O’Riley’s new CD, “True Love Waits” is homage to the popular British band Radiohead. The CD includes original transcriptions of Radiohead songs for solo piano. O’Riley’s versatility includes interpretations of other modern composers as well as genres such as the tango. He has performed with many of the foremost orchestras of the world, including those in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, and he has collaborated with many well-known conductors including David Zinman, Leonard Slatkin and Edo de Waart. The recipient of numerous awards and honors, O’Riley studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Russell Sherman.

The day before the concert, O’Riley will teach a master piano class to select Setnor School of Music students. His performance is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and PULSE.