APRIL 1, 2023

TOWER THEATRE

DOWNTOWN BEND, OREGON

FEATURING SEAN CHEN, PIANO

The 5th Annual Piano Showcase at the Tower Theatre features concert pianist Sean Chen, a genius at displaying the virtuosity and versatility of the grand instrument. An award-winning classical pianist (Cliburn International Piano Competition, American Pianists Awards), Chen is also in demand for creative collaborations and commissions. His exceptional transcriptions for the piano range from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to video game music and everything in between.

Chen’s musical flexibility is a perfect fit for this event's emphasis on the uniqueness of blending genres. Currently Artist-in-Residence at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, he continues to appear in solo and concerto performances throughout the United States and has been featured with the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra several times. Given his natural inclination for teaching and approachable personality, Mr. Chen is particularly in demand for appearances that combine performances with masterclasses and artist conversations, which have brought him to such institutions as the Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University, University of British Columbia, University of Houston Moores School, the Los Angeles Music Center, Young Artist World Piano Festival, and several Music Teachers’ Associations throughout the country.

Saturday, April 1 at the Tower Theatre will highlight Chen’s multifaceted expertise.

APRIL 1 SCHEDULE:

• At 3:00 p.m., all ages are invited right up onto the Tower stage for the Masterclass & Musical Conversations session. You don’t have to be a pianist to enjoy a masterclass; you just have to enjoy music! A masterclass is a great opportunity to be a “fly on the wall” as an advanced young pianist performs and receives spontaneous feedback from our master, Sean Chen.
• 7:30 p.m. is the concert featuring Sean Chen. This full-length solo performance of virtuosic piano pieces includes some of Chen’s brilliant original transcriptions and compositions.

Piano Showcase is sponsored in part by an Arts & Culture grant from Deschutes County Commissioners.

Here's a fun snippet of featured pianists Arthur Migliazza, Sean Chen, and Adam Birnbaum in a spontaneous collaboration of "You've Got A Friend In Me" at 2019's Piano Showcase at the Tower:

COVID-19 Policy & Refund Policy: In accordance with Oregon mandates, Sunriver Music Festival will not require face masks or proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests for patrons. The health and safety of our patrons, musicians, volunteers, and staff continues as a top priority; therefore we welcome continued wearing of masks by all who wish to do so, and encourage attendees to be vaccinated. We will continue to observe federal, state, and county recommendations and adjust this policy as needed.
All ticket sales are final.
If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you please stay home. You can turn your ticket into a tax-deductible donation to the Festival, transfer your ticket to a future Festival concert, or pass it along to a friend. Contact the Festival Office at 541-593-9310 in advance of the concert for assistance with these ticketing options.