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Hailed as an artist of “magnificent pianism” with an ‘engaging personality,’ Guernsey-born pianist Tom Hicks (pictured) has been praised for his ‘brilliantly evocative” (International Piano) and “gorgeously creative playing” (Fanfare). Hicks joins the College of Charleston as the newly appointed Artistic Director of the College of Charleston International Piano Series (IPS) and Director of Piano Studies at the College’s Department of Music.
Hicks shares, "I am so excited to be directing the International Piano Series. I’m grateful to be inheriting such a thriving and culturally significant series thanks to the work of Paul Sánchez and Tiffany Gammell. Ours is a series for everyone in Charleston, whether you are already passionate about piano music, a student, a patron, or a first-time concertgoer. It is also a series that is hugely beneficial to students at the College. I am grateful to all our supporters for making it possible.”
Hicks will perform the opening concert for the 34th season of the International Piano Series with a program of music inspired by the night. Though much of this music is dreamy and atmospheric, there also will be nightmares and fantasies. The evening begins with several of Chopin’s most celebrated nocturnes, before exploring other gems of the genre by Scriabin, Debussy, Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann. Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata concludes what promises to be a popular program with finger-twisting fireworks.
The concert will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m., in the Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. and is sponsored by the Remington Master Artist Series. Season subscriptions for all four IPS concerts are available at a discounted rate of $100 through September 12. Individual tickets are $30 and can be purchased through the George Street Box Office online, at the door, by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu, or by calling (843) 953-4726. $10 admission for College of Charleston students and FREE for CofC employees, as well as youth (18 and under). Free tickets must be secured before the concert by emailing or visiting the box office. Patrons can find info and ticket links at go.charleston.edu/
The rest of the IPS season features a stellar roster of performers: Daria Rabotkina, David Gross and Douglas Humpherys. For more information about the artists, visit go.charleston.edu/
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PIANO SERIES
Housed within the College of Charleston School of the Arts, the International Piano Series (IPS) is Charleston's longest running program with a pure focus on piano. IPS plays a distinctive role in the lives of students and the community by implementing excellence in the arts and education and cultivating piano music appreciation.
Each year, IPS stages concerts for pianists hailing from the United States and around the world. While on campus, the guest artists offer public masterclasses in which students perform and receive critiques. The performers range from young professionals emerging onto the world stage to seasoned performers with long-established careers.
Proceeds from ticket sales and donations ensure the longevity of the program and support educational opportunities for music students. Community members interested in contributing to the series can get in touch with the College’s Department of Music at 843.953.5927.
