SF International

Piano Festival

Bobby Mitchell &  Johnandrew Slominski

Aug. 16

at 7pm

The Piedmont Center for the Arts will host the Opening Concert of this year’s 

San Francisco International Piano Festival

"Roots, Rags and Jazz" on Thursday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Founded by Jeff LaDeur one year ago, the festival this year has expanded to

14 concerts at nine separate locations, with a total of 15 world-class artists performing. 

Join us for the kickoff concert and champagne reception of this 2nd Annual Festival!

This program, Roots, Raga and Jazz, introduces the theme of American music to be celebrated throughout the festival, particularly in the opening weekend. Johnandrew Slominski will treat the audience to selected Rags by William Bolcom, Pulitzer-prize winning American composer. Mr. Bolcom, whose 80th birthday is being celebrated around the world in 2018, was involved with the ragtime revival in the late 1960's and has made rich contributions to the genre, including the beloved "Graceful Ghost" written in memory of his father.

After the break, Bobby Mitchell will perform George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F in a dazzling transcription for solo piano by Grace Castagnetta. Gershwin's Concerto followed the wild success of Rhapsody in Blue and expands on the fusion of classical and popular elements in his uniquely inspired voice. 

The concert in Piedmont will be performed by Bobby Mitchell and Johnandrew Slominski, a member of the music faculty at Linfield College. 

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and free admission for children age 18 and under, 

For online tickets, see: www.artful.ly/new-piano-collective.

For more information about the festival, visit www.sfpiano.org.