A Musical Journey

The El Paseo Arts Foundation is sponsoring another great opportunity to attend a musical event showcasing an internationally recognized pianist and composer. At Paragraphs, we are pleased to be included in the list of vendors who have tickets available, for purchase, for this gala evening.

On April 22, 2009, at the South Padre Island Convention Center, Richard Urbis, will perform in concert -- on a magnificent concert grand piano -- treating his audience to a musical journey through time. The first half of the concert will feature familiar classical compositions by Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Liszt, with Mr. Urbis providing insightful commentary about the music and the composers. After a brief intermission, he will transition to a musical history of the Americas: a little rag, some blues, jazz and swing, some wonderful Gershwin and other surprises.

Pianist-composer Richard Urbis holds degrees from the prestigious Julliard School of Music. An internationally renowned pianist, he has successfully competed and performed in numerous national and international competitions, including the Tchaikovsky Competition (Moscow), the Chopin competition (Warsaw), the Beethoven Competition (Vienna), and was a finalist in the International New York Chopin Association Competition.

As a composer, Mr. Urbis has received world premieres by many notable ensembles. The Dallas Symphony premiered his Suite for Chamber Orchestra and the Catalina Chamber Orchestra of Tucson, Arizona, premiered his symphony, St. Joan of Arc. The New York City group, Trio Sonata has performed his Two Icons over thirty times in national tour. Presently, he is working on his first opera.

Professor Urbis teaches advanced music theory, orchestration, counterpoint and analysis and applied piano at the University of Texas Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. His recently released CD entitled Music from Prague: 200 Years of Czech Piano Music is a critically acclaimed success.

A reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar begins the evening at 6:30 p.m. in the corridor gallery. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre Room. Tickets for the event are $25 per person/ $20 for El Paseo Arts Foundation Members. Only 200 tickets are available.

For more information visit the El Paseo Arts Foundation website