Performing at the final Sunday Recital of the season is critically-acclaimed pianist Ray Kilburn, who has been described as “the reincarnation of the great Romantic pianists.” Concert-goers will have the opportunity to hear his Romantic touch in a performance that includes a generous collection of Rachmaninoff preludes, Franz Liszt’s dramatic Vallee d’Obermann, and a transcription of the very beautiful art song, “Widmung,” of Robert Schumann.
Kilburn is recognized as being among Canada’s most gifted artists and has maintained a successful career spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, and Asia. Reviewers have been unanimous in praising his outstanding technical abilities and artistic temperament. John Lambert of Spectator Magazine wrote, “Kilburn … is a powerhouse player infused with musicianship and taste. Pianism of this caliber is rare, indeed.” His more than a dozen tours of Japan have included solo and chamber recitals, along with guest teaching engagements in and around city centers such as Tokyo, Sapporo, Kushiro, Hamamatsu, Koga, Kobe, and Tamba. In addition, he has toured in China, was a visiting professor at Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou, recently performed an eight-concert tour of Costa Rica, and has appeared with numerous orchestras throughout the U.S. and Canada. A busy recording artist, he has released several solo CDs, as well as a recording in collaboration with his father, noted cellist Michael Kilburn. He also performs regularly with his wife, soprano Yoko Shimazaki-Kilburn.
The Sunday Recital is at at 3 p.m. on March 24 in Francis Auditorium in the Pearce Science Center on the Mary Baldwin University campus. Tickets may be purchased at the door and are $5 for the general public and $4 for seniors and non-Mary Baldwin students. (Mary Baldwin students attend free of charge.)