Clipper Erickson, renowned pianist, will present the 16^th Ivory Evening concert as a gift to our community from the Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation on Friday, November 21, at 7:30 pm at Waldomore in downtown Clarksburg.

 

Erickson’s program will include classical selections from J.S. Bach, Frederic Chopin and George Gershwin.   As a centerpiece of this Ivory Evening’s performance Erickson will also present works by composer Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943).    Dett, an African American, is acknowledged as one of the most important composers and musicians in American history.  He was the first to fuse southern Negro folk music with the European classical music tradition in a sophisticated way.

 

In May and December 2014 Erickson is In Germany recording the complete works of Nathaniel Dett so they may be shared with the global music world.  Dett is a significant figure in American music because he worked with Antonin Dvorak.  He successfully followed Dvorak’s advice to create a national “American” repertoire by incorporating our native musical materials and voices.

 

“Dett used Negro spirituals and spiritual-influenced musical themes and combined them with forms, harmonies and styles rooted in 18^th century European Romanticism,” Erickson said.  “His piano music expresses his interest in other cultures, such as ancient Hebrew legends, African chants and Hindu poets. Dett’s message emphasizes human oneness, which speaks to people now with same meaning and urgency that it did in his time, following the Civil War.” This is especially appropriate as West Virginia, created as a result of that war, celebrates her 150^th year.

 

Clipper Erickson made his debut as a soloist with the Young Musicians Foundation Orchestra at age 19 in Los Angeles.   He studied at Juilliard School, Yale University and Indiana University with British pianist John Ogdon.  His performances soon began winning prizes at international competitions.  He has performed in some of the most famous concert venues in the world, including the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, the Kennedy Center and NYC’s Carnegie Hall.

 

Erickson is not only a master of the keyboard, but also has a passion to share his love of music with his audiences, especially young musicians.  An essential part of Erickson’s musical mission is the inspiration of future pianists through his commitment to education through pre-concert talks with the audiences, performances in schools, and master classes.

 

The public is invited to share Erickson’s mini-concert for students at 9:00 am on Friday morning at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Clarksburg.  Seating is limited.

 

Erickson will also hold a master class with several local piano students on Saturday, November 22 at 9:30 am at Waldomore.  This event is also open to the public with no admission fee.

 

Erickson’s public Ivory Evening concert will be held Friday, November 21 at 7:30 pm at Waldomore.  It is free and open to the public.   Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation offers this concert to further its mission to foster an art-rich environment and to encourage the development, recognition and appreciation of all art forms.

 

For further information, call 304-624-6077.