Internationally acclaimed pianist Brian Woods will offer a free, public performance at Ohio Northern University on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at 8 p.m. in Presser Hall’s Snyder Recital Hall. He will also host a free “Professionalism in Music” seminar for the campus community and the public in Snyder Recital Hall at 1 p.m. that day.
Celebrated for his stunning musicianship and dazzling stage presence, American pianist Woods has emerged as an exciting performer. His 2023-2024 season includes concert tours across the United States, ranging from the L'ermitage Foundation in Los Angeles, California, to the Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania. Woods also serves as music director for classical programming at the World Chess Hall of Fame, one of Missouri’s premier venues for chamber music.
A St. Louis native, Woods has enjoyed success in numerous distinguished competitions such as the Verona International Piano Competition and the Beverly Hills National Auditions. Following his debut concerto performance at age 18, he maintains an extensive concerto repertoire, from Liszt and Tchaikovsky's first concerti to Beethoven's “Symphony No. 5,” Brahms' “Symphony No. 2,” and Rachmaninoff's “Concerto No. 2.”
Woods recently performed with such ensembles as the Gateway Festival Orchestra, the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, and the Belleville Philharmonic. Past seasons have included solo recitals in Toronto; Washington, D.C.; Nashville; San Diego; St. Louis; Kansas City; Chicago; and Dublin, Ireland.
Hailed as “representing the next generation of professional touring artists” (Robert Hart Baker), Woods’ performances continue to receive high acclaim, with audiences and critics alike praising his playing as “astonishing” (KDHX St. Louis), “inspiring” (Encinitas, CA), and “taking the audience on a journey” (Watertown, NY). Woods has collaborated with tenor Vinson Cole and cellist Julian Schwarz, among many other partners in the United States and Canada. His artistic partnership with Canadian violinist Daniel Dastoor as the Dastoor-Woods Duo has led to notable performances for Music Toronto and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Woods holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Shenandoah University, and the Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School, where he completed the Artist Diploma Program on full scholarship with famed Irish pianist and Beethoven interpreter John O'Conor.
Visit www.brianwoodspianist.com to learn more or follow Brian on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @brianwoodspianist.