Swinging Jazz duets on two grand pianos:
CHRIS HOPKINS meets his PIANO FRIENDS
>The Great American Songbook – and more!
from George Gershwin to Duke Ellington
Casual-elegant, captivating, entertaining.
Chris Hopkins, born in Princeton, New Jersey, and now based in Germany, is among the most active musicians in the international jazz scene with his melodic, swinging style. Recently, he has received numerous awards such as the "Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik" and the "Prix de L'Académie du Jazz (Paris)." He was also honored as the "Keeper of the Flame" for his contributions to classic jazz in Europe. With over 4000 concerts and festivals alongside legends like Clark Terry, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Bucky Pizzarelli, Scott Hamilton, and Butch Miles, he has performed all over Europe, the USA, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Chris Hopkins shares a special passion for the tradition of swinging jazz piano from Fats Waller to Erroll Garner and Oscar Peterson with only a few pianists in the world. Building on his idols, he has developed his own musical language. Today, there may be around two dozen pianists who master the technically demanding art of this orchestral piano genre, creating highly communicative and magical encounters especially in duos. Each year, as part of his "Piano Friends" series, Hopkins invites a new internationally renowned guest as a duo partner at two grand pianos.
The program includes iconic compositions from the old masters as well as cleverly arranged pieces from the Swing era and the "Great American Song Book" from George Gershwin to Duke Ellington. The focus is not on a nostalgic look back, but on the contemporary continuation of this fascinating pianistic art form, with great playful spirit and immense joy in brilliant and captivating improvisation.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM, Free Seating
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