New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Father and son duo Donald and Barron Ryan will embark on a series of shows together beginning with two performances in Enid, Oklahoma on October 21 and 22.
Ryan & Ryan is a dynamic father-son piano duo that blends classic and contemporary music into an enthralling concert experience. From Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel, Donald and Barron Ryan combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new schools.
A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Donald came to the United States to study music, earning degrees from Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. He is well known as a master of diverse styles—evidenced by a diploma from the 9th International Chopin Competition as well as his induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Donald has also earned the distinction of being among the most accomplished pianists in the world as a Steinway Artist.
"Performing as father and son is extremely gratifying. We get to work together at something we both love and then get to share that joy with the audience," states Donald Ryan.
Given his father's profession, Barron's choice of playing the piano is no surprise, and he has been no stranger to the stage since the age of four. He distinguished himself in piano studies at the University of Oklahoma and has been a featured soloist at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, among many other venues. Barron has also been a prizewinner in numerous piano competitions, including the Oklahoma
Israel Exchange Young Artists Competition in 2011.
"Playing with Dad is as effortless as you could expect. I grew up listening both to his music and to music he liked, so we think a lot alike at the keyboard. You could say that we share musical DNA, not just genetic."
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Their experience in classical, jazz, ragtime, and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. Audiences everywhere have been thrilled by their renditions of selections from Grusin's The Firm soundtrack as well as Rachmaninoff's Second Suite for Two Pianos. Their performance of
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue has always earned a standing ovation.
The pair also emphasizes education. Each pianist has had extensive experience as a featured performer/speaker in the classroom—from earliest grades through university level—and so the duo understands well how to use music as a motivational tool for students.
Ryan & Ryan is a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness, infectiousness, skill and general joy of life make for irresistibly engaging performances. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.
Ryan & Ryan on Tour:
Oct. 21 - Enid Symphony Orchestra, Enid, Okla.
Oct. 22 - Enid Symphony Orchestra, Enid, Okla.
Oct. 26 - Heider Center for the Arts, West Salem, Wis.
Oct. 28 - Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center, Green Bay, Wis.
Oct. 29 - Scott Joplin House
State Historic Site, St. Louis, Mo.
Nov. 03 - Greenwood Community Center, Greenwood, S.C.
Nov. 04 - Mac Gray Auditorium, Statesville, N.C.
For more information, visit ryanandryanmusic.com.
