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Richard
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Career highlights include a sold-out New York orchestral debut at Lincoln Center and a solo recital at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall. In 2001 Mr. Dowling released Sweet and Low Down, a CD containing virtually all of the piano works by George Gershwin. American Record Guide wrote of the recording, “Dowling dances through 29 Gershwin numbers with exuberance and a natural feel for rubato…if you love Gershwin, don’t miss this!” In a review of his 2004 World’s Greatest Piano Rags album another ARG critic said that “Dowling plays with tremendous zip and zest…I am sure he is the best ragtime pianist I have ever heard.” He has also recorded two classical CDs of Chopin, three CDs of cello and piano works with cellist Evan Drachman, and a three-CD set of pop songs called A Perfect Moment. His most recent recording, Music of Old New York, features songs and piano rags inspired by The Big Apple at the turn of the century. Dowling has received glowing reviews that praise him as “a master of creating beautiful sounds with impeccable control of colors and textures,” as “a musician with something to say, the skill to say it and the magnetic power to make you want to listen” and for giving “a superb recital that left the audience craving for more at the end.” Mr. Dowling has long felt a special affinity for French music, art and culture. He studied at the Conservatoire in Nice, received the Grand Prix from the French Piano Institute, and made his formal recital debut in Paris. His repertoire includes the complete piano works of the renowned French composer Maurice Ravel. He is currently preparing a critical multi-volume edition of Ravel’s piano works for Ludwig/Masters Music Publications. In recognition of his dedication to French musical art, Mr. Dowling was inducted as a Chevalier of the renowned Company of Musketeers of Armagnac (an honor society founded in the 17th century by D’Artagnan). He is one of only a few Americans ever granted that distinction. While studying at Yale University, Dowling was honored with the Lockwood Award for performing the best recital and the Simonds Award for outstanding solo and ensemble playing. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas. His principal teacher was Abbey Simon, a member of the Juilliard School faculty. Mr. Dowling also is a member of the artist roster of The Piatigorsky Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to bringing live classical music to audiences across America. Over the past 17 years he has performed over 800 recitals under its auspices. Between concert tours Mr. Dowling divides his time at homes in New York and Houston. He is a Steinway Artist and is represented by Parker Artists in New York. He is also owner of Dowling Music, the comprehensive store for sheet music, CDs, and musical gifts with locations in Houston (US 59 & Kirby) and New York (inside Steinway Hall on West 57th Street). Visit his websites at |
Hailed by The New York Times as “an especially impressive fine pianist,”
Richard Dowling appears regularly across the United States in solo recitals and concerts with orchestras. He has been acclaimed by audiences for his elegant and exciting style of playing which earns him frequent return engagements. An artist of international stature, Mr. Dowling has presented solo recitals in the Far East, Australia, Africa, and Europe. Works of Chopin, Ravel, Gershwin, and American ragtime figure prominently in his repertoire.