"Pianist giant" William Doppmann to perform at ACU For Immediate Release Jan. 24, 2000 William Doppmann, who has been described as a "pianist giant," will perform at Abilene Christian University Feb. 3 in Cullen Auditorium at 8 p.m. This world-class concert is free and open to the public. Along with his original compositions, Doppmann will perform works by Sweelinck, Mozart, Copland and Chopin. (Program details are attached.) Dr. Paul Piersall, chairman of ACU's Music Department, said Doppmann's performance in Abilene is a rare opportunity to hear one of the great artists of this age. This opportunity came about because Doppmann is touring in this part of the country. Doppmann made his first solo debut with the Cincinnati Orchestra at age 10 and has since received high critical acclaim throughout his career. After his first solo recital in Washington, D.C., Charles Crowder of the Washington Post wrote, "Once in a great while there comes an artist whose performance defies description or superlatives, and who by choice of a program and means of execution creates the aura of pure music. Just such an event took place yesterday afternoon at the Phillips Gallery. The man's name is William Doppmann. He is a pianist giant." As a sophomore at the University of Michigan, Doppmann won two of America's most coveted awards for young artists, the Walter W. Naumburg Award in New York and the Michael's Memorial Award in Chicago. In 1980 Doppmann was the first composer to be awarded a Performing Arts Grant by the Washington State Arts Commission. He was chosen as a Guggenheim Fellow in 1987, and in 1988 he received the University of Michigan's Distinguished Alumni Citation of Merit. Doppmann has served as Artistic Director of "Chamber Music at Port Townsend" for the past 25 years. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: Jan. 24, 2000 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/events/news/000124-pianist.html