Grand Rapids Symphony Welcomes Jim Brickman, America's Best-Selling Contemporary Solo Pianist, April 12

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, March 31, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Grand Rapids Symphony welcomes pianist Jim Brickman for a single performance on Tuesday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall.

With six Gold and Platinum albums to his credit, Brickman will perform with the Grammy -nominated Symphony to present an evening of popular romantic piano and orchestral music. Brickman, who has collaborated with many gifted musical artists, has been said to revolutionize the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals.

The concert is part of the SymphonicBoom series, which is designed to bring world-class entertainers and outside-the-box programming to West Michigan.

Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the Symphony in the performance featuring Brickman, who is the best-selling contemporary solo pianist in America. The program will include many of his chart-topping hits, including "Crossroads," "If You Believe," "Hero's Dream," "Valentine" and "The Gift."

"We are delighted to welcome Jim Brickman for his first performance with the Grand Rapids Symphony," Varineau said. "His lush, expressive playing pairs perfectly with symphonic music. He is a tremendously engaging performer who truly connects with his audience through his music. It should be an outstanding evening."

With the release of his debut album "No Words" in 1984, Brickman's signature style of playing and songwriting have established him as "America's romantic piano sensation." In addition to his two Grammy nominations and best-selling albums, he has 28 charted radio hits, recently tying for most number one CDs on Billboard's New Age chart.

Brickman regularly collaborates with chart-topping performers in a wide range of musical genres, from Martina McBride and Lady Antbellum to Carly Simon and Herb Alpert. His well-received 2010 album, "Home," featured an eclectic mix of performers, including American Idol Matt Giraud, Australian pop star Delta Goodrem and award-winning country singer Ty Herndon.

Brickman tours extensively, performing more than 125 concerts each year. In addition to his touring schedule, he has taped four concert specials for PBS, written two best-selling books and supported charity organizations focused on children. He also hosts a weekly radio show, "Your Weekend."

Tickets
Tickets start at $32 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616/454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) This is a Student Passport concert, allowing students with a valid ID or verification of student status to purchase $5 tickets after becoming a member of the Student Passport Program. Students may join the program online at http://www.grsymphony.org or on the evening of the concert.

Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800/982-2787, online at http://www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and WalMart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.

About the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America's leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit http://www.grsymphony.org.