This exciting concert featured the arrangements of Roger Williams' hit songs and the songs performed by Williams for the US presidents, since Williams was known as, "The Pianist to the Presidents." On October 1, 2023, this event celebrated Roger Williams' legacy on his 99th Commemorative Birthday. The Concordia University Irvine's Sinfonietta performed with music director Dr. Jeff Held and pianist Bryan Pezzone in the East Room of the Nixon Library. Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham introduced each song with a historical narration of Roger's life and friendship with the presidents and also introduced Roger Williams' daughter, Alice.
Roger was a strong proponent of the importance and benefits of music education for youth and he would have been honored and thrilled to hear this fine pianist and these talented young musicians play their hearts out! Enjoy! 🎶
Program:
The National Anthem
Somewhere in Time
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Born Free
Impossible Dream
Yellow Bird
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
God Bless America
Alice My Love
Autumn Leaves
Hungarian Dance #5
Roger Williams _ linktr.ee/rogerwilliams.music
Concordia University Irvine _ www.cui.edu/music