Christopher O’Riley Set for Schwartz Center, 3/2

Pianist and host of the popular NPR music program "From the Top," Christopher O'Riley performs March 2, 8 p.m., at Emory University's Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. His Emory performance will feature his unique, crossover repertoire: from classical styles such as Chopin to rich piano interpretations of Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Nirvana and other alt-rock artists.

O' Riley performs his eclectic arrangements of popular music and classical repertoire all over the world. His recordings have received international acclaim, including the only four-star review ever given by Rolling Stone to a classical pianist. His latest White Tie Classics/Mesa-BlueMoon release, Out of My Hands, includes music of R.E.M., Portishead, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, The Bad Plus, The Smiths, Tears for Fears, as well as material from Radiohead and a newly released song by Elliott Smith.

O'Riley is recognized as one of the leading American pianists of his generation, touring extensively as a recitalist and chamber musician and appearing with major orchestras in the U.S. and abroad. The illustrious group of conductors with whom he has collaborated includes Michael Tilson Thomas, Semyon Bychkov, JoAnn Falletta, Krystof Penderecki, Kurt Mazur, Christopher Hogwood and Leonard Bernstein.

The concert is part of the Flora Glenn Candler series, made possible by the Flora Glenn Candler Endowment. For details and tickets, visit http://arts.emory.edu/ or call the Emory Arts box office at 404-727-5050.