Kansas Arts on Tour Roster - Classical Music Soloists

Julie Rivers has been on the roster of the Kansas Touring Program since its inception in 1980.  A native Texan, she made her debut with the Dallas Symphony. She is featured in “The World of Women in Classical Music (2007) Dr. Anne Gray, La Jolla, CA. Julie’s music is heard on many online radio stations. Radio Kansas rotates four of her original albums. Two were simultaneously in the Hastings “Top Ten.” Commissioned State Composer of 2006 (Kansas Music Teachers Association), she was also named Honored State Composer by Kansas Federated Music Clubs. A three-time first place national winner in National League of American Pen Women composition contests and recipient of a Kansas Arts Commission Fellowship in composition, she has received annual ASCAP awards 1998 -2007. Julie Rivers is one of seventeen pianists selected nationwide for The HeartAid Project CD, commemorating and benefiting families of victims of the 9/11 tragedies.

Program Descriptions

• As Far As the Heart Can See: 90-minute concert of music inspired by tallgrass prairies of Kansas.

• One Starry Night, The Kiss of the Sun: 90-minute journeys through starry nights and brilliant days via modern romantic music written for albums of the same titles. Some pieces are solo piano; others with pre-recorded orchestrations. A mix of music from all of the above concerts makes an entertaining event.

• Invocations: Piano solos inspired by poetry of Kim Park, including Walk Softly, Ghost Wind and Rising Sun, Elegy, Creek in Early Spring and Moon Dancer, and a new 60-minute mini-concert of Julie’s recent music, with comments about the compositional process.

• Family Holiday Concert: Music from the album Christmastide.

• Multi-media presentation: The Kiss of the Sun.

• All concerts also available with Julie’s trio (see Starry Night Trio).

• Orchestral Appearance: One Starry Night with orchestra. Professionally prepared scores include orchestrations by nine-time grammy nominee, Frank Mantooth.

• Young Peoples Concerts: Informal 45-minute programs for K- 12 feature classical, as
  well as Ms. Rivers’ contemporary compositions.

• Master Class and Workshop: Solo and ensemble piano classes involve the artist working with students and teachers in lessons. Length determined by presenter and artist.