Piano Series: Ralph Van Raat and Heather Pinkham, duo pianos

The artists will play John Adams’ Hallelujah Junction for two pianos, named after a small truck stop on US 395 near the California–Nevada border. Pinkham’s Mechanical Transcendence for two pianos tells the story of an android that wishes to become human. Joep Franssens’ Old Songs, New Songs for two pianos will be followed by another Pinkham composition, Onward and Upward for two pianos. Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine, a four- hand piano crowd-pleaser, will close out the performance.

I enjoy Van Raat on recording, but given the chance to hear him again live, I would run, not walk.”

- Christian B. Carey, Musical America

Heather Pinkham has everything it takes to become a phenomenon. The pianist, composer and musicologist has developed into an original voice in the world of contemporary music. In her own work she combines the power of repetition with catchy melodies and narrative textures.”

- International Holland Music Sessions