Richard Alston

Art of Life — Produced by Karen Smyles

Richard Alston is a masterful pianist, having appeared as a soloist and in recitals with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. After earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Julliard School of Music, Alston was poised for a career in both classical piano performance as well as performing arts education. His performance credits range from recitals, guest soloist with major orchestras, live opera, radio and television broadcasts as well as CD recordings. Under the direction of Professor Alston, an associate degree music program at Essex County College has flourished into a full-fledged performing arts department of Music, Dance and Drama.

Art of Life visited with Alston during a lecture and performance at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Alston shared with the audience how he came to love classical music and why he travels around the country performing Classically Black, a performance highlighting the work of classical composers of African descent.


Extended interview with Richard Alston

Richard Alston was fascinated by classical music from a very early age and was able to pursue that fascination with the assistance of several important musical influences. Watch below to learn more about how he followed his dream to become a concert pianist.

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