RONALD HAWKINS

Biography Hailed for his "great depth of poetry, understanding and excitement" (Gazette), American pianist,

Ronald Hawkins is quickly establishing himself as one of the country's leading pianists and has earned

international acclaim for his sensitive and insightful performances. Mr. Hawkins began his musical studies at the

age of sixteen and was performing in concert within eighteen months.

Mr. Hawkins has performed in modern and historic venues throughout North America, Europe and

Russia. Recent appearances include Carnegie Hall, The Lyceum, Tchaikovsky Great Hall, and St. Martins-in-the-

Fields. In 2007 Ronald performed 65 concerts throughout the world featuring J.S. Bach’s masterpiece, The

Goldberg Variations.

Mr. Hawkins made his international debut in 1997 at The Rachmaninoff Conference held in England.

The UK Independent stated: “Ronald gave a thoughtful and insightful performance. His keyboard manner is

undemonstrative and leaves one free to enjoy his music without distraction.”

In September 2007, Mr. Hawkins received the prestigious 2007 Young Career Award for his continued

achievements in music. Other awards and honors include: the Richard Ford Foundation Deeper Piano Studies

Grant, the Hartt School Faculty Development Grant, the Rose Hanus Full Scholarship, the Sullivan Grant, Who’s

Who Among American Universities and Colleges, the Marion Park Lewis Foundation for the Arts Endowment, the

Cecil Hefner Scholarship, the Shenandoah Conservatory Keyboard Scholarship, the Greer Young Artist

Scholarship, the Greer Music Club Scholarship and honors in piano and composition at Brevard Summer Music

Camp. In February 2002, Web Concert Hall named him Artist of the Month.

Shenandoah Conservatory awarded Mr. Hawkins his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Piano

Performance. His principal teachers include Samuel Bartos, Frederic Chiu, Paul Ostrovsky, Elizabeth Temple and

Ruby Morgan. He has also performed in master classes with such internationally acclaimed artists as: John

O’Conor, Andre Watts, Mario Kay Ocker, Gerhardt and Barbara Suhrstedt, Maurice Hinson, Jack Roberts,

Richard Cass, Leon Bates, and Max Camp.

Ronald appears on MSR Classics, Jamlet Records, Pier Records and PBS Records labels. His discography

includes nine recordings: Ronald Hawkins, Piano; Journey; Christmas Is; Ancient Irish Airs & Dances; Biltmore

Estate Christmas; Reflections; The War That Made America; Living With The Classics, Vol 2 and J.S. Bach’s

Goldberg Variations. He has also recorded for two PBS mini-series, They Made America and The War that Made

America (French & Indian War).

Ronald’s current project is performing the Complete Well-Tempered Clavier (48 Preludes & Fugues) by

J.S. Bach. He lives in Connecticut, USA, where he enjoys spending his free time with his dogs, Andy, Ty and

Dakota. He is a native of South Carolina. Ronald Hawkins is a Schimmel Artist. - February 2010

RONALD HAWKINS Reviews J.S Bach – Goldberg Variations (MS 1324) – Ronald Hawkins Widely accepted as one of the finest examples of the aforementioned genius the Goldberg Variations were originally commissioned by Baron von Keyserling and were named after the harpsichord player who would play them.

On this record internationally renowned pianist, American Ronald Hawkins, delivers a sublime and delightful recording that pays all due homage to the complexity of the work, whilst maintaining its uplifting and near spiritual beauty. The Variations, is exactly that, a vast variety of atmosphere and styles. However, the whole is built upon a firm foundation of underlying themes that recur throughout.

For this recording, as opposed to his live concert renditions, Ronald Hawkins has chosen to play only those repeats for which Bach wrote alternative endings (numbers 2, 4, 6, 16, and 25). The Variations were originally written for harpsichord, with Bach specifying on the score for each piece, which were for one or two manuals.

The album notes explain that by playing them on the piano, a one manual instrument, Ronald Hawkins has had to overcome the challenge of numerous hand crossings and redistribution of notes, which often result in the same note being played in both hands.

This very fact perfectly illustrates the complex musical genius that was Bach and the mastery of the instrument by the artist Ronald Hawkins present on this delightful recording.

The Variations end with a return to the opening "Aria" thus completing a symmetrical sense of closure within a cyclical form. The result is a highly satisfying and musically logical conclusion that explores the intensely emotional (number 25), the vibrant (number 29), and the dramatic (number 16), amid a myriad of texture, style, mood, and construction. This is a truly masterful work, which is expertly performed and recorded on this highly inspirational recording.

Jeff Perkins, Blog Critics Music ~ November 2009

RONALD HAWKINS Reviews

"[Ronald Hawkins'] reading of the indomitable Goldberg’s [is] very smooth and almost luxuriant sound-wise... Hawkins is a fine pianist, no question... I did find myself admiring of

his careful phrasing and songlike approach to many of these pieces, and the overall experience was a pleasant one indeed... tantalizing and intriguing..." Steve Ritter,

Audiophile Audition ~ October 2009

"[Ronald Hawkins] is technically accomplished and ...uses his technical skill in intelligent and respectful service to the music. His way with the piece is not a razzle-dazzle virtuoso show, tossing off the fast-paced variations at breakneck speed in a “see-what-I-can-do” display. Overall, the pianist’s approach seems to be a Romantic one, with slight rhythmic hesitations and morendo phrase endings being common effects... Hawkins is an artist to

watch..." - Jerry Dubins, Fanfare ~ September / October 2009

"As often as I've heard J. S. Bach's Goldberg Variations for keyboard, I still return to each new performance with renewed vigor and inspiration. That sense of renewal and

refreshment really struck me when listening to this new version by American pianist Ronald Hawkins. The South Carolina native draws the most beautiful tones imaginable from his instrument, Schimmel K280T, and he is keenly aware of the rhythmic profiles of each of the pieces that make up this monumental, but nonetheless intimate, work into which Bach poured the greatest gifts of his musical and spiritual imagination... Hawkins' zestful approach to the quick variations, and the care with which he develops the more

deeply introspective ones, calls for special commendation... All of [the variations] require, and receive from Hawkins, considerable nimbleness in execution, which includes the numerous hand crossings and redistribution of notes that are a particular hazard of this work... The recurrence of the Aria brings the Goldbergs to a close with a wonderful

sense of symmetry and a feeling of completion. In this performance, it is very satisfying."

Phil Muse, Audio Club of Atlanta ~ September 2009

"This release by South Carolina-born pianist Ronald Hawkins passes the test facing Goldberg neophytes: he delivers a distinctive version. It's highly pianistic, with no attempt to create a harpsichord-like texture, and after the massive minor variation 25 he even lets the tempo fluctuate in the following variation as if to release the tremendous tension that has built up. The variations don't seem to fall into the sets of three that are implicit in most readings of the work; each has its own emotional flavor, and the dynamic range is large.

What makes Hawkins' approach different from old-school Romantic performances of Bach is that he uses the pedal comparatively lightly, on a par with Glenn Gould,

perhaps. His differentiations of the texture are accomplished mostly with dynamics and especially attacks. Gould is certainly one of his inspirations, but the effect of his playing is

different from Gould's; Hawkins is more meticulous, in a way, never racing, using the piano to emphasize inner voices and the beginnings of contrapuntal lines. [Hawkins'] unusual approach adds to the long dialogue over this endlessly fascinating piece..."

James Manheim, All Music Guide ~ August 2009

RONALD HAWKINS Reviews Culture Connection, London, England: Hawkins’ gave an exciting and skillful performance of Bach’s: Goldberg Variations…every note was like a soothing vibration for the soul. Hawkins’ was nothing short of masterful. – St. Martin-in-the-Fields Carnegie Hall debut Concert, New York City:

In his hands, the Glenn Gould Piano Sonata emerged as a rich tapestry of conflicting passions. To hear someone perform so beautifully in Carnegie Hall was one of the transcendent moments of my life. His astounding ability to shape and captivate the smallest nuances leaves one in a transcendental state of mind. - Richard Arvedon

The London Daily, London, England:

Hawkins’ shows exceptional control of dynamics and tremendous emotional interpretations.

Fidelito, Budapest, Hungary:

He brought a spirit to the Liszt Ferenc Concert Hall, which one does not often hear.

Musical Arts Society:

Ronald Hawkins is a thoroughly engaging pianist who made an instant connection with the audience both musically and personally. From the time tested music of Franz

Liszt to the new and fascinating works of Frank Vasi, the audience was enthralled.

The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina:

A unique and dynamic young pianist. He is very expressive…a true communicator.

The UK Independent, London, England:

Hawkins gave a thoughtful and insightful performance. His keyboard manner is undemonstrative and leaves one free to enjoy his music without distraction.

The Asheville Times, Asheville, North Carolina:

A sensitive romantic pianist with a warm personality. The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina:

Ronald Hawkins is a remarkable poetic pianist. The Adamanter, Adamant, Vermont:

Ronald’s performances were polished, sensitive, secure and were presented with poise and control.

RONALD HAWKINS Reviews The Rachmaninoff Institute, Tambov, Russia:

Understands the soul of Rachmaninoff . . . very good sound and technique and is able to play the most difficult Rachmaninoff pieces gracefully.

National Public Radio – “What’s New,” WNPR Radio

I was quite taken with Mr. Hawkins’ playing. [He has] a great deal of polish . . . [and] feeling for the music; a great deal of understanding and feeling for the idiom.

The New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, Connecticut:

Mr. Hawkins plays with great sensitivity to the music as well as great technical ability. He is very personable and relates well to his audience. It is a pleasure to present him.

Kensington Park Library, Kensington, Maryland: He is engaging and although playing pieces of musical complexity, his

performance brings to mind a great depth of poetry, understanding and excitement. Mr. Hawkins isn't afraid to try new things and the audience benefits.

RONALD HAWKINS Radio & Television Television: Russian Television: Live from Kotovsk, Russia J.S. Bach – The Goldberg Variations Public Broadcast System: They Made America – 4-part Mini-Series Produced by Linda Garmon, Carl Charlson, Megan Gelstein, Patricia Garcis Rios J.S. Bach – Goldberg Variations, Selected The War that Made America – 4-prt Mini-Series Produced by War That Made America Productions, LLC & French & Indian War 250, Inc. F. Handel – Suite of Pieces, No. 49 & other pieces. A&E Television: A Biltmore Estate Christmas Performing in concert – Christmas Music Featured Radio Appearances: Vermont Public Radio – Live Appearance Chicago Public Radio – Live from Chicago Cultural Center – Myra Hess Concert Series Connecticut Public Radio – Featured Artist on What’s New, with Coleman Casey Publications: The Rachmaninoff Society The Complete Works of Sergei Rachmaninoff Ronald Hawkins The Well-Tempered Clavier Study Guide Lecture Recitals: Franz Schubert Winterreise (Winter Journey)

J.S. Bach Johann Sebastian Bach’s Unity between Him & His Creator: The Symbolism in The Goldberg Variations

J.S. Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier

RONALD HAWKINS Discography Biltmore Estate Christmas

A wonderful collection of seasonal music performed by musicians appearing at The Biltmore Estate.

Jamlet Records – JN98042

Ronald Hawkins, Piano • Robert Schumann - Scenes From Childhood, Opus 15 • Edvard Grieg - Piano Sonata in E Minor, Opus 7 • Sergei Rachmaninoff - Moments Musicaux, Opus 16, Nos. 3, 4, 5 • Franz Liszt - Ave Maria

The Orchard/Pier Records – #802335 Journey • Cesar Franck - Prelude, Fugue and Variation, Op. 18 • Nicholas Medtner - Fairy Tale in F Minor, Op. 26, No. 3 • John La Montaine - Toccata, Op. 1 • Robert Schumann - Romance in F# Major, Op. 28, No. 2 • Frederic Chopin - Preludes, Op. 28, Nos. 1-12 • Franz Schubert - Ave Maria • Alexander Gretchaninoff - Plainte, Op. 3, No. 1 • Johann Sebastian Bach - Sheep May Safely Graze The Orchard/Pier Records – #802526 Christmas Is… Seventeen traditional holiday favorites. Pier Records – #122003 Ancient Irish Airs & Dances This recording features 48 classic tunes of Ireland. Included are rollicking jigs, lively reels, heartfelt laments, and delightful folk classics. Pier Records – #072004 The War That Made America The original soundtrack recording from the PBS Special. PBS Records & Valley Entertainment, Inc., VLT – 15202 J.S. Bach - The Goldberg Variations MSR Classics – MS1324 Living With The Classics, Vol. 2 Universal Music Group Reflections Pier Records

As of October 19, 2010

RONALD HAWKINS Personal Contact Information Ronald Hawkins P.O. Box 522 Durham, Connecticut 06422 USA Telephone: (203) 530-3600 Email: ron@ronaldhawkins.com Website: www.ronaldhawkins.com Represented by: Richard Novak (203) 824-3600 Novak & Associates