About the Program
The Dr. E. Stephen Purdom Distinguished Visiting Artist Program was established
through a major gift to provide music students at CSU with distinguished
educational opportunities and enhance the visibility and stature of the
Schwob School of Music through residencies with world-class performing
artists. This program is an exciting initiative that allows the Schwob
School to offer exceptional experiences while maintaining an intimate
learning environment.
 About
the Artist
The 2005-2008 Dr. E. Stephen Purdom Distinguished
Visiting Artist is internationally acclaimed pianist
Jon Kimura Parker
. Jon Kimura Parker has an illustrious career teaching and performing
around the world. Described as an artist for today — one whose first
priority is communication with his audiences — Mr. Parker is truly a
dynamic musician. His passion for exploring the world through music
brings an exciting new dimension to Schwob School of Music. Mr. Parker
is currently Professor of Piano at Rice University’s Shepherd School of
Music in Houston, TX; Artistic Advisor of the Orcas Island Chamber Music
Festival; and an Officer of The Order of Canada, his country’s highest
civilian honor.
His three-year appointment with the Schwob School
of Music will involve working with students and faculty as well as
giving select performances at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts,
Columbus, Georgia’s world-class venue. For our Columbus audiences — you
are in for a treat!
Concerts by Jon Kimura Parker are more than performances:
“Well, let’s see — gargantuan technique, awesome timing, oceanic
depth, volcanic fire, and more fun than the whole Marx Brother’s
catalog. Yup, pianist Jon Kimura Parker is back in town....” San
Antonio Express-News
Upcoming performances include a solo recital
October 18, 2007, and an appearance with the CSU Philharmonic
Orchestra on
April 6, 2008.
Full Artist Biography
About Dr. Purdom
 Dr.
E. Stephen Purdom is a retired AFLAC executive vice president, and
retired medical director of the Columbus Clinic. Dr. Purdom’s gift is
much more than a contribution to CSU. Through a great passion for music
and an inspired vision of excellence his support ensures extraordinary
opportunities for our students and faculty, and our audiences. |
