Richard Bishop. pianist

Richard Bishop. pianist

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An Afternoon with Richard Bishop - A Piano Recital by Reach Out Morongo Basin

Internationally acclaimed classical pianist Richard Bishop held a solo piano recital benefit for Reach Out Morongo Basin on Sunday March 13, 2016 to a large crowd at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Yucca Valley as part of its concert series.

As his first performance since ill health forced his retirement eight years ago, this much anticipated recital brought a world class talent to our community and helped raise over $1500 for Reach Out Morongo Basin programs for senior and disabled neighbors.

With a program that included the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig von Beethoven, Claude Debussy, George Gershwin and Frederic Chopin the performance had attendees by turns entranced by the music and on their feet with applause. With his consummate style he introduced each piece enlightening the crowd with his knowledge of the composers and his love of the works.

Music has been a part of Richard Bishop’s life from a very early age. A musical prodigy who grew up in Fullerton Richard began his musical career playing piano and singing in church and school choirs. At the age of 15 he performed on the public television station KCET.

Following his passion for music he studied at the University of Southern California and at California State University Fullerton before going on to earn his master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.

Mr. Bishop’s career as a soloist and accompanist took him around the world where he has performed in the world's great concert halls in Russia, Asia, Brazil and the United States. During his professional career he has played with luminaries such as Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman.

The winner of "The Best Accompanist" award at the Moscow Tchaikovsky competition in 1990, Mr. Bishop performed regularly as soloist, chamber musician and collaborative artist. He was a regular member of the Amadeus Virtuosi of New York. He was the regular pianist for Leonard Rose at the Juilliard School. As a performer and teacher he was a founding member of the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York.

He was living and working in New York when ill health forced him to retire and he moved to Yucca Valley to be closer to family. Having recently gotten his grand piano back on its legs, he has set a goal of returning to the concert stage.

Organizers would like to extend special thanks to Pastor Wayne and Kim and David Clements of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church for assisting and hosting this event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the neighbors helping neighbors organization which helps seniors and disabled residents live healthy and independent lives.

Services provided by Reach Out Morongo Basin volunteers run the gamut from friendly visits and help with home repairs to transportation to and from medical appointments.

For more information call (760) 361-1410.