The Hope College Jazz Studies program is welcoming back acclaimed jazz musician Fred Hersch on Monday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Wichers Auditorium of Nykerk Hall of Music.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
A pianist and composer, Hersch is widely recognized for his ability to reinvent the jazz repertoire. He has received two Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, and has recorded over 20 albums as either a solo artist or band leader.
The "New Yorker Magazine" has called him "a poet of a pianist" while the "New York Times" has said that Hersch is "a master who plays it his own way."
Hersch, who performed at Hope last fall, has been featured on "CBS Sunday Morning" with Dr. Billy Taylor, and National Public Radio programs such as "Morning Edition," "Fresh Air," "Prairie Home Companion," and "Jazz from Lincoln Center."
His most recent release is "Haunted Heart," which included guitarist Bill Frisell and soprano Renee Fleming. In 2005 he also released "Leaves of Grass," a recording of his own compositions featuring vocalists Kurt Elling and Kate McGarry.
In additional to his own tours, Hersch has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across the U. S. and Europe, including the Pittsburgh, Utah, Vermont, and Santa Rosa symphonies; the BBC Radio Orchestra; and the Sinfonietta Caracas of Venezuela.
A respected educator, Hersch was a faculty member at the New England Conservatory for 10 years, and has taught at The New School and Manhattan School of Music.
He is currently a visiting professor at Western Michigan University.
While at Hope College, Hersch will also lead a master class with jazz students and later be part of a recording being made with jazz students.
Nykerk Hall of Music is located between College and Columbia avenues along the former 12th Street.