The Concordia Symphony Orchestra will give a concert commemorating the centenary of the birth of pianist Roger Williams at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on September 28. The concert by the Concordia University orchestra, conducted by Dr. Jeff Held, will begin at 10:00 am. A panel discussion will follow at noon.
Admission to both events is free. Concertgoers are asked to arrive early to ensure they obtain a seat. The library is located on 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard.
Pianists Dr. Hyunjoo Choi of Concordia University and Bryan Pezzone will perform. The concert will begin with George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Williams was presented with a “Pianist to the Presidents” award in 2008 in recognition of his having performed before nine U.S. presidents.
Williams enjoyed great commercial success. His first hit was his 1955 recording of “Autumn Leaves.” One of his biggest hits was a recording of “Born Free.” He performed the song at the 39th Academy Awards Ceremony in 1967.