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 concert and recital halls, museums, universities, libraries and churches throughout England, Scotland, Hungary, Russia and the United States.  Recent appearances include Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Milford Center for the Arts, Russian Culture Center and St. Martins-in-the-Fields. 

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.”

Mr. Hawkins is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including: 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 (www.webconcerthall.com) 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 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 Jamlet Records, Pier Records and PBS Records labels.  His discography includes six recordings: Ronald Hawkins, Piano; Journey; Christmas Is; Ancient Irish Airs & Dances; Biltmore Estate Christmas; and The War That Made America. He has also recorded for two PBS mini-series, They Made America and The War that Made America (French & Indian War).

Upcoming projects for 2007 include a concert tour throughout the United States and Europe with Johann Sebastian Bach’s – The Goldberg Variations. 

Ronald 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.

April 2006

www.ronaldhawkins.com

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, Contributing writer to national newspapers.

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.

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.