Pianist and composer, Frank Horvat brings the Green Keys Tour to the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta, 232 Third St. on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. Admission is by freewill donation to the World Wildlife Fund.
This concert of solo piano music is one of 60+ concerts across Canada and the U.S. from March 2010 to April 2011. The objective of the Green Keys Tour is to promote the importance of environmental sustainability through music.
All the piano music performed on the tour is Horvat's own original compositions and improvisations. "It's a mix of styles and influences - a unique blend of classical and popular idioms." The concert will feature Earth Hour, a 60-minute continuous composition inspired by, written in, and performed in the dark. Dedicated to the international event by the same name that takes place on the last Saturday of every March, the piece attempts to provoke thought and mobilization on the importance of solutions to environmental and societal problems.
The Green Keys Tour supports the release of Horvat's second CD of original piano compositions, A Little Dark Music. This is the follow up to his critically-acclaimed first CD, I'll Be Good. Featuring four introspective tracks with an ambient tone, A Little Dark Music explores real world themes like the environment, poverty and Sept 11. Despite the serious subject matter, Horvat wanted to create a positive tone, "My goal was to create a soundscape that would bring peace, joy and contentment for listeners through these somber themes." 25% of the proceeds from the sale of A Little Dark Music will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund - one of the most recognized and respected international environmental organizations.
The tour also showcases businesses and organizations that put an emphasis on sustainability. Sponsors for this concert include the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta. "With its focus on environmental sustainability, the Green Keys concert is right in line with the goals of the congregation's Green Sanctuary Committee," said Mike Bailey, committee chair. "This is also an opportunity for us to further promote Earth Hour, which takes place this year on March 26, beginning at 8:30 p.m."
In his commitment to making the Green Keys Tour a community-minded event, Horvat has worked to ensure no admission fee is charged for any of the concerts. From using a hybrid car to travel from city to city, to paperless concert programs, to purchasing carbon credits, Horvat has initiated many actions to ensure that the Green Keys Tour is as eco-friendly as possible.
A composer who takes as much pride in performing as he does composing, Horvat promises that, "The Green Keys Tour delivers a unique musical presentation featuring a mix of musical styles and original piano music that tell deeply personal stories." Horvat's music is virtuosic yet accessible. His connection and interaction with the audience makes for a personal concert-going experience.
For more information: www.frankhorvat.com/performance/tour.html or Earth Hour, contact www.earthhour.org/About.aspx.
