Ryan & Ryan
“Kickin’ the Clouds Away”
Fri., Sept. 20 | 7:30pm | CALS Ron Robinson Theater
Library Square | 100 River Market Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Ryan & Ryan, a dynamic father-son duo, are Kickin’ the Clouds Away with classic and contemporary music played four hands on two grand pianos. Barron and his dad, Donald, perform jazz, ragtime, classical, and even gospel song arrangements. Barron Ryan’s solo performance was a 2017 Festival favorite, and this concert, too, is sure to strike a chord with audiences. https://www.ryanandryanmusic.com/
DONALD RYAN
& BARRON RYAN
PIANO DUO
Ryan & Ryan is a dynamic father-son piano duo that draws upon classic and contemporary music to create enthralling concert experiences. From Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel, Donald and Barron Ryan combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new schools.
A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Donald came to the United States to study music, earning degrees from Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. He is well known as a master of diverse styles—evidenced by a diploma from the 9th International Chopin Competition as well as his induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Donald has also earned the distinction of being among the most accomplished pianists in the world as a Steinway Artist.
Given his father’s profession, Barron’s choice of playing the piano is no surprise, and he has been no stranger to the stage since the age of four. He distinguished himself in piano studies at the University of Oklahoma and has been a featured soloist across the United States and internationally. Barron is also an experienced composer, and in 2021, was named one of “Ten Innovators To Watch” by Smithsonian Magazine.
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Their experience in classical, jazz, ragtime, and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. Audiences everywhere have been thrilled by their renditions of selections from Grusin’s The Firm soundtrack as well as Rachmaninoff’s Second Suite for Two Pianos. Their performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has always earned a standing ovation.
The pair also emphasizes education. Each pianist has had extensive experience as a featured performer/speaker in the classroom—from elementary through university level—and so the duo understands well how to use music as a motivational tool for students.
Ryan & Ryan is a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness, infectiousness, skill and general joy of life make for irresistibly engaging performances. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.
This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.