Pianist Frederic Chiu brings his beloved Classical Smackdown series to Dartmouth, where he pits two legendary composers against each other in a musical context. Audiences are invited to listen, debate and vote for their preferred artist over several short rounds of contrasting examples. Insightful commentary from Chiu brings to life favorites along with lesser-known pieces, making the audience’s choices engaging, difficult and often surprising!

Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach and 20th Century composer Philip Glass were masters at altering a listener’s sense of time, with time slowing stopping or passing more quickly than imagined. With 250 years separating the two composers, both have created music that speaks to diverse people around the globe and across time. Chiu’s program highlights the similarities and the contrasts of these two musical icons.

With a vibrant concert schedule, a legacy of 30 CDs and a stream of accolades from around the globe, pianist Frederic Chiu occupies a special place in the world of classical music. His non-traditional approach including interdisciplinary collaborations, integration of new technologies and emphasis on audience engagement distinguish Chiu as an innovator and boundary-breaking 21st-century artist.

Funded in part by the Donna Bascom 1973 and Paul Biddelman Fund. Photo: Chris Craymer