Eugene Gienger, known as “Dakota Pianist,” will present a concert Aug 8 in the 1905 Opera House in Wessington Springs. The Opera House is air conditioned. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Eugene Gienger, also known as DAKOTA PIANIST, will play a concert “in the round” at 2 p.m. Aug. 8. Gienger has recently returned to settle in the Dakotas after spending nearly 40 years concertizing and teaching in Australia, Canada and Russia. He is the only classical pianist from the Dakotas to have achieved an international reputation as a performer and master teacher. He holds honors degrees in piano performance from the University of Minnesota and Indiana University, where he was named personal teaching assistant to Manahem Pressler of the world-renowned Beaux-Arts Trio.

The concert in Wessington Springs is co-sponsored by SACOTA (Springs Area Council Of The Arts) and the South Dakota Arts Council. The audience will be seated in a circle surrounding the performer and the piano will be rotated during the intermission. Mr. Gienger will give verbal comments to assist the audience in understanding each piece on the program in a unique way. His program will include selections by a variety of well-known composers.

Since 2009, he has relocated to Custer, where he is also pursuing another passion as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. His work by phone/skype video with clients across America has transformed numerous lives.

He plans to continue involvement as a wellness professional, and he will also concertize and help piano teachers and students in a consultative role to achieve their pianistic aspirations.

Advance tickets are available from SACOTA board members, or call 605-539-1305 or 539-1515; discounted ticket prices are available for students. Tickets will also be available at the door.

The Opera House is air conditioned.

For the complete article see the 07-25-2010 issue.

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