Richard Alston is a pianist who has garnered international praise for his passion, technical skill, charismatic personality and innovation.
A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Alston received his first lessons from Dorothy Early. By the age of eight, he was playing organ and piano for the First Baptist Church in Vaux Hall, New Jersey. He continued his studies with Sylvia Rabinof and received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied with Irwin Freundlich and Josef Raieff.
Alston was later awarded the prestigious Maria Guerra Judelson Scholarship in piano and returned to Juilliard to obtain his Master’s degree. As a teenager, he captivated audiences through his solo recitals, concerto appearances with orchestras, live opera performance, radio and television broadcasts and CD recordings.
Recently, he captured the attention of the music world, educators, and college and university students by exposing the monumental contributions made by composers of African descent, particularly in the area of classical music. Alston not only performs the works of these composers, who remain unknown to many in the U.S. and abroad, he gives lectures, special presentations and master classes under the heading “Classically Black: Composers of African Descent”.
In the wake of the shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, the acclaimed musician decided to dedicate his recent performance at Trinity United Presbyterian Church to those who perished and their families. Alston serves as Minister of Music at the facility.
In an email statement to From The G-Man, Alston said, "I posted my performance of Consolation No. 3, by Franz Liszt, because I felt that in this time of pain, anguish and heartbreak, a quiet and calm melody would soothe the soul."
A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Alston received his first lessons from Dorothy Early. By the age of eight, he was playing organ and piano for the First Baptist Church in Vaux Hall, New Jersey. He continued his studies with Sylvia Rabinof and received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied with Irwin Freundlich and Josef Raieff.
Alston was later awarded the prestigious Maria Guerra Judelson Scholarship in piano and returned to Juilliard to obtain his Master’s degree. As a teenager, he captivated audiences through his solo recitals, concerto appearances with orchestras, live opera performance, radio and television broadcasts and CD recordings.
Recently, he captured the attention of the music world, educators, and college and university students by exposing the monumental contributions made by composers of African descent, particularly in the area of classical music. Alston not only performs the works of these composers, who remain unknown to many in the U.S. and abroad, he gives lectures, special presentations and master classes under the heading “Classically Black: Composers of African Descent”.
In the wake of the shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, the acclaimed musician decided to dedicate his recent performance at Trinity United Presbyterian Church to those who perished and their families. Alston serves as Minister of Music at the facility.
In an email statement to From The G-Man, Alston said, "I posted my performance of Consolation No. 3, by Franz Liszt, because I felt that in this time of pain, anguish and heartbreak, a quiet and calm melody would soothe the soul."
Click here to view the performance.
Alston is the recipient of several awards, which include the “Award for Excellence” from the New Jersey Education Association; “Community Leaders Fostering Change in Education Award” from the New Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Women’s Clubs, Inc.; “Achievement Award” from the National Association of Negro Women; “Musician of the Year” from the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc., Newark, (NJ) Chapter; and a special proclamation from the Office of the Mayor of the City of East Orange (NJ). He has also been honored by the Historical Society of East Orange, NJ Inc.
Alston is the recipient of several awards, which include the “Award for Excellence” from the New Jersey Education Association; “Community Leaders Fostering Change in Education Award” from the New Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Women’s Clubs, Inc.; “Achievement Award” from the National Association of Negro Women; “Musician of the Year” from the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc., Newark, (NJ) Chapter; and a special proclamation from the Office of the Mayor of the City of East Orange (NJ). He has also been honored by the Historical Society of East Orange, NJ Inc.
Photo and video source: Richard C. Alston
God will bless America through your music as you unselfishly give of your time and talent. Thanks for sharing with the world, music can and does heal a hurting soul. As Americans we need a melody that will reminds us that there is "Peace through Music." I listened and my soul was soothed and encouraged. Ashay
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