Ryan & Ryan
“It was breathtaking to see and listen to both father and son play the piano so brilliantly, to a sold-out house,
and watching everyone respond with such enthusiasm, standing ovations and cries of ‘encore, encore, encore.’
Ryan & Ryan gave the performance of a lifetime at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and we relished in it and loved every minute of it.”
— Chuck Cissel, Artistic Director, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, Tulsa, OK
Ryan & Ryanis a dynamic father-son piano duo that blends classic and contemporary music into an enthralling concert experience. 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.
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. 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.
Programs offered include: Kickin’ the Clouds Away , Going Gershwin and new this season, Merry & Bright: Songs of Christmas Cheer .
Ryan & Ryan also emphasize education. Each pianist has had extensive experience as a featured performer/speaker in the classroom—from earliest grades through university level—and so the duo understands well how to use music as a motivational tool for students.
Ryan & Ryan are proud to be on the Oklahoma Performing Artist Roster through the Oklahoma Arts Council.
Program funding may be available through the Arts Midwest Touring Fund.
