Acclaimed pianist to perform Aug. 26 in Wessington Springs

• Eugene Gienger

Eugene Gienger

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WESSINGTON SPRINGS — Eugene Gienger, also known as the “Dakota Pianist,” will play a concert in the round at 2 p.m. Aug. 26 at the 1905 Opera House in Wessington Springs.

Dr. William Wieland, of Northern State University in Aberdeen, who recently composed special piano music dedicated to Mr. Gienger, plans to attend the premiere performance of the selection, titled “Bliss.”

Gienger has 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 degrees in piano performance from the University of Minnesota and Indiana University. His website is www.dakotapianist.com. Gienger’s “America” program being performed in Wessington Springs is of a lighter, more popular nature with patriotic, jazz, blues, Latin and ragtime elements and will appeal to a wide variety of music lovers. The audience will recognize many of the melodies. Gienger has just released a recording of this same “American” music and these CDs will be available for the first time at the concert in Wessington Springs.

This event in Wessington Springs is cosponsored 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’s verbal comments will add to the understanding and enjoyment of his selections. Since 2009, he has relocated to Custer, where he also pursues his interest and training as a certified holistic health counselor.

Advance tickets are available from SACOTA board members, the American Bank and Trust in Wessington Springs or by phone at (605) 539-1305 or (605) 539-1019. Adult tickets are $5; students are $3. Tickets will be $3 more at the door. The Opera House is air conditioned.

— From a SACOTA news release

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