Ridgeway will be performing Beethoven's Third Piano Concert with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, of the southwest suburbs, in May.
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Thomas Ridgway is a homeschooled senior from Shorewood, IL. He was chosen as a Rising Star by the Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and has performed for the organization in a benefit concert. In addition, he recently performed in the “Stairway to the Stars” concert to benefit the Grande Prairie Choral Arts, a Chicago Southland organization.
This past November, he was the winner of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestraʼs (southwest suburbs) concerto competition and will be performing Beethovenʼs Third Piano Concerto in May. He is a two time winner of the American College of Musiciansʼ International Piano Program and a seven time winner of their National Piano Program.
For the past two summers, he has attended the Indiana University Piano Academy where he attended masterclasses by artists such as Karen Shaw, Andre Watts, and Menahem Pressler. Since 2002, he has studied with Mrs. Patricia Windt, a faculty member of Prairie State College.
In addition to piano, Thomas also plays the bassoon. Last year, he was a member of the Joliet Symphony Orchestra, and is now a bassoonist for the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. He studies with Gerik Fon-Revutzky.
Thomas is currently in the audition process at several universities and plans to pursue a
degree in piano performance in the fall.
Program:
Beethoven: Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro ma non troppo
Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7 in Bb major, Op. 83
III. Precipitato
I was moved by this young man’s playing and can not wait to hear more from young Thomas Ridgway.
Listening to your performance on WFMT. Congratulations on an impressive Appassionata. Especially enjoyed the last movement. Looking forward to performing Beethoven together in May.
Lawrence Sisk
Thomas,
That was awesome. I am sitting outside on my gazebo, so I can turn the music up loud without bothering my wife. And it is making my day.
I appreciated your comments in the interview at break time, referencing God’s help with the challenge to perform, … did you say you thought it might be like riding a bike? That made me smile.
You remind me very much of your father when you talk. Careful to articulate clearly, yet with enthusiasm.
Looking forward to Chopin.. did I spell that right?
Barry
Thomas,
We are all enjoying your playing. How amazing to have mastered those pieces. Great Job! We’re excited for you ! Little did we know when we got a new stereo system that we would have the privilege of trying it out with your playing. Your music is beautiful and a pleasure to listen to.
The Thayers
Thomas,
Your picture reminds me of your father, strong and confident, though more handsome as a result of your mother’s influence. Say hello to her for me.
Your comment about a composer agreeing with Stalin so as not to disappear mysteriously, revealed a subtle sense of humor, much like your father. Given your seriousness, this made me smile again.
I appreciate your knowledge of the culture at the time in Russia on the composer’s work. (I will not try to spell his name.) I learned a lot from what you shared.
Again you were a blessing today. With your love for learning and your diligence, you will be a headliner someday.
Best Regards,
Barry
Thomas Ridgway was absolutely brilliant!! What a joy to listen to. I can tell this is only the beginning for him – a musician that we will definetely hear from and recognize in the future!! Bravo!
Congratulations! I loved the performance. You had so much passion for the pieces you played. I learned so much more about where the composers were coming from; you are very knowledgeable, which is needed to play the pieces the way the composers wanted them to be performed.
Thank you for letting us hear this wonderful young pianist. he was sensational.
Dory
Absolutely beautiful. I drive for a job and was listening on a route. I was completely blown away. And I loved all the history he knew about what he was playing.
Thomas,
Amazing.
I love to hear your passion for researching and understanding the pieces and composers. Talent alone cannot render such a quality performance! It is clear that you have logged thousands upon thousands of hours of practice to get to this point! Your dedication is a great example for all of your listeners. I am not sure that we can ever appreciate how much hard work you have put in up to this moment! It makes me reflect on the level of effort & dedication that I put into being an employee, husband and father. Thank you!
Cordially,
Kenny
Thomas!
It will be such an honor playing with you as the soloist at our next concert. You sound absolutely fantastic. Congratulations! You are so talented and your expression in your playing is so clear. You are such an inspiration to me and I’m sure so many others.
Janet