(11/12) On Tuesday, February 7, the musical strains of America’s legendary composer Duke Ellington will emanate from the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University. This unique all-Ellington program will be performed by internationally renowned concert pianist Leon Bates. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Knott Auditorium at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Since winning the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Senior Auditions as a student, Bates has emerged as one of America’s leading pianists. He is invited to the most prestigious concert halls and his performances have warranted critical and audience accolades in such halls as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Philadelphia’s Academy of Music and Kimmel center. His many television appearances include NBC’s The Today Show and CBS News Sunday Morning, and he took part in the filming of the Music in the 20th Century Telecast on PBS. His performances have also included engagements with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony and Prague National Symphony, as well as with the Duke Ellington Orchestra in Rome’s Olympic Stadium before an audience of 20,000 as a tribute to Christopher Columbus. Recordings of his performances are available on the Naxos, Orion, and Performance Records labels.

Bates is also celebrated as a master teacher, whose work has inspired America’s youth to open their hearts and minds to the love of music. He is a favorite on college campuses because of his broad interests beyond the world of classical music. His importance to the music world was noted with an honorary Doctorate from Washington and Lee University, and the Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award for his extensive work with children. Bates’ commitment to social and cultural diversity, along with his passion for American music have led to the creation of programs such as Gershwin by Request, and the all-Duke Ellington program that has been delighting audiences everywhere.

Tickets for the performance are available at the door for $20/adults, $10/senior citizens and college students with school ID; admission is free for students under 18 years old.

Leon Bates appears by special arrangement with Joanne Rile Artists Management.

For more information, please contact the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 301-447-5308