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Posted on June 18th, 2009 in Music

City Stages: Eduardo Rojas at the Music Oasis

By Courtney Haden

 

Throughout the storied run of City Stages, countless spectators have dropped into the Music Oasis for the air conditioning only to be surprised to learn that music is being played there. It’s a natural mistake to make, since the sort of music featured in the Oasis exists at cross-purposes to much of what is being played elsewhere downtown during the weekend; more arpeggios, fewer fuzzboxes.

Eduardo Rojas performs Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Music Oasis.

Eduardo Rojas performs Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Music Oasis.

This, though, is an important consideration, for if your city is to have a music festival, then all sorts of music should be represented, and the folks who schedule the Oasis have always held up their tent pole proudly. Bringing Eduardo Rojas to the 2009 Stages is yet another star booking in that series.

Not a household name? Maybe not in your household, but in the world of classical piano this young Colombian native is already las rodillas de la abeja. Speaking of knees, Eduardo started at those of his father, playing piano when he was only 5, and his gifts were so polished that, at only 16, he won a national talent competition in Bogota that won him bookings throughout the hemisphere.

Though renowned as an international soloist and instructor of young pianists, Eduardo chose America for his higher education and is currently working on a degree in piano studies at TCU. Book learning hasn’t stifled his love of performance, though, and Eduardo finds time to work with the Van Cliburn Foundation in Fort Worth as exclusive pianist for their community concerts.

Like Cliburn, Eduardo Rojas is an ambassador for the piano, playing in as many different venues and settings as he can. Throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he seems to be the go-to accompanist for classical singers, but he’s no slouch with asociados in the mariachi field, either (check out a YouTube video called “Classical Fiesta Community Concert” to watch Eduardo set the pace for the fine ensemble El Sol de Tejas).

After a Sunday of stage-hopping, you might find yourself in need of some auditory palate cleansing before the next course. Drop by the Music Oasis around seven and be soothed by the tones and transfixed by the craftsmanship of Eduardo Rojas on the classical piano.

You might not even notice that there’s air conditioning, too.

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