GKO (George Ko) @ WOODLAWN HALL
Event description
GKO returns to Woodlawn Hall at Abbey Arts to play a selection of originals from his new album, The Moon Goddess, and improvisations of beloved classics, ranging from Debussy to David Bowie. In celebration of the autumnal full moon, each song pays homage to the lunar planet and the dreams of visiting there again.
GEORGE KO: www.instagram.com/gkopiano
"Since the release of his first album, "Sonic Sanctum" (2020), GKO has been pioneering what's possible with the piano. Critics describe his playing as "performing wizardry, flowing yet bright, lively and heroic... with moments of nostalgia, reverie, and reflection." He combines decades of classical training with a gift for improvisation to speak with a candor all his own. With his latest single, "Her Voice," GKO combines the rhythmic ferocity of modern jazz with the gentle beauty of Chopin. He says, "I want this song to showcase the power of the piano, how it can make you feel scared, excited, and serene. I believe the piano allows us to express emotion with a depth nothing else can match." Born in California, GKO took his first lesson at 5. He was a reluctant student until his studies at Harvard, where he focused on piano performance and composition. GKO produced the first-ever Piano Performance Thesis in Harvard's history and received the David McCord Prize for exceptional musical talent and creativity. GKO has appeared on stages worldwide, including nine appearances at Carnegie Hall, and has performed as a guest artist at notable institutions, including The British Museum, TED, the MIT Media Lab, Berklee College of Music, and Tanglewood Institute of Music. His piano music can also be heard on tracks by The Black Keys, Foster the People, and Handsome Boy Modeling School. GKO resides in Los Angeles. The Japanese indigo-boutique FDMTL outfits his concert wear. He is a Young Steinway Artist." - Artist Bio
For more on GKO, please visit his website at https://www.gkopiano.com/home or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gkopiano
Tentative Setlist (60min):
White Rabbit, Original
For You, Original
Our Forgotten Carousel, Original
Sheeps May Safely Graze from Bach
Moonlight, Original
Stop this Train by John Mayer
Cinema Paradiso from the film
Goddess of the Night, Original
Her Voice, Original
Blossoms, Original
Rainbow Connection, from The Muppet Movie
Impromptu for No One, Original
Emotion 1, Improvised
Emotion 2, Improvised
Music from Princess Mononoke
Neon by John Mayer
Somewhere by Hiromi
Improvised Variations on a Theme of Paganini, Original
7p doors, 7:30p show
All ages, some seating available
Simple bar w drinks, snacks including various non-alcohol options
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ABBEY ARTS EVENT INFO:
- Check tickets for show time
- 7400 Woodlawn Hall is partially ADA accessible. Please email with questions and for accommodations.
- Service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
- We have chairs, benches, and standing room in back.
- Seating is not reserved or guaranteed, unless noted.
- Please refrain from talking or texting during the show.
- No video from the seating area please.
- Please limit photos during the show so as to not distract other attendees from the experience.
- We are an all ages venue. Kids 10 & under are free at Abbey Arts concerts & arts events unless noted.
- Entering the venue indicates agreement to adhere to the Abbey Respect Policy. All are welcome.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity