Renowned pianist to perform in Sisters

Award-winning pianist, composer and recording artist John Nilsen will play a solo piano concert on Friday, March 30, 7 p.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 386 N. Fir St. in Sisters.

Nilsen has made 17 recordings, selling one million copies worldwide. He has toured throughout the United States and in Europe and Asia.

Nilsen was born in Seattle, Washington in 1956. The family moved to Portland in 1960. Nilsen began studying classical piano from his mother at age six. Continuing his musical education, he began playing guitar at age 14. John moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1974 to attend Southern Oregon College (Southern Oregon University). He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and was honored by the institution in 1995 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the most prestigious award of Southern Oregon University graduates. Nilsen founded the Magic Wing recording label in 1987. The label has a catalog of 14 successful titles, each with international distribution.

His newest CD on Magic Wing, "Places I Go" is his first solo piano recording in 24 years. The recording features nine original compositions, which colorfully combine elements of folk, classical and jazz.

"I feel fortunate to have tracked these songs and placed them alongside one another on a CD," Nilsen said. "I've been looking forward to recording a solo project for a long time and the timing was right. Yet, my forthcoming project will be a combination of guitar, piano, vocal and non-vocal."

Like many artists, travel, outdoor activities and family are rich sources of fuel for Nilsen's creative drive. Yet, it is the intense clarity with which he is able to translate his experiences into music that distinguishes him. From the bustle of a French café to the torrent of a raging stream, Nilsen's music inspires us to look more carefully, to feel more deeply and to celebrate this life of ours.

Admission is by free-will offering.