Ruth Eckerd Hall Classical Pop Star Kicks Off Tour

Clearwater

William Joseph performing alongside violinist and singer Linda Eder live at the Ruth Eckerd Hall - Photo by Ian Phoenix

“Classical pop” pianist William Joseph kicked off his first U.S. headlining tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Friday, January 9th with a passionate and dynamic performance. Underneath sultry lights of green and purple, Mr. Joseph delivered a youthful and fresh twist on classical music, creating a hip and energetic style with his compositions.

He began delicate and careful, leaning into his piano, caressing each note softly as he played “Heroes”. He then picked up in intensity, creating a dynamic and engaging performance. After his first piece, one audience member let out a very genuine and very appropriate “Wow!”

The energy picked up as Mr. Joseph’s speed increased, faster than seemingly possible, a blur of fingers moving up and down over the keys. Despite the frenetic motion in his fingers, it was apparent Mr. Joseph was in command of the ivories and his speed, and not the other way around. He plays with the dexterity and skill of the most seasoned concert pianist while adding his own youthful zest, at once combining the wisdom of age and the energy of youth.

William Joseph

If he sounds as if he has been playing for years and years despite his youthful look, it’s because he has. His incredible technique is a result of “Thousands and thousands of hours of practice throughout my life,” he says. Mr. Joseph has been playing the piano since the age of four. “It’s really been a lifetime devotion and I attribute a lot of the technical aspect and mastering technique to having a great teacher.”

Mr. Joseph is devoted to his fans just as much as he is to his music. “I really feel my fans are everything,” he says in that steady voice of his. “I love getting to know my fans.” He invited the entire audience to meet him after the show in the lobby as is his post-show tradition. “I just stay there until I talk to every single one of them.”

William Joseph’s CD “Beyond” is out in stores now, and his American tour will take him to cities including Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles, accompanied by Katie Sloan on violin and Steve Aho on drums, two very fine musicians as well. We are grateful that we had a chance to catch this talented rising star here in Clearwater first.

- Tampa Bay Informer
The Good News Newspaper

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