The Troy Arts Council is doing something really wonderful for the young people of Pike County by bringing renowned classical pianist Robert Cowan for performances at two local schools.

Cowan will perform at Pike Liberal Arts School at 10 a.m. today and at 1 p.m. at Banks Middle School.

“There will be no public performances of this program but parents and those who enjoy piano music are invited to attend,” said John Jinright, TAC presenter chair. “They will need sign in at the school office.”

Cowan has had an outstanding career both as a soloist and as a member of a duo-piano team with his wife, Jinright said.

“In 32 years, they have made more than 400 appearances in 37 states and on three continents,” he said. “Seventy-six of those appearances have been with orchestras. The recordings they have with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic and the Moscow Philharmonic are heard around the world.”

Cowan will play several lyric pieces and also some impressionistic music. He will explain his music to the students as he goes through the program.

Works will include “Nocturne in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 42 No. 2” by Chopin and “Sounds and Perfumes Mingling in the Evening Air” and “The Sunken Cathedral” by Debussy.

“We have received many recommendations for Dr. Cowan from other schools and have also been impressed with the beauty and quality of his program,” Jinright said. “Some of the remarks from the students have been that they wish the concert could have lasted longer.”

The Troy Arts Council has a history of bringing arts programs to the schools and is continuing to offer these programs to the local schools.

“We want to bring arts programs of this quality to the students of Pike County who don’t often these opportunities,” Jinright said. “Programs like this introduce students to the arts and get them excited about the arts.”