Presented by the College of Charleston's Department of Music, the International Piano Series (IPS) opens its 34th season with acclaimed musician Tom Hicks. He joins the College as the new director of piano studies and artistic director of IPS.

Hicks has been praised for his "gorgeously creative playing" that "transports the listener to another place and time." As a recitalist and chamber musician, Hicks performs internationally and has appeared as a concerto soloist on more than 60 occasions. He is a Yamaha Artist.

Though much of the evening's program is music that is dreamy and atmospheric, there will also be nightmares and fantasies. The program begins with several of Chopin’s most celebrated nocturnes before exploring other gems of the genre by Scriabin, Debussy, Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann. Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata concludes what promises to be a popular program with finger-twisting fireworks.

IPS is Charleston's longest running, season-long program with a pure focus on piano. IPS plays a distinctive role in the lives of students and the community by implementing excellence in the arts and education and cultivating piano music appreciation. The opening concert is generously sponsored by the Remington Master Artist Series.

Season subscriptions for all four IPS concerts are available at a discounted rate through Sept. 17. Learn about the whole season of concerts.