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James Dick in concert
James Dick is an internationally renowned concert pianist, with his roots in Texas. In 1971 he established the Festival, a 10 day piano concert. Over the years, this grew into a year round training facility for professional musicians. Today, the Festival Hill complex includes multiple buildings, including a fabulous concert hall.
The most amazing fact is that it is located in Round Top, Texas — population 77! This is about 60 miles west of Houston, in the country. But people come from all around for the concerts held in the Festival Hall. We were fortunate to catch one of the infrequent concert by James Dick himself. Suffice it to say, it was fantastic — one of the best classical concerts we have attended.
If you get a chance to catch a concert here, I suggest you do… it is very special. The web site is http://www.festivalhill.org.
A view of the outside of the festival hall
A view from the back of the concert hall
Detail of the woodwork on the ceiling - strong Texas influence!
James Dick, at the start of the concert
Round Top Festival Music Hall
James Dick is one of the most accomplished concert piano players in our country, with accolades from around the world. In the late 60’s he decided to teach music, and he bought property in Round Top, TX (about an hour away from Austin and San Antonio). The project soon grew, and he established scholarships for both established and emerging music professionals. The project grew to include a 200 acre garden, beautifully restored buildings, and a brand new 1,100 seat concert hall of world class acoustics.
Much more can be found at the web site http://www.festivalhill.org. We had a private tour there and it was fascinating. The concert hall, the restored historic church moved here to become a chapel, the use and re-use of natural resources in unbelievable. If you are ever in this area, and if you like music, go take a look. You won’t be disappointed. James Dick lives on premises; we will be attending one of his concerts in January ’11.
The top of the festival hall
Inside the music hall
This crystal plate set inspired.....
.... this ceiling design in wood.
Landscaping around the chapel
A view in the gardens
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