Joel Hastings, internationally acclaimed pianist, was a long time resident of Ann Arbor and beloved in the musical community. His friends and former students will gather to present a musical tribute to this amazing pianist. 

ABOUT JOEL HASTINGS
The Canadian-born pianist, Joel R. Hastings, was an Ontario resident, and spent his childhood in North Bay and Windsor. He earned his ARCT diplomas in piano and organ from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, receiving a gold medal for the highest score in the country. After graduating from Sandwich Secondary School, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He followed that up with graduate studies and Master of Music degree in piano. He took some time off school to play concerts, teach privately and record CD's before getting a doctorate (DMA) in piano as well from the same University. He was the winner of the 2006 8th International Web Concert Hall Competition, and the 1993 International Bach Competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He was the recipient of multiple grants from The Canadian Council for the Performing Arts.

After delivering a stunning performance at the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas, one reporter designated Joel Hastings the “audience favorite” while another declared, “the kinetic fingers of this young Canadian reminded me strongly of his late countryman, Glenn Gould.” In a Newsweek review he “pulled the audience to their feet after a wild performance of Franz Liszt’s Totentanz.” Reviewers have described his playing as passionate, mesmerizing, hypnotic, and transcendental.

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