Ohio Artists on Tour

MUSIC - DUOS & SOLOISTS

John Mortensen

Pianist John Mortensen is one of the few artists nationwide who is equally fluent in the technically challenging classical repertoire and the intricacies of improvised jazz. Because he loves many musical worlds, he moves gleefully between them, taking his audiences on a musical adventure of surprising stylistic breadth. He may begin a concert with classical favorites, explore some swinging jazz tunes, and end up creating an artistically ambitious and emotionally compelling improvisation on a familiar rock song.

Though he has the technique of a concert pianist, he is the antithesis of an aloof, elite artist. Narrating his performances with stories and witticisms, Mortensen places even first-time concert-goers at ease. Audiences leave the hall raving about how much fun music is.