Film Events

FUNDRAISER EVENT - Broadway to Hollywood with Richard Glazier

Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM

RICHARD GLAZIER, Pianist, Raconteur & Cultural Historian

Every artist has an epiphany.  For classically-trained, award-winning pianist Richard Glazier, it happened at age nine, when he saw the film “Girl Crazy” with a score by George & Ira Gershwin. He was so excited by the music he heard, he was prompted to write a fan letter to famed lyricist Ira Gershwin.  After corresponding with each other for three years, Gershwin invited his young friend, then 12, to meet him in Beverly Hills.  During their visit, Ira asked Glazier to play a Gershwin tune on the piano that once belonged to his brother, legendary composer George Gershwin.  Fueled by Ira's encouragement and interest, Glazier dedicated himself to the Gershwin repertoire and the American Popular Songbook, eventually becoming one of the genre's leading authorities.  

Early Life

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Glazier began studying piano when he was 6 years old.  Glazier earned his Bachelor and Master degrees in Piano Performance from Indiana University School of Music and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Music.  In 2007, CIM awarded him its prestigious Alumni Achievement Award for his contributions to American Popular Song.  He has also won several major international piano competitions including the Pro Musicis International Award and the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Competition.  

Concert Career

Glazier's passion for the Great American Popular Song has led him to create special programs celebrating both the golden age of Broadway and Hollywood.  He plays incredible piano arrangements, then tells the history behind the songs, sharing fascinating stories about the composers, the shows, the films and the stars. His programs often include vintage images and rare film clips.  

Television Specials 

Glazier has had three nationally broadcast television specials on PBS.  The shows have won multiple awards, including four Telly Awards for Outstanding Achievement in entertainment, documentary and cultural programming.  He has been featured on the PBS NewsHour and has produced six CDs for Centaur Records and most recently his latest television project was broadcast on Turner Classic Movies.