Richard Goula Distinguished Piano Series premieres September 5, with Christopher Goodpasture

Lafayette, LA – UL Lafayette School of Music and Performing Arts and Acadiana Symphony Orchestra announced the launch of the Richard Goula Distinguished Piano Series today, a new collaboration of the two organizations, presented by the Thistlewood Foundation. This four-part, community concert series honors the legacy of philanthropist and talented classical pianist, Richard Goula, by bringing virtuosic piano soloists to perform in Lafayette. The first concert is Thursday, September 5, 7:00pm at UL’s Angelle Hall, and will feature Steinway Young Artist, Christopher Goodpasture. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased online at www.acadianasymphony.org/goula-piano-series – free for students, $10 for faculty, and $20 for the general public.

Christopher Goodpasture is the winner of the 2020 New York Concert Artists Worldwide Debut Auditions, and the 2019 Astral Artists National Competition in Philadelphia. He has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Koerner Hall in Toronto, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall, and Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Additionally, he has received top prizes at the Serge Koussevitszky Competition for Pianists and the Washington, Dallas, Iowa and Seattle international piano competitions. Christopher is a native of Los Angeles, California, where his musical life began at the Pasadena Conservatory, studying piano, chamber music, theory, and composition. He furthered his studies with John Perry at the University of Southern California and the Glenn Gould School in Toronto, and has pursued graduate degrees at The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music.

The Goula Piano Series honors the life of Richard Goula, who was a successful geologist and geophysicist, talented classical pianist, acclaimed and prolific painter, and accomplished botanist, who had a great appreciation for the botanical and cultural richness of South Louisiana. To ensure that his passions lived on, he established the Thistlewood Foundation, a philanthropic organization devoted to providing financial support and educational opportunities in the areas of music, fine arts and botany.

Dr. Chan Kiat Lim, Professor of Piano at UL Lafayette School of Music said, “we’re excited to honor Mr. Goula’s legacy and further his vision for the arts in Lafayette, by rolling out this new series, which aspires to offer world-class piano recitals, while keeping ticket pricing affordable and concerts accessible for all members of our community.”

Dana Baker, ASO Executive Director said, “we’re truly fortunate to bring some of the best piano virtuosos and pedagogues from around the globe to Lafayette for this series, including Mr. Goodpasture, Sean Chen, Antonio di Cristofano, Tanya Bannister, and Andrea Loewy on flute – each of whom will curate an incredible experience for the audience through their distinctive playing styles, phenomenal abilities, and unique personalities.”

UL Lafayette School of Music and Performing Arts brings together music, dance, and theatre to create opportunities for students to express themselves as individuals, enlighten their community about the world around it, and to entertain. The School offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Performing Arts, with concentrations in dance and theatre, as well as multiple Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Music degree programs. Beyond the established music performance and studies concentrations, it also offers concentrations in music media, music business, and Louisiana's only traditional music program.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to bolster our cultural economy and uphold unparalleled civic value through the power and joy of music, by providing excellence in orchestral performances of diverse repertoire, and educational experiences to inspire and enrich our future generations, thus creating a vibrant community in which to live and work. View the full concert schedule and purchase season tickets at www.acadianasymphony.org.