The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is pleased to announce that Key
West pianist Franko Richmond is the winner of the 2001 Renaissance
Award. This year's award, $15,000, is for an emerging performing
artist. (The winner of the 2000 Renaissance Award was wood sculptor
Duke Rood.)
Mr.
Richmond's project, Concerto Latino, is the scoring, recording, and
performance of a world-premiere piano concerto, blending elements of
jazz, Latin, and classical music, in collaboration with the Key West
Pops Orchestra. Much of the work is already written and will be expanded
to incorporate the orchestra. In addition to the widespread visibility
this endeavor will give the artist and the Keys arts community, the
work will take on new life beyond the Keys as an exciting addition to
the orchestral repertoire.
Franko Richmond is a broadly experienced musician with dazzling
technique and the versatility to cross cultural borders on a moment's
notice. A popular figure in both solo and group settings, Mr. Richmond
is a master teacher in the Bahama Village Music Program. (His 2001-02
BVMP improvisation workshop is sponsored by the Florida Keys Council
of the Arts ArtReach program.)
The Renaissance Award panel, composed of arts professionals from the
Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys as well as Miami, met August 30 in
Marathon and chose one winner among several applicants who similarly
represented all sections of Monroe County. The arts council's board of
directors approved the panel's recommendation on September 27.
The Renaissance Award reflects the generosity of a private benefactor
who wishes to remain anonymous.