ACCOMPANIST

Richard Sladek

Mr. Sladek enjoys bringing audiences a range of music from classical and contemporary masterworks to ragtime, jazz, and favorites from the great American songbook. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Piano from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. He has also been the recipient of several awards including those from the Chicago Musical Arts Club, and the Grace Welsh National Piano Competition. Professionally, he has served as staff accompanist for Columbia College, and the Second City National Touring Company. He has also played for the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Salt Creek Ballet, and The Academy of Movement and Music.

In musical theater, he has played keyboards for over 60 productions, most notably at the Shubert, Marriott Lincolnshire, the Theater at the Center, the Theatre of Western Springs, Circle Theater, and the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. As musical director/composer for 16 years with the nationally acclaimed education theater troupe Wavelength, he performed for over 100,000 educators in North America, and Europe. He has recorded two solo piano CDs, “Piano Celebration” and “Ragtime Classics.” When not performing, Mr. Sladek privately coaches and encourages young aspiring pianists. He also presently serves as choir accompanist for the First Christian Church of Downers Grove, and plays keyboard for the renowned Beatles tribute band, American English. www.ChicagoPianist.com.