Biography

Ronald R Williams was born in central Kentucky and reared in southern Indiana. A graduate of DePauw University, his graduate degrees are from Indiana University in composition with Bernhard Heiden and in piano with Walter Robert. After service in the 6th Armored Division Band, he taught in Kansas, subsequently joining the music faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno, where he was a founding member of the Argenta Piano Trio. A prize winner in each category of the First International Gottschalk Concurso for Pianists and Composers, he has three times been named as Nevada Composer of the Year. Also an accompanist and vocal coach, Dr. Williams has been an active church musician for more than thirty years as organist and choirmaster.

His compositions include works for solo voice and choral ensemble, two one-act operas, chamber music, two symphonies, and extensive music for the theater. He received first prize in the Second Diana Barnhart American Song Competition and the work was premiered in New York City. Other solo vocal works are included on Nancy Ellen Ogle's CD An Evening with Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Patterns, Chamber Music from the University of Nevada, Reno. His works have also received performances in Kennedy Center and on Radio Zurich. In May of 1998 he was soloist for the recording of his Piano Concerto in E with the Moravian Philharmonie for the MMC label.

Now retired and living in Reno, he maintains a teaching studio, composes and continues to concertize as a soloist and chamber musician.

Further Information

• Pan Pipes 2000-2001 Annual American Composer Update
• SAI's Music for Young People section

Contact Information

10900 Dryden Drive
Reno, NV 89511
E-mail: RonRWms@aol.com

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Last updated 3/29/04
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