Frank Lloyd Wright advised the owners of the Gordon House in Silverton, Oregon to include a baby grand piano in the living room. This month, the Gordon House will resonate with “Delighted to Play Classical Jazz that Pops,” featuring pianist Thomas Otten at 2 p.m. March 13 at 869 W Main St., in Silverton. The "Usonian" house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1957 and built for the Gordons in 1964.Thomas Otten chairs the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s piano division and has performed internationally. At Gordon House, he will perform the études of American composer H. Leslie Adams. Études are musical pieces that address specific technical and musical challenges. Adams’ classically rooted études incorporate jazz and pop music.
“It’s highly melodic and gorgeously crafted in terms of sonority and texture, invoking a sound world where Rachmaninoff meets Burt Bacharach,” Otten said. “We need music of our time with which people can connect on a personal, meaningful level. Leslie’s music fits the bill in a big way.”
Advance tickets are $30 for patron seating and $20 for general seating. To purchase, call (503) 874-6006 or go to thegordonhouse.org. Tickets purchased at the door are $25. Admission includes a post-concert reception with wine from Hanson Vineyards
