A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Donald came to the United States to study music, earning degrees from Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. He is well-known as a master of diverse styles—evidenced by a diploma from the 9th International Chopin Competition, as well as his induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Donald has also earned the distinction of being among the most accomplished pianists in the world as a Steinway Artist.
Given his father’s profession, Barron’s choice of playing the piano is no surprise, and he has been no stranger to the stage since the age of 4. He distinguished himself in piano studies at the University of Oklahoma and has been a featured soloist at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, among many other venues. Barron has also been a prizewinner in numerous piano competitions, including the Oklahoma Israel Exchange Young Artists Competition in 2011.
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Their experience in classical, jazz, ragtime, and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. Audiences everywhere have been thrilled by their renditions of selections from Grusin’s “The Firm” soundtrack, as well as Rachmaninoff’s “Second Suite for Two Pianos.” Their performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” has always earned a standing ovation.
The pair also emphasize education. Each pianist has had extensive experience as a featured performer/speaker in the classroom—from earliest grades through university level—and so the duo understand how to use music as a motivational tool for students.
Ryan & Ryan are a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness, infectiousness, skill and general joy of life make for irresistibly engaging performances. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.
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