Hailed by The New York Times as "an especially impressive fine young pianist," Richard Dowling appears regularly across the United States in solo recitals and concerts with orchestras. He has been acclaimed by audiences for his elegant and exciting style of playing which earns him frequent return engagements. An artist of international stature, Mr. Dowling has presented solo recitals in the Far East, Australia, Africa, and Europe.

Career highlights include a sold-out New York orchestral debut at Lincoln Center and a solo recital at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall. In 2001 Mr. Dowling released Sweet and Low-Down, a CD containing virtually all of the piano works by Gershwin. American Record Guide wrote of the recording, "Dowling dances through 29 Gershwin numbers with exuberance and a natural feel for rubato...if you love Gershwin, don't miss this!" In a review of his 2004 World's Greatest Piano Rags album another ARG critic said that "Dowling plays with tremendous zip and zest...I am sure he is the best ragtime pianist I have ever heard." He has also recorded two classical CDs of Chopin, three CDs of cello and piano works with cellist Evan Drachman and a three-CD set of pop songs called A Perfect Moment. Next month Klavier Records will release Rhapsody in Ragtime, Mr. Dowling's second ragtime and jazz CD.

Dowling has received glowing reviews that praise him as "a master of creating beautiful sounds with impeccable control of colors and textures," as "a musician with something to say, the skill to say it and the magnetic power to make you want to listen" and for giving "a superb recital that left the audience craving for more at the end."

Mr. Dowling has long felt a special affinity for French music, art and culture. He studied at the Conservatoire in Nice, received the Grand Prix from the French Piano Institute, and made his formal recital debut in Paris. His repertoire includes the complete piano works of the renowned French composer Maurice Ravel. He is currently preparing a critical multi-volume edition of Ravel's piano works for Masters Music Publications. In recognition of his dedication to French musical art, Mr. Dowling was inducted as a Chevalier of the renowned Company of Musketeers of Armagnac (an honor society founded in the 17th century by D'Artagnan). He is one of only a few Americans ever granted that distinction.

While studying at Yale University, Dowling was honored with the Lockwood Award for performing the best recital and the Simonds Award for outstanding solo and ensemble playing. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas. His principal teacher was Abbey Simon, a member of the Juilliard School faculty. Mr. Dowling is a Steinway Artist and is represented by Parker Artists (www.parkerartists.com). Visit his official website at www.richard-dowling.com.