Desert Baroque

Charles Metz studied piano at Penn State University, beginning his harpsichord studies through private lessons with the legendary Igor Kipnis.   In the process of earning a Ph.D. in Historical Performance Practice at Washington University in Saint Louis Missouri, he studied with Trevor Pinnock.   More recently, Charles has worked with Webb Wiggins and Lisa Crawford at the Oberlin Conservatory.

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Charles has performed across the country with concerts in Chicago IL, Saratoga NY, Bennington VT, Louisville, KY and Liberty Mo in their Baroque music JEMS Fest.   He has performed solo recitals at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., Oberlin Conservatory and appeared as guest artist in Kansas City for the “Bach Aria Soloists” and the KC Symphony’s summer program “Summerfest”.

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In 2014, he appeared with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Ars Antigua Chicago and the Newberry Consort of Chicago in the Música Barroca Mexicana program.  In the spring of 2015 he again played with the Newberry Consort in the Mr. Dowland’s Midnight program with Paul O’Dette.   In addition to his performing activity, he serves on the Board of Directors of Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, The Newberry Consort and Early Music America.

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Personal Statement:
At age 17 I heard and saw my first harpsichord in a public demonstration at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.   It was a transformative moment as I remember so many details of the experience and knew that was the instrument I wanted to dedicate myself to.   Ironically the first harpsichord I had built for me was a copy of that instrument I heard at the Smithsonian, a late 18th French Harpsichord.   In 2010 I was invited to play at the Smithsonian in a solo recital which gave me the opportunity to play the original 1760 French instrument and explain to the audience that the instrument had changed my life.  I had come full circle!