“ . . . an exceptionally gifted pianist . . . highly creative and possesses a highly developed natural musicality . . . plays in any style with ease.”—Robert Hale, operatic bass/baritone, NY Metropolitan Area
I offer my listeners an artistically satisfying experience that will lift, inspire and refresh.
Colleen’s formal musical training began at the age of four, after the discovery that she had perfect pitch and the ability to play by ear. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Biola University, where she was twice named Outstanding Pianist of the Year. She has studied with: Artistic Director Emeritus of Portland Piano International, Artistic Director Emeritus of Portland Piano International, Lina Baranov of Moscow Conservatory and Cathy Kautsky of Lawrence University.
Colleen has performed with Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra, Professional Christian Wind Ensemble and the Newport Symphony, under the direction of Norman Leyden. She has also appeared as a guest soloist with Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, Jewish Symphony Orchestra, and with the Westwood Wind Quintet. Colleen has enjoyed collaborating with internationally known artists such as classical saxophonist Harvey Pittel, Robert Hale of the New York Metropolitan Opera and Julie Davies of Staatstheater Darmstadof. She has performed at the Interharmony Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy as well as with the Arianna String Quartet as part of the Chamber Music Now Series. She also performs regularly on the Ten Grands shows with Michael Allen Harrison, and has created several arrangements for the show as well. In June of 2016, Colleen was invited to compete in the Van Cliburn International Amateur Competition and advanced to the quarter finals.
She performs regularly with several local chamber groups, including Trio Adrato (Victoria Racz, oboe/English horn; Dale Tolliver, cello), Vancouver Piano Trio (Tatiana Kolchanova, violin; Barbara Johnston, cello), and Collage (with Dennis Plies, marimba).
Colleen has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with John & Mary Giger, serving as accompanist and arranger for nearly 30 years. She has performed extensively with them throughout the country and can be heard on several of their recordings. Accompanying various vocal and choral groups, and solo appearances have taken her throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
While trained classically, Colleen’s upbringing in the church granted many opportunities for her to develop a wide range of keyboard skill, versatility and flexibility. She has worked as a staff pianist at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and has played for numerous weddings, funerals, home parties and church functions, creating spontaneous, “on the spot arrangements” at the request of her audience. As a soloist or as part of a band/ensemble, she is quick to adapt to various musical settings and needs and is very comfortable with a wide range of musical style, whether planned or spontaneous.
Accolades
I have coached Colleen in master classes and private lessons in Portland for a number of years and have been hugely impressed by her natural musicianship and work ethic. In fact coaching is not a word I would now use to describe our sessions, but rather musical collaborations in which multiple ideas and solutions to technical and musical problems are probed in a high-octane spirit of freedom and discovery. So stimulating have these sessions become for me that I invited Colleen last year to perform with me Debussy’s Afternoon of the Faun for two pianos, for an event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Debussy’s death at Portland Piano Company. Her gifts as a collaborative performer are first class and I consider it a privilege to have had such a gifted, modest and lively musical companion.
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True artistry with words expressed in music. I love your thoughtful arrangements.
- Mary P.
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Just a note of appreciation for your Count it Joy album...so very uplifting and creative….
- Shari
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Wow, another beautiful contribution… choice of songs/lyrics has been nothing short of masterful! They've all had a peaceful, reassuring tune and when the listener knows the lyrics it all combines to be a bit of balm…
- David D.
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So refreshing. Loved the beautiful sweet sound coming from your loving fingers.
You are a gift to the world, a compassionate, loving soul.
– Dennis & Barb P.
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Thank you, thank you for your inspiring and beautiful music. You have blessed me again and again.
- Merv M.
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Thank you Colleen..... your music is wonderful. . your feeling in your music brings you right into our living room...
– John & Helen
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I love your beautiful and meaningful interpretations of the great hymns of the faith!
– Mary Anne P.
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You are my favorite pianist, Colleen Douglass Adent...because you are both tender and soulful.
Thank you, for sharing your supreme gift!
– Sandra M.
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Did you ever meet Colleen? Listen to her piano, breathe deeply and rest. She is an amazing pianist and lovely human being. Here she shares sonic beauty by letting her heart extend out her fingertips to her instrument.
Listen and relax and know that God is real.
– Brian A
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Colleen is an incredibly gifted concert pianist and her artistry has blessed my life and the lives of many through the years.
– Lori S.
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Thank you, Colleen! My soul is always soothed by your playing!
- Helen A.
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Beautiful, fantastic, and creative playing!
- George Kostapoulos, composer
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