The Musician Behind Disneyland’s ‘Tomorrowland’ Returns to Grand Junction

You are invited to a free presentation featuring Craig Knudsen, the man whose unparalleled musical accomplishments include performances at Carnegie Hall, 30-years experience in the high-tech music industry, an in-depth knowledge of software engineering for music instruments, and the honor of being the artist behind Disneyland's new $15 million renovation of "Tomorrowland."

Recently, Knudsen created two shows for Disneyland's renovation of Tomorrowland's "Hall of the Future" using Yamaha instruments. According to Yamaha's website, Knudsen is "one of Yamaha's top innovators in the area of music software and technology."

During his performance next Thursday at the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, Knudsen will demonstrate what he refers to as "reproducing piano," the ability to remotely connect and sync one piano to another from anywhere in the world via the internet. During his demonstration, Knudsen will also demonstrate how a piano can be played remotely via an iPhone or iPad. This amazing technology was recently demonstrated by Elton John from the Hyperion Theater at Disney's California Adventure theme park. Elton John's performance was shared live on a global scare with remote pianos synced to his from locations around the world.

According to Knudsen, his work in music technology is "a unique way to change the relationship people have with their instruments." Knudsen says, "a gallop poll shows 90% of people wish they could play piano." He adds, "only 7% are successful as active music makers."

Knudsen is coming to Grand Junction on Thursday, April 11th, for a Yamaha Clavinova Interactive Showcase sponsored by Western Colorado's very own Hart Music. The event is held in conjunction with Colorado Mesa University's Festival for Creative Pianists. The event gets underway at 7:30 in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.