PIANO HEIST- KEYS ARE THE CHAMPIONS
February 21, 2027 @ 2:00 pm EST
PIANO HEIST- KEYS ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Lifelong friends, and colleagues, Nico Rhodes,and Patrick Courtin, shocked and appalled by the realization that piano just isn’t cool anymore, set off on a divine quest to redeem the keyboard and reinstate its reputation as the greatest instrument of ALL TIME! Armed with the music of the greatest composers, songwriters and performers of the past 300 years, and the technology of the 21st century. Nico and Patrick deliver everything from classical piano raptures to bombastic boogie woogie, from romantic piano ballads to 80’s keyboard synth battles in their show Piano Heist! What ensues isa mishmash of theatrical wonder, comedy, audience participation, heartfelt stories, a pinch of history, and a world of musical madness.
NICO RHODES is a genre jumping, multilingual musician who collaborates with other artists and artforms to experience and explore music in as many styles as possible. Growing up touring around the globe surrounded by artists and the world of theatre – he is equally comfortable playing jazz, classical, funk or roots music, orchestrating a symphony, writing musicals, and conducting choirs. He begins his day with an espresso and practicing his Japanese, the language he is currently embracing.
Nico is one of the most in demand young arranger/musical directors in Canada, with 40 stage musicals to his credit. He’s written 400 original compositions, four original musicals and arranged two symphonic pops concerts. He’s been nominated for two Jessie and five Ovation Awards and in 2019 was honoured with Nanaimo’s Emerging Cultural Leader Award. He composes for stage, screen, and media, collaborates with multiple choirs, plays with several jazz trios and tours in a duo with his mother, renowned chanteuse Joelle Rabu. In 2022 Nico created his dream show – Piano Heist and produced a series of four multi-artist multi-genre concerts entitled Chapters for The Port Theatre in Nanaimo B.C.
PATRICK COURTIN is a dynamic force in the music world, best known as one half of the innovative duo, Piano Heist. A talented pianist at heart, Patrick is also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, music director, and educator. His musical journey began with classical piano studies, which he later expanded by completing a degree in Jazz at Vancouver Island University.
With over two decades of experience, Patrick has made his mark as a music director for various musical theatre productions, contributed to recording sessions, and composed music for film and television. His performances have taken him on tours across Canada, the United States, and even to China, showcasing his versatility and passion for music.
Currently, Patrick serves as the Music Director at the renowned Barkerville Historic Town & Park in Wells,British Columbia. His eclectic musical background includes collaborations with silent film, opera singers,swing dancers, and historical theatre productions, highlighting his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse musical environments.
