French pianist to perform free of charge in NC

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Symphony contacted renowned French pianist Pascal Roge to cancel his performances because it couldn’t afford him.

Roge decided instead that he would perform for free, and the symphony is getting a bonus – Roge’s pianist wife, Ami.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that Roge is sandwiching unpaid performances Thursday in Southern Pines and Friday in Raleigh among his paid, world tour performances in cities such as London and Singapore.

The 58-year-old Roge says he made the gesture to help an orchestra that’s struggling financially. Like many orchestras nationwide, the N.C. Symphony has struggled with a sharp drop in contributions and season ticket subscriptions.

The symphony agreed to pick up the airfare from the couple’s home in New York and hotel expenses.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)