Montana’s world-renowned Grammy and Emmy-nominated pianist in a special Holiday concert that celebrates the spaciousness, beauty, and people of the western landscape. Phil’s musical career is as diverse and expansive as the Montana landscape he calls home. After graduating from Harvard University, Aaberg later moved to San Francisco to make pop and rock records. He played solo and in small combos in San Francisco blues clubs until joining The Elvin Bishop Band.
Aaberg later toured with Peter Gabriel and recorded with the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Rogers and Vince Gill. He began composing his own music seriously in 1985. Shortly after, he signed with Windham Hill Records and released the influential and critically-applauded solo album “High Plains,” which garnered him international acclaim. It was a solo piano suite that brought elements of blues, bluegrass, rock, and new music to his meditative compositions. It showcased his eclectic musical background. It was an immediate hit.
Aaberg has played with the Boston Pops, participated in the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival, premiered contemporary compositions with the Paul Dresher Ensemble, and performed on more than 200 albums and on PBS “All-American Jazz,” which also earned him an Emmy nomination. Another Emmy nomination followed in 2008 for his soundtrack for “Class C: The Only Game in Town,” produced by Montana PBS. Throughout his career, Aaberg has produced music that consistently translated Montana’s farms, ranches, and native cultures into “musical concepts” and has “forged a unique keyboard style that paints an audible portrait of his home state.”
Aaberg has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Montana Governor’s Award for the Arts, Montana Arts Council Artists Innovation Award, an honorary doctorate in music from Montana State University in
2013, the Montana Governor’s Humanities Award, and he was named Montana’s Treasured Artist in 2016. A pretty amazing guy to spend a Holiday evening with.
Sponsored by NorthWestern Energy, Christensen & Prezeau, PLLP, and Valley Bank
