Richard Kogan, MD, Juilliard Trained Virtuoso Pianist Brings His Unique Performance on “Music, Madness & Creativity” To Northern California

Danville, CA, July 23, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Richard Kogan, MD, virtuoso pianist, is scheduled to play at Faye Spanos Concert Hall at the University of the Pacific in Stockton on the evening of September 15, 2006. This truly exceptional performance, titled “Music, Madness and Creativity,” will look at the life and works of one of the world’s great composers, Robert Schumann.

Dr. Kogan is a true Renaissance man, as he is both a psychiatrist and professional musician. He has a private practice in New York City, is the director of the Human Sexuality Program at Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, and gives concerts and combined lecture-piano performances throughout the world. The New York Times has described him as a “superb musician” whose playing is “eloquent and compelling.” Dr. Kogan has been fascinated by the interplay between mental illness and creativity for many years. Bipolar disorder, in particular, has been associated with moments of extreme creativity and musical accomplishments. Composers such as Beethoven, Schumann and Mozart are all thought to have suffered from this disorder; however, many believe they were able to compose their great works because of their disorder, not in spite of it.

Dr. Kogan’s performances are heralded across the country and around the world. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a unique and fascinating experience as we look into the mind and try to understand the link between music, madness, and creativity.

This performance is taking place in conjunction with a symposium on Juvenile-Onset Bipolar Disorder, which is being held on September 15th and 16th at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Both events are sponsored by Diablo Behavioral Healthcare NeuroScience Seminars and the UOP Benerd School of Education. For more information on either the concert or the symposium, and to purchase tickets, see www.dbhnss.com.

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