Award-winning Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee will perform at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Saturday, February 28, at 7:30 pm, in a special performance celebrating the 150th anniversary of the State of Colorado and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The concert features music that blends classical piano tradition with the cultural heritage of the Navajo Nation, offering guests an evening of artistry rooted in both place and story.
Originally from Page, Arizona, Chee is widely known for blending his classical training with the musical traditions of his Diné heritage. His work is inspired by traditional Navajo chants and songs, reinterpreted through expressive and modern solo piano compositions. This distinctive musical voice has taken Chee to stages across the country and gained him national recognition.
Chee started piano lessons at age six and debuted at Carnegie Hall at just 12 after winning a gold medal in the World Piano Competition’s Young Artist Division. Since then, he has received multiple awards in the same competition, resulting in additional performances at Carnegie Hall and the United Nations, as well as international media coverage, including a CNN feature.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Chee has established a strong classical foundation while cultivating a deeply personal compositional style. His recording career features three studio albums of original works and piano transcriptions of Navajo music. His album The Navajo Piano earned Best Instrumental Recording at the 16th Annual Native American Music Awards, where he was also nominated for Best New Artist and Record of the Year.
His composition “Beginnings” won Best New Age Song.
Watch an inspiring composition video with Conner Chee:
Chee’s latest release, Scenes from Dinétah, features piano compositions inspired by Navajo life, landscapes, and cultural memory. The project includes a series of music videos shot on the Navajo Nation and directed by Navajo filmmaker Michael Etcitty Jr., creating a compelling visual and musical tribute to heritage and identity.
A voting member of The Recording Academy (GRAMMY® Awards), Chee continues to perform nationwide, sharing music that honors tradition while expanding the reach of contemporary classical expression. His upcoming Durango performance is a meaningful addition to the Colorado 150/250 celebration, reflecting the diverse voices and cultural stories that shape the region.
Tickets are $20. Purchase tickets for all Community Concert Hall events exclusively at DurangoConcerts.com to ensure authenticity and fair pricing. Beware of third-party resellers, as they may overcharge or sell invalid tickets.
For assistance, contact the Community Concert Hall Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:00–5:00 p.m., at 970-247-7657.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and financial and in-kind contributions from generous community members.