Rick Sowash, Composer, Author, Publisher, Storyteller, Filmmaker

For the past twenty years Rick Sowash has earned most of his living by weaving the history, geography and folklore of his native Ohio into books which he writes, publishes and markets himself.

His books include Ripsnorting Whoppers: A Book of Ohio Tall Tales,
Critters, Flitters and Spitters: 24 Amazing Ohio Animal Tales and
Heroes of Ohio: 23 True Tales of Courage and Character.

Rick is also a filmmaker, having written, produced and starred in two documentaries:
“Johnny Appleseed” and “Storytelling Know-how for Teachers, Preachers & Speechifiers.”

But Rick’s true calling is the composition of classical music. He publishes sheet music and produces CD recordings of his 400+ compositions.

In earlier years, he supported his family in a variety of other ways: he has been an elected public official, an arts administrator, a radio broadcaster, an innkeeper and a church musician.

A storyteller/speaker all along and today an increasingly recognized composer, Rick has made thousands of appearances before audiences large and small.

Rick’s music was featured in the film score for Florentine Films’ documentary, “Ohio: 200 Years,” broadcast on Ohio’s public television stations. His clarinet quintet was premiered in Paris in 1996 and Rick attended, making a short speech, in French. His chamber works won acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2003. His cello concerto was premiered in Carnegie Hall in April of ‘07. His newest major work, Concerto in Bb for Clarinet and Orchestra, was premiered in Cincinnati in April of '08 and will receive its European premiere in a performance by the St. Petersburg Symphony next June.

Rick lives in Cincinnati with his wife Jo. They have two children: Shenandoah and John Chapman.

More information: www.sowash.com.