For Richard Abel, music is a balm that heals the soul's wounds. "It's as if I wanted to bring comfort to people with the help of music" he says. This is how he tries to share what is most precious to him with his audience. As instrumental pieces have no language barriers it is him the ideal universe way of reaching out.

He has a natural easygoing way of making contact with the audience when he is perfoming. He considers himself lucky to have this spontaneity. He knows how difficult it is, as an instrumentalist, to stay in intimate contact with the audience when he has to turn to his instrument and play.

Second only to music, he enjoys psychological and suspense films. He also favors crossword puzzles. He enjoys listening to cultured people juggle with words, as a musician would juggle with musical notes. He is fond of water-skiing and swimming. Despite having a very sweet tooth, he does watch what he eats. Richard Abel loves wide open spaces, science and culture in it's many forms, family gatherings and good documentaries. He has one brother, no sisters.

He enjoys laughing that is why he likes stand-up comics and considers himself lucky to have a brother who possesses a sharp wit. One of his most memorable moment was when he met with Liberace: "I was expecting the artist, the extravagant character that everyone know. I met a simple, warm-hearted manwho has a beautiful philosophy of life. Behind the character he presents on stage, hides a man and a generous artist, very humane and above all are. He has been a great source of motivation for me."

Richard Abel, a virtuoso requested by the greatest

Today, his talent and vitality, are known the world over. He played with the greatests, first parts of the Glenn Miler Orchestra's tour, also with the Broadway singer Barbara Cook. He also participated to the Miss China Gala without forgetting many concerts given in honor Prince Philipp (A high point of his career) and other political personalities such as the presidents of Costa Rica and Iceland, the former Canada's former General-Governor, the Honorable Jeanne Sauvé and the federal and provincial prime ministers. Instrumental music is without boundaries and when you know his verve and energy, you understand why he is asked for in every corner of the world.

Mister Showbizz

His philosophy regarding his career : "I want to enjoy what I do and do it sanely. I let my career guide me, where it leads I'll go. I hope to continue as long as possible with the best musicians, I am happiest on the stage." 54 years old, Richard Abel doesn't plan to stop. Quite the opposite in fact, in full control of his art, he plans to carry on having fun and pleasing his fans. With over 1 000 000 albums sold in Canada only, Richard Abel creates a real excitement and offers interpretations redefining classic conventions . Inspired by the amazing Liberace, he personnally met a few times at the beginning of his career, Richard Abel chose to be spectacular on stage by mixing humor and dexterity in unison. "Entertainer", Richard Abel has "showbizz" at the tips of his fingers. His perseverance and talent lead him on the greatest stages and he plans to follow this road!