2009

Richard Abel recently taped a television special for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States. PBS is a network of over 350 TV stations who devote themselves to providing quality programming, free of violence and sex, including many educational programs and, among their other offerings, beautiful stage shows. These stations depend for their existence partly on donations from the public. Viewers make those donations during program specials like the one taped by Richard Abel (on the same principle as telethons).

Those in charge at PBS saw the DVD "Elegancia" that Richard recorded in 2005. They asked him if he would agree to redo it (as well as the CD) with certain enhancements: more dancers (24), more sets, more costumes, and above all that Richard do it in English. They also asked if he would agree to do some duos with artists known in the U.S. Richard accepted with pleasure, saying he would be honored. As a result, the new CD and DVD are being offered to people who make a donation to their station during broadcast of the show and will not be available on our site before next fall, since PBS demands exclusivity (which is completely normal) in order to encourage people to make donations and receive these recordings as a bonus. On the other hand, Richard Abel has recorded more than 15 albums and two DVDs that are not yet being distributed in the U.S. but are available through our on-line boutique (www.richardabel.ca).

2008

Richard Abel is releasing a new compilation album entitled Over 25 Years of Music. Reflecting the title, Richard is presenting 26 pieces spread out over two CDs as well as a 24-page booklet with lots of pictures. We see him on his grandmother’s piano bench, then as a teenager and in his “early years” with his parents. We also find him with many of the artists and personalities that have crossed his path in the course of his life: Connie Francis, Debbie Reynolds, Liberace, Michel Legrand and Prince Philip, to mention just these few. We hear that after seeing all these photos we’re left with the impression that we know Richard a little better…

Among the 26 pieces in this boxed set are three original works, including a wonderful discovery: “Chalamaya.” It’s not unknown for audiences to break into applause three or even four times when Richard performs it during a show!

2005

August the 31st, Richard launches his newest album "Elegancia". The many great waltzes performed on that album will delight all music lovers. During his show "A Great Viennese Evening" at the Bell Center on 0ctober the 16th, Richard will be playing music from this album as well as much more great waltzing and dancing music.

His video "Straight from the Heart" (from his "A Tribute to Canadian and Quebec Composers" album) goes rapidly from 9th to 3rd place on the "Bravo Canada" most popular clips chart and remains on that top 10 list for many weeks.

Richard's album "A Tribute to Canadian and Quebec Composers" is in nomination for Best Instrumental Album of the year at the ADISQ Gala. Winner of a FÉLIX for his album.

2004

In september, he gave us a duo album recorded with Francis Goya.

In Spring, Richard gave us his first DVD "Soirée Romantique avec Richard Abel" It's now a GOLD DVD.

His Album "L'Essentiel" is now a gold record.

2003

In the end of August, he gave us again another album: A double one with a music cd and a DVD. "L'Essentiel", an album with the most beautiful songs asked by his fans.

The album "Romance" will be available in China, Taïwan, Hong Kong, Macau. Richard is now an international artist.

2002

Later in the fall, Richard did the video clip "Tango to Evora" which will keep an important place at Musimax for awhile.

In september, he gave us his latest album: "ROMANCE" always in third or fourth place in sales. A soft and romantic album

2001

His album "Inspiration Classique" is in December winner of a Platinum record for more than 100 000 copies sold in Canada.

At the "Gala de l'ADISQ", winner of a FÉLIX for his album "Inspiration Classique"

January 17th, his album "Inspiration Classique" is certified gold

2000

November 7th: Richard Abel launches his album " Inspiration Classique", which displays the richness of his classical music talent and captures him at his emotional best.

October 17th: A brilliant Deluxe box set is put on the market. The " Richard Abel Live" album as well as its dazzling videocassette version enabling you to acknowledge and enjoy Richard Abel's greatest musical talent and to understand how this charismatic performer is able to capture the heart of his audience.

September 13th, Richard went in Europe. The Prague Philarmonic Orchestra was expecting him to record his latest album. This time, Richard proposes his Fans a classical music album.

Hommage for 20 years of Carreer (on IMAX screen) under the presidency of the honorable Lise Thibault, Québec's Lieutenant Governor.

Concerts Tour "Richard Abel 20 years already Grand Orchestra (St-Denis, CNA, Capitole, Salle Thompson, Salle André Mathieu...) All sold out.

1999

Sale of the videocassette and the album "Richard Abel live"

1998

Sale of the double album "Richard Abel, Les grands succès" Top 10 seller Album in Québec.

1997

Album "Instrumental memories, vol 2"

Sold out concert at the Montréal's Théâtre St-Denis.

Invited Artist at the" Miss China Gala " Aired in Canada on Express Vu and Star Choice and in Hong Kong.

1996

November and December : the album ¨Pour le Plaisir volume 2¨ is certified gold 3 weeks after going on sale and publication of his first book of music sheets.

September :Mini concert tour in Europe(Turkey, former U .S.S.R. , Ukraine and Greece).

July : He was the first act of the ¨Glenn Miller Orchestra¨ at the Montréal Place des Arts, Salle Wilfrid Pelletier.

May : Platinum record (126,000 copies sold in Canada)

February : Mini concert tour (13 shows) in U.S.A. First act of the Broadway singer ; Barbara Cook(Phantom of the Opera,Cats,etc…).

1995

December : Golden Record (The album¨Pour Le Plaisir )

Nomination at the Juno Awards in the Instrumentalist of the year category.

1994

Sale of his fifth album "Pour le plaisir vol 1"

1992

At the "Gala de l'ADISQ", winner of a FÉLIX

Played at the wedding of Lady Jeanne Sauvé's son at Rideau Hall

State diner with Iceland president invited by the former Canada's Governor, the Hon. Jeanne Sauvé.

State diner with Costa Rica's President (invited by Mr. Mulroney)

Private concert in honor of Prince Philipp, Duke of Edimbourg ( After having seen Richard Abel at the Centre National des Arts, the Prime minister's office decided to offer such a show during the prince's visit in Québec)

1991

Nomination at the "Gala de l'ADISQ" for instrumental Album of the year.

His third album "Noël au piano" goes on sale

1990

Launch of the album ¨Melodies¨

Nomination at the ¨Gala de l'ADISQ¨.

For television : One musical piece for the serie : ¨He shoots, he scores¨ solo for the second album.

1989

Participation on three one hour specials on Radio-Canada for the show¨ les Démons du midi" and also a participation on five regular tv shows.

Prestation on tv show ¨Ad Lib¨ to promote his show at the Place des Arts.

Seven participations on the programm "De bonne humeur", one in particular to launch his second album, "Melodies".

1989-1988

Tour in three of the great showrooms and important cities with his "COUP DE MAÎTRE" :

October 1989, Grand Théâtre de Québec

March 1989, Centre National des Arts à Ottawa

December 1988, Place des Arts

1988

Launch of his first album "Richard Abel, Enfin...

1984

His third record "45 rpm vinyl" including "Island Fantasy" and "Bumble Boogie".

1982

Came out his second record "45 rpm vinyl" including "Yesterday's Melody" and "Carnival Stroll".

1980

Richard Abel's first "45 rpm vinyl" was recorded with Clin d'oeil" and "Thaïs".