Pianist George Darden Dies Aged 70

Internationally acclaimed pianist and conductor George Darden, who grew up in Orangeburg County, has died. He was 70.

Born in Charleston, Darden grew up on his family’s farm on Hickory Hill Road and attended the Edisto district schools.

His career as a pianist took him throughout America, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Most notably, he performed at the Musikverein-Brahmssaal in Vienna, the Metropolitan Opera, the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico and the New York Philharmonic.

Darden also appeared in recitals and galas with artists including Placido Domingo, Renée Fleming, Dolora Zajick, Vinson Cole and Aprile Millo.