Richard James Forde, MD, recently played in a piano master class at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on Feb. 7.

Forde is the son of Mrs. Mildred Forde, of Scotia Village, and the late Jack D. Forde. Three pianists were invited to play in the event, which was hosted by the Conservatory.

Jonathan Edward Mann, concert pianist and assistant professor of music at the University of Idaho, critiqued Forde's playing in front of a small audience in the Conservatory's Recital Hall. For his selection, Forde chose "Widmung" ("Dedication") by Schumann-Lizst. Later, Forde played the same selection in another recital at the Conservatory.

Forde studies piano and harpsichord as a special collegiate student.

On Jan. 25, Forde played at a benefit for the San Francisco Rotary Club, along with a number of other pianists. This recital was a fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco. The theme of the event was Spanish music and Spanish cuisine.

Forde grew up in Laurinburg and is a 1967 graduate of Laurinburg High School. Currently practicing psychiatry at Napa State Hospital in Napa, California, he makes his home in Yountville, California.