LEWISTON — Pianist Jimmy Briere of Quebec, a prize winner at international competitions, will open this season’s Piano Series at the Franco-American Heritage Center on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The Franco center’s Piano Series will offer six concerts by world-class artists as well as rising stars.

Briere, who last appeared at the Franco center in January 2010, has had a busy summer schedule in Ontario and Quebec, performing solo and ensemble concerts and as a guest artist with l’Orchestre de la francophonie.

Among his credentials, Briere won the CBC Radio Competition for Young Performers in 2001 and was chosen by the Toradze Piano Institute at Indiana University in 2004 as one of the eight most promising North American pianists of his generation. He has played solo recitals and performed with chamber groups and symphony orchestras in Europe and Asia, as well as in North America. He has also participated in numerous festivals.

Briere, 36, is a member of Trio di Colore, Gold Medal winner at the 2004 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. His solo and ensemble performances have been broadcast by the CBC English and French radio networks and on Chicago’s WFMT-FM and Kol Hamusica in Israel.

His debut CD, released in September 2010 on the Canadian label Analekta, features classical works by Rota, Korngold and John Corigliano.

Briere knew early on that he wanted to become a concert pianist. He left home at age 17 to study at the University of Montreal, then at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto, followed by graduate study at Indiana University. He has taught at the University of Montreal since 2004, and has given master classes at the Orford Arts Centre and the Glenn Gould School.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the center at 46 Cedar St. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors; students admitted free. All seats reserved. Call 689-2000 or visit www.francocenter.org.

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