YSU series will feature pianist, composer
Trending
Staff report
Warren native Darrius Simmons, a pianist and composer, will be the guest for the next installment of Presidential Conversations at Youngstown State University.
Simmons was born with a genetic condition called ectrodactyly and has three fingers on his right hand and one finger on his left. He also was diagnosed with tibial hemimelia, a rare congenital lower-limb condition, and had both legs amputated below the knee at 18 months old.
At age 10, he decided to teach himself piano, practicing by ear with no formal training. Videos of his playing went viral online and caught the attention of South Korean pianist Yiruma, who invited him to perform onstage at Carnegie Hall in 2016. Simmons also is a trombonist and has performed with his high school's jazz and marching bands.
He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 2019 and went on to study piano performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston. His story and talent have been featured on NBC Nightly News, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Steve Harvey Show" and CNN.
YSU President Bill Johnson launched the Presidential Conversations series in March 2025 as a platform designed to foster meaningful dialogue and thought leadership across campus. The series features a variety of initiatives, including bringing renowned thought leaders to campus.
The program starts at noon Sept. 22 in Bliss Hall's Ford Theater. Admission is free.