Pianist and composer Eric Genuis recently treated residents at the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center to two performances.

The performances at RCCWC were similar to the thousands of performances that Genuis has given around the world. He was accompanied by Jun Lee, a world-class cellist; Seung-ah Kim, a violinist; Jaeyeon Kim, a lyric soprano; and his daughter, Anastasia Genuis.

Genuis transformed the RCCWC conference room into an exceptional music experience with state-of-the-art sound equipment and spotlights.

“Prisons are void of beauty. I’m a firm believer that beauty elevates people’s humanity,” the musician said when asked why he performs at correctional facilities.

Genuis’ concerts combine music, inspirational reflections and humor to take the audience on a spiritual journey of loss, forgiveness, acceptance, self-reflection and hope.

Concerts for Hope, Genuis’ nonprofit organization, takes “Carnegie Hall” into prisons, VA hospitals, homeless shelters, and inner-city schools, anywhere music can uplift the human spirit. The reaction is most often spoken of as hope, especially by men and women in maximum-security prisons. Genuis never says “no” when asked to perform in these venues. RCCWC is the first correctional facility in Tennessee where Genuis has performed.

Genuis’s goal is to present music that is beautiful, inspirational, and moving to lift the audience’s humanity when he performs, he said. When people hear him, perhaps they will be able to feel a depth of their own dignity that they may not have felt before.

The concert featured songs exclusively written and composed by Genuis, whose style has been described as classical in form with a modern twist.

One of the few songs performed with lyrics was a song titled “Here I Am,” written for Genuis’ daughter, Anastasia. He wrote the song while in a hospital waiting room during Anastasia’s heart surgery when she was three months old. He and his wife didn’t think the baby would live. That surgery was performed over 20 years ago, and the family has since navigated life with Anastasia’s special needs, as she was born with Down’s Syndrome. Many with Down’s Syndrome have difficulty with speech due to articulation problems and low muscle tone, combined with other language difficulties. Anastasia sang the special song with all of her might and ended the last note to receive thunderous applause and a standing ovation. The lyrics portray the love and devotion of a father.

Now be still
When your back’s against the wall,
Victory there seems no hope at all
I’ll be your wings that soar so high,
this side of paradise.
Now be still until you’re strong;

Here I am
I’m your fire when it’s cold;
Here I am
I’m your guide when you lost your road;
I’m your armor in the fields of war
when the enemy storms the door;
Here I am forevermore.

After the concert, one unit was so moved that the group of residents immediately created a thank-you card for Anastasia.

A session with Genuis is meant to be more than a concert with piano pieces mechanically played; the audience is drawn in and engaged by hearing about the musician’s personal struggles and achievements. Genuis also shared the personal details of dealing with his son’s suicide while he was performing far from home. His son, who struggled with Asperger’s syndrome, a developmental disorder that is part of the autism spectrum disorder, considered him to be his only friend. He shared the heartbreak, guilt, and self-condemnation that plagued him during the difficult drive home as he rushed to get back to his family.

The RCCWC has been the stage for various award-winning musicians, vocalists, and guest speakers.

RCCWC Superintendent William C. Cope believes correctional programming plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety, and preparing incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration into society.

“Eric Genuis brought more than just music—he brought dignity, humanity, and a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of beauty and grace,” Cope said. “His performance will be remembered not just as an event but as a moment of true emotional and spiritual connection. We are incredibly grateful for his time, talent, and the kindness he shared with all in attendance.”

Genuis left his contact information behind as a resource for any of the residents who ever wanted to reach out to him or just needed to talk with someone.

Find more about Eric Genuis and the Concerts for Hope program at ericgenuis.com.