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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T190000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260411T144326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T180528Z
UID:309455-1777312800-1777316400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:WDCB Live Broadcast | Celebrating International Jazz Day with Robert Irving III
DESCRIPTION:Robert Irving III\, an interdisciplinary artist\, completes a distinguished lineage of post-bop pianists/composers who collaborated with the legendary Miles Davis. At age 26\, Irving’s composition “Space” initiated the 1981 comeback of Davis and their prolific nine-year collaboration. Irving produced two award winning Columbia Record albums for Davis\, “Decoy” and “You’re Under Arrest\,” while adding to his arranging/orchestration credentials by studying with Gil Evans\, who decades earlier had famously arranged some of Miles Davis’ most celebrated recordings. \nIrving has created several film scores\, most notably Alfred Hitchcock Presents The Prisoner’s starring Yaphet Kotto and Cristina Raines (uncredited)\, Street Smart (the last film of Christopher Reeve and the first film of Morgan Freeman) and Scenes For the Soul\, the debut film of Director\, George Tillman (Soul Food). Irving has produced five Grammy Award nominated projects while working closely with Terri Lyne Carrington\, Carlos Santana\, Wayne Shorter\, Patrice Rushen\, Diane Reeves\, Grover Washington Jr\, Nancy Wilson\, Branford Marsalis\, Regina Carter\, Roy Ayers\, and many other greats; also serving as Musical Director for The Last Poets\, Dr. Donald Byrd and Sister Sledge. \nIrving Co-founded the Sonic Portraits Entertainment label in 2007 which was re-branded in 2017 as Sonic Portraits Jazz. In 2009 the Jazz Institute/Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs commissioned Irving to create the orchestral suite\, “Sketches of Brazil” prompting the formation of his 33-member Sonic Portraits Orchestra. The suite premiered August 13\, 2009 with 12\,500 fans in attendance at Chicago’s Millennium Park. Chicago Tribune music critic\, Howard Reich wrote about the piece\, “Extraordinarily ambitious… a tour-de-force of orchestral writing.” On December 9\, 2018\, Irving premiered a commissioned composition featuring his Sonic Portraits Orchestra Youth Division in the performance of Sound Pictures of A Century the Living Legacy of Timuel D. Black. Professor Black\, who mentored Harold Washington and Barack Obama\, also brought Martin Luther King to Chicago for the first time. \nIn 2020 Irving formed Ri3 Reels Corporation NFP and Chi Worldview Studio LLC towards the development and production of Documentary films with the initial focus being seminal Chicago born and/or based musicians. He has produced and edited music videos for over a decade. \nIrving is Musical Director of the Miles Electric Band featuring Miles Davis alums. Irving states\, “This band does not pay tribute to Miles\, but rather\, it extends his legacy.” \nIrving\, who has worked as a art director and columnist for an internationally distributed magazine magazine and exhibited globally as a visual artist\, garnered the Cover Story/Interview Nov/Dec 2016 Issue Chicago Jazz Magazine. He is the recipient of two Lifetime Achievement Awards; from Chicago Music Awards 2015 and from the Jazz Institute Chicago on October 26\, 2018. He has served as a professional mentor for the latter organization for over 15-years. \nhttps://robertirvingiiimusic.com/bio-page/ \n  \nPresented by WDCB 90.9 FM\, Chicago’s Home for Jazz! \n 
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/wdcb-live-broadcast-celebrating-international-jazz-day-with-robert-irving-iii
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260126T011145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T011145Z
UID:309245-1777230000-1777235400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Interior Visions Part II - Late Music of Schubert for Two and Four Hands | Matthew Hagle and Mio Isoda-Hagle\, piano
DESCRIPTION:Program: \nAll by Franz Schubert \nPiano Sonata in A major\, D.664 \n“Lebensstürme”\, Allegro in A minor\, D. 947 \nPiano Sonata in A major\, D. 959 \n  \nPianist Matthew Hagle is a musician of great versatility and depth\, whose performances are a rare mixture of  musical understanding\, imaginative programming\, pianistic command and beauty of sound. In solo performance  he often tries to shed new light on the piano repertoire\, using thoughtful programming and committed  performance to present lesser-known works and to illuminate the traditional canon. In a more conventional  vein\, he has also performed all of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas and the complete later pieces of Brahms in live  radio recitals. Mr. Hagle is also highly valued as a collaborator by many other artists. With violinist Rachel  Barton Pine\, he has released three acclaimed CDs on the Cedille label\, and performed many recitals in North  and South America. His piano duo performances with Mio Isoda-Hagle have been highlights of the annual  Chicago Duo Piano Festival. Other chamber music partners have been the Parker Quartet\, the Avalon Quartet\,  Quintet Attacca\, and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. \nMatthew Hagle has been heard in concert halls throughout the United States\, including the National Gallery of  Art and Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.\, Symphony Space in New York\, and in concert at the United  States Supreme Court. Outside of the U.S.\, he has performed at venues in England\, Canada\, Brazil\, Australia  and Japan. A resident of the Chicago area\, Hagle performs frequently at local spaces including the Ravinia  Festival\, Symphony Center\, and the Chicago Cultural Center. Mr. Hagle can often be heard on radio station  WFMT in Chicago\, and has also been heard on NPR’s Performance Today and Minnesota Public Radio’s St.  Paul Sunday Morning programs. Among others\, the New York Times has described him as “a sensitive pianist”\,  Clavier Magazine praised the “rare clarity and sweetness”of his playing\, and the Springfield (MA.) Republican  remarked that he “played with unaffected brilliance and profound understanding.” Mr. Hagle’s performance of  Elliott Carter’s Piano Sonata in the Sydney International Piano Competition received special notice and  favorable commentary in Australian national radio’s coverage of the competition. \nMr. Hagle is a dedicated teacher of piano\, music theory\, and composition\, whose students have won high honors  in local and national competitions and gone on to study music at some of the country’s finest music schools. He  is currently on the faculty of the Music Institute of Chicago\, where he is director of the Musicianship program  in addition to his teaching duties. In addition\, he has taught at the University of Notre Dame and at Elmhurst  College. His own studies were with Robert Weirich and Donald Currier at the Peabody Conservatory\, with  Claude Frank at the Yale School of Music (where he received the DMA)\, and with Maria Curcio Diamand in  London as a Fulbright Scholar. A comfortable speaker on diverse musical subjects\, Mr. Hagle likes to use this  ability to draw connections between very new and older music\, or between music and other art forms. In his  spare time he likes to read on a variety of subjects\, to try to learn Japanese\, and to spend time with his wife and  two children. \n  \nMio Isoda-Hagle has been heard in concerts as soloist and chamber musician  throughout her native Japan\, United States\, France\, Belgium\, and England.  Mio’s studies were at the Juilliard School\, Tokyo National University of Fine  Arts and Music\, Conservatoire National Superieur de Danse et de Musique  de Paris\, where she received the Premier Prix in 1991\, and the Mannes  College of Music\, where she completed her Master’s Degree as a student of  Jacob Lateiner. Her other teachers have been Yasuko Nakayama\, Reiko  Sakai\, Takashi Yamazaki\, Germaine Mounier\, Gerard Fremy\, and Maria  Curcio Diamand. She has been a laureate of the Senigallia and “Les Grand  Maitres Francais” international competitions. Mio teaches at the Merit  School of Music in Chicago\, and performs by herself\, in chamber music\, and  as a duo with her husband\, Matthew Hagle.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/interior-visions-part-ii-late-music-of-schubert-for-two-and-four-hands-matthew-hagle-and-mio-isoda-hagle-piano
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260213T155831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T160115Z
UID:309301-1776972600-1776978000@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Claire Huangci: Live in Concert  (Supporting Sharing Notes)
DESCRIPTION:Sharing Notes is proud to present a piano recital by internationally acclaimed pianist Claire Huangci \nConcert will begin at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 7:00 pm.\nClaire’s program will have an American focus featuring works by Amy Beach\, Florence Price\, and George Gershwin combined with some European classics.\nAll ticket sales will directly support Sharing Notes\, a Chicago-based non-profit that brings live music directly into hospitals and senior living facilities.\nSeating is limited and is by advance purchase only.\n  \nAmerican pianist Claire Huangci continuously captivates audiences with her “radiant virtuosity\, artistic sensitivity\, keen interactive sense and subtle auditory dramaturgy” (Salzburger Nachrichten). \nWith an irrepressible curiosity and penchant for unusual repertoire\, she proves her versatility with a wide rangeof repertoire spanning from Bach and Scarlatti via German and Russian romanticism to Bernstein\, Amy Beach\, and Barber. \nIn solo recitals and with international orchestras\, Claire Huangci has appeared in some of the most prestigious halls such as Carnegie Hall\, Suntory Hall Tokyo\, Paris Philharmonie\, Frankfurt Alte Oper\, Dortmund Konzerthaus\, Munich Prinzregententheater\, Hamburg Elbphilharmonie\, Berlin Philharmonie\, Vienna Konzerthaus\, and Salzburg Festspielhaus. She is a welcome guest of renowned festivals including the Lucerne Festival\, Rheingau Musik Festival and Klavier Festival Ruhr. Her esteemed musical partners include the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg\, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra\, Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich\, Musikkollegium Winterthur\, Munich Chamber Orchestra and Basel Chamber Orchestra\, together with Carl St. Clair\, Elim Chan\, Michael Francis\, Howard Griffiths\, Pietari Inkinen\, Jun Märkl\, Cornelius Meister\, Sir Roger Norrington\, Eva Ollikainen\, Alexander Shelley and Mario Venzago. \nBorn in Rochester New York\, Claire displayed an early penchant for piano and was invited to the White House in 1999. She studied with Gary Graffman and Eleanor Sokoloff at the Curtis Institute of Music before moving to Hannover for further studies with Arie Vardi. She rose to international prominence with top prizes at several major competitions\, including European and US Chopin competitions\, ARD Music Competition\, Geza Anda Competition\, and Grand Prix of the Paris Play Direct Academy. Since then she has led a number of orchestras in various concerto repertoire. \nClaire has released more than 12 CD recordings on the Alpha Classics\, BBC Orchestra\, Berlin Classics\, and Capriccio labels. \n  \nThis program made possible by a generous donation by Nicholas and Susan Yasillo. \nSharing Notes is a Chicago-based non-profit that brings joy and comfort to hospital and assisted living facility patients\, their support networks and facility staff through a dedicated group of over 170 professional & pre-professional locally-based musicians who are passionate about sharing the healing power of music. For more information about Sharing Notes\, visit our website. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/claire-huangci-live-in-concert-supporting-sharing-notes
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260320T145957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T145957Z
UID:309404-1776886200-1776891600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Markus Rutz & Third Coast Sounds
DESCRIPTION:April is Jazz Appreciation Month—come catch a vibe with Markus Rutz & Third Coast Sounds! \nFree entry (yes\, really)—thanks to the Chicago Federation of Musicians and Music Performance Trust Fund. \nStep into a spring night filled with smooth grooves\, bluesy riffs\, and swing that moves you. We’re bringing brand-new original tunes\, jazz classics\, and the kind of melodies you didn’t know you missed. \nPull up with your crew\, bring your energy\, and hang where the music feels just right.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/markus-rutz-third-coast-sounds-2
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260125T202300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T164716Z
UID:309242-1776540600-1776546000@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:From Romanticism to Rhapsody | Greg Hartmann
DESCRIPTION:Featuring Franz Liszt’s epic and monumental Sonata in B minor as well George Gerswhin’s iconic and quintessentially American Rhapsody in Blue. \n  \nProgram: \nFantasy in C minor\, K. 475\, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) \nRhapsody in Blue\, by George Gershwin (1898–1937) (Solo transcription by the composer) \nSonata in B minor\, S. 178\, by Franz Liszt (1811–1886) \n  \nPianist Greg Hartmann is a rising star in the classical music world\, with performances in recent seasons across America and Europe. Greg holds an Artist Diploma from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as well as a doctorate in piano from the City University of New York. Greg has won first prize in the 2023 Knoxville International Piano Competition\, first prize in the 2018 Memphis International Piano Competition\, second prize in the top division of the 2021 Schubert Club Scholarship Competition\, third prize in the 2021 William Knabe International Piano Competition\, third prize in the 2019 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition\, and third prize in the 2018 High Point University Piano Competition\, among others. He has performed concerti with the New Albany Symphony Orchestra\, Rochester Symphony\, Lakeshore Wind Ensemble\, Concord Chamber Orchestra\, and Waukesha Area Chamber Orchestra. Greg wrote his doctoral dissertation on the intersection between performance and music theory\, with a particular emphasis on Schenkerian analysis\, rhythm and meter\, and phrase-level form.  Also an accomplished composer\, Greg won the 2018 Paula Nelson-Guenther Young Composer Competition with his orchestral work Requiem for a Memory: Nocturne for Orchestra\, and in recent seasons has conducted the world premieres of two of his orchestral works\, Spark (2022)\, and Cloudburst (2023). Greg has participated in music festivals including the Aspen Music Festival and School\, Pianofest in the Hamptons\, the Bowdoin International Music Festival\, the Sejong International Music Festival\, Euro Music Festival and Academy\, and the Gijón International Piano Festival. In his free time\, Greg enjoys tennis\, running\, and ping pong.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/greg-hartmann-solo-piano-recital
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260312T172109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T172139Z
UID:309381-1776454200-1776459600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Hearing Around Corners
DESCRIPTION:Steve Million is a pianist\, composer\, and arranger from Chicago\, by way of NTSU (Denton\, TX)\, Kansas City and New York. Steve has led countless projects\, resulting in recordings as a leader (Million to One\, Thanks A Million\, Truth Is\, Poetic Necessities\, Mood Point\, Live in Racine\, Remembering the Way Home)\, as well as JazzWords with singer Sarah Marie Young; What I Meant to Say with guitarist Steve Cardenas; and Perfectly Spaced with jazz violinist Mark Feldman. Steve has also performed and recorded locally and abroad with jazz luminaries including Chris Potter\, Randy Brecker\, Dick Oatts\, Seve Cardenas\, Michael Moore\, Ron Vincent and Mark Feldman.” \n  \n \nHoward Levy\, two-time Grammy Award Winner (Pop Music Performance and Instrumental Composition) is an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica\, a superb pianist\, innovative composer\, educator and producer. At the age of 19\, he discovered how to play the diatonic harmonica as a fully chromatic instrument by developing techniques on it that had never existed before. This enabled Howard to take the harmonica out of its usual role as a Folk and Blues instrument\, and into the worlds of Jazz\, Classical\, Middle Eastern music\, and more. His discovery unlocked infinite possibilities for the harmonica world. \nAt home in many musical styles\, he is a favorite with audiences worldwide and a recording artist sought after by Kenny Loggins\, Dolly Parton\, Paquito D’Rivera\, Styx\, Donald Fagen\, Paul Simon\, and many others. Howard has appeared on hundreds of CD’s and several movie soundtracks\, most prominently on A Family Thing with Robert Duval and James Earl Jones. \nHoward has released 20 albums under his own name\, capturing his versatility and innovation as a musician and composer. His solo album Alone and Together and his trio album Tonight and Tomorrow both received 4-star reviews in DownBeat. Howard also recorded a classical CD featuring his Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica and Orchestra—the first true concerto composed for the instrument. His recent composition\, Eastern European Harmonica and Piano Concerto for Single Soloist\, is set to premiere in 2026. \nAs an educator\, Howard has taught at leading universities and conservatories\, and online for TrueFire/ArtistWorks. His revolutionary technique books “Rhythms of the Breath Vol.1&2” are the first of their kind to apply drum rudiments to harmonica breathing patterns\, enlightening players around the world. \nHoward tours as a solo artist\, with Trio Globo\, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones\, and his band\, The Howard Levy 4. \n  \nSarah Marie Young is an award winning (Montreux Jazz Competition\, Thelonious Monk Competition) singer\, songwriter and musician. She has been featured with Postmodern Jukebox\, Playing For Change’s “Skin Deep” video with Buddy Guy\, and has played festivals all over Europe and Brazil. With seven albums out\, Sarah also sings with the acoustic group\, The Oh Yeahs\, and is a songwriter for the Story Jam storytelling series. In 2020\, she began producing her own children’s music show\, Sarah’s Music Room for the National YMCA\, and released two children’s EPs in 2021. Her holiday album “The Most Wonderful Time” was released in 2022. Sarah’s newest EP\, “Drive Across the Country” was released in summer of 2025 coinciding with her Chicago Jazz Festival performance on The Pritzker Pavilion stage. Sarah is also the leader of Chicago’s premier event band Rendezvous. \n  \nEmma Taylor is a bassist\, vocalist\, and educator based in Chicago. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign\, Emma studied Jazz Performance under the direction of Larry Gray. Emma has played with renowned musicians such as Brian Lynch\, Carl Allen\, Derrick Gardner\, Gary Smulyan\, Tito Carrillo\, Troy Roberts\, Jim Pugh\, Joel Spencer\, and Ben Markley. Aside from playing in the US\, Emma has also toured in Argentina\, Brazil\, Chile\, Cuba\, and Mexico—most recently completing a two week-long residency performing and teaching classes in Brazil at the Federal University of Uberlândia.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/hearing-around-corners
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pianofortechicago_concerto300dpiSTAMPA-scaled.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260414T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260414T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260322T162335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T162722Z
UID:309418-1776193200-1776198600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Francesco Cafiso & Joe Block Duo
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an exciting jazz night at PianoForte\, with the music of Francesco Cafiso and Joe Block. \nAs the concert unfolds\, from the very first to the last note played by Cafiso and Block\, a deep sense of mutual understanding clearly emerges. Creativity\, emotion\, and a touch of artistic madness arise naturally from two musicians who share the same musical language. \nThe Duo’s repertoire draws both from Cafiso’s original works and from a selection of jazz standards. With his warm\, lyrical tone\, Cafiso deconstructs melodies\, crafting solos of remarkable originality and creativity Block provides his partner with a rich sonic tapestry\, shaping melodic lines on the piano within a sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic framework\, while never relinquishing his own distinct solo voice. The result is a dialogue of the highest artistic level between two outstanding musicians\, confirming the vitality and enduring prestige of jazz today. \n  \nThe concert is part of the initiatives presented for International Jazz Day 2026. \nIn November 2011\, the United Nations Educational\, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. \nIn 2026 the city of Chicago was selected to host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026. For over a century\, Chicago has been a jazz mecca. As early as the 1920s\, jazz musicians sailed up the Mississippi from New Orleans and found the city to be a creative hub. Jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong\, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton made their names in the city\, developing the “Chicago style” of jazz. This style valued solos\, improvisation\, big band arrangements and a faster\, more rhythmic sound\, bringing instruments like the saxophone to the fore. Today\, Chicago continues to celebrate its heritage through the Chicago Jazz Festival and iconic venues such as the Green Mill and the Jazz Showcase\, founded 75 years ago. \nFor International Jazz Day 2026\, Chicago will also host a series of other jazz concerts\, educational initiatives\, discussions and events for audiences of all ages\, in partnership with the Chicago Jazz Alliance\, the Ravinia Festival\, the City of Chicago\, the Illinois Arts Council\, the State of Illinois and others. \n  \nJoe Block has ascended to be one of the premier pianists\, composers\, and bandleaders working in music today. Born and raised in Philadelphia\, Block began his musical journey playing classical piano at 2. In middle school\, he began regularly studying at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts and the Kimmel Center’s Creative Music Program while soaking in the city’s rich jazz scene. Block now resides in New York City and is a graduate of the Columbia-Juilliard dual-degree program (BA ’21 and MM ‘22) where he studied with Geoffrey Keezer\, Marc Cary\, Ted Rosenthal\, and Frank Kimbrough. \nBlock captures the most special moments and feelings of humanity through his music and compositions. He has played with musicians including Wynton Marsalis\, Kurt Rosenwinkel\, and Leslie Odom Jr. and at venues such as Carnegie Hall\, Lincoln Center\, the Apollo Theater\, and the Village Vanguard. He has been nationally recognized as a YoungArts Foundation Finalist\, a Jazz at Lincoln Center J. Douglas White Award winner\, and has played on Orrin Evans’ Grammy-nominated album\, “The Intangible Between”. \nHailed by Jazz at Lincoln Center as one of “jazz’s most promising young composers”\, Block is a regular arranger for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He also writes for the Wynton Marsalis Septet\, the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra\, Grace Kelly\, Kenny Overton\, and the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. In April 2023\, he served as the musical director and pianist for Internationally Ellington\, a Jazz at Lincoln center concert celebrating Duke’s international repertoire featuring drummer Herlin Riley. \nIn the summer of 2023\, he performed at the Village Vanguard with the Kurt Rosenwinkel Quintet and at the Marciac Jazz Festival with the Wynton Marsalis Septet. Most recently\, he was named a finalist in the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition. \nBlock is the co-founder and leader of the Philadelphia Ambassador Big Band as well as the Joe Block Quintet\, where he regularly performs his original compositions. He has taught over 30 students\, carrying forward the rich culture of mentorship he was surrounded with. \nhttps://www.joeblockmusic.com/ \n  \nFrancesco Cafiso was barely nine years old when he took his first steps on the stage\, working with musicians of international acclaim.  \nSince then\, Francesco has gone on to perform with a dizzying array of the biggest names in jazz\, including Hank Jones\, Dave Brubeck\, Cedar Walton\, Mulgrew Miller\, Jimmy Cobb\, Ben Riley\, Ray Drummond\, Lewis Nash\, James Williams\, Joe Lovano\, Christian McBride\, George Mraz\, Kenny Wheeler\, Gonzalo Rubalcaba\, Enrico Rava\, and Stefano Bollani\, to name but a few. \nA decisive moment in Francesco’s career came in 2002\, when he met Wynton Marsalis at the Pescara Jazz Festival\, in Italy. Amazed by what he heard from the thirteen-year-old\, Marsalis invited Francesco to join his septet in Europe the following year on a tour that included some of the most prestigious theaters in Europe. From that moment on\, Francesco’s career took off\, both in Italy and abroad. He won various important prizes: the Massimo Urbani National Award in Urbisaglia\, the EuroJazz Award in Lecco\, the International Jazz Festivals Organization Award in New York\, the World Saxophone Competition in London\, and the Django d’Or in Rome amongst many others. \nIn search of new experiences\, musical styles and genres\, Francesco then traveled to New Orleans\, where he played with Ellis Marsalis and many other important local musicians. In 2004\, he was featured as a special guest at Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival. In the 2005 edition of Swing Journal\, the authoritative Japanese jazz music magazine\, he was presented with the New Stars Award: a prize reserved for emerging foreign talents. The same year\, he was awarded the “Best New Talent” in the Top Jazz charts of the Italian magazine\, “Musica Jazz”. In 2006\, Francesco graduated from the Musical Institute Vincenzo Bellini in Catania with a Diploma in Transverse Flute. In 2008\, Francesco took on the role of Artistic Director at the Vittoria Jazz Festival\, in his native city; a role which he continues to fulfill today. On January 19\, 2009\, he performed in Washington DC during the celebrations in honor of President Barak Obama for Martin Luther King Jr Day. On July 17\, 2009\, the Umbria Jazz Foundation named Francesco “Ambassador of Italian Jazz Music Around the World.”  In 2012\, he arranged “Don’t Stop”: the music used in an ongoing commercial for ENI Station. In 2010\, he obtained a Masters Degree in Jazz at the Corelli Conservatory of Messina. Soon after\, he was featured in the “Best of Italian Jazz” festival at the Shanghai Expo in China. In July 2012\, he was invited to perform in London for the Summer Olympics\, at the headquarters of “Casa Italia” in the presence of the Italian Ambassador in London and of the leaders of CONI (the Italian National Olympic Committee). In September of the same year\, during an extended stay in the USA\, he held a series of saxophone master classes at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In June 2013\, at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consulate General of Philadelphia\, in collaboration with the American Secretary of State John Kerry\, Francesco represented Italy during the celebrations for the “Year of Italian Culture” in the United States. On February 20\, 2014\, Francesco received the “Grand Award of Merit” from the “American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit” in New York\, on behalf of the many Sicilian musicians that have contributed to the development of jazz music throughout the world. In March 2015\, Francesco’s ambitious work entitled “3” was released (Alfredo Lo Faro Productions). It consists of three albums\, each unique in their own right: “La Banda”\, “Contemplation” and “20 Cents per Note”. The three albums see Francesco in the role of composer\, arranger\, and performer. In 2016\, Francesco created and launched his own jazz record label\, named “EFLAT Records”. In 2017\, Francesco recorded the album “We Play For Tips” at the Vittoria Jazz Festival\, which was released in 2018 on his record label\, EFLAT Records\, obtaining widespread acclaim and recognition from specialized critics. In 2019\, Francesco returned to the recording studio with the infamous London Symphony Orchestra\, giving life to his project “Irene of Boston – Conversation avec Corto Maltese”\, which was released in 2020. On December 27\, 2022\, Sergio Mattarella\, the President of the Italian Republic\, knighted Francesco with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. The decree\, coming directly from Mattarella himself\, is the highest recognition the President of the Republic can confer. On May 19\, 2023\, Francesco received a graduate Artist’s Diploma in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School of New York. ​In 2024\, the website JazzTokyo selected Francesco’s concert held at the Italian Institute of Culture of Tokyo as the best performance of the year. \nFrancesco continues to perform throughout the world with various musical ensembles under his own direction. \nhttps://www.francescocafisomusic.com/ \n  \nPresented by the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/francesco-cafiso-joe-block-duo
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/italian-institute-april-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260411T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260411T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260222T173259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T173259Z
UID:309319-1775934000-1775939400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Pavel Nersessian | Piano Recital
DESCRIPTION:Internationally acclaimed pianist Pavel Nersessian presents a program spanning Romantic lyricism and impressionistic color\, featuring Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words\, Schubert’s Impromptus\, Fauré’s Sicilienne\, and Ravel’s virtuosic masterpiece Gaspard de la nuit. This intimate recital offers a rare opportunity to experience his distinctive artistry in a close concert setting. \n  \nProgram \nMendelssohn — Six Songs Without Words\, Op. 67 \nSchubert — Impromptus\, Op. 90 (Nos. 2–4) \nMendelssohn — Rondo capriccioso\, Op. 14 \nFauré — Sicilienne\, from Pelléas et Mélisande\, Op. 80 \nRavel — Gaspard de la nuit \n  \nPavel Nersessian is regarded as one of the most refined pianists of his generation. A graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory\, where he studied with Sergei Dorensky\, he joined the Conservatory faculty upon graduating with highest honors and worked closely with an extraordinary circle of pianists\, including Nikolai Lugansky\, Denis Matsuev\, and Olga Kern. \nA prizewinner of major international competitions\, Nersessian received First Prize at the Dublin International Piano Competition in 1991. He has appeared in major cultural centers worldwide — including London\, Paris\, Vienna\, Tokyo\, Seoul\, New York\, and Beijing — and has collaborated with leading orchestras\, conductors\, and ballet companies such as the Kirov and Bolshoi Theatres. Since 2013\, he has served as Professor of Piano at Boston University and regularly gives masterclasses internationally. \nAcross a wide range of repertoire\, his interpretations often move beyond conventional expectations. Meticulous in detail yet expansive in atmosphere\, he draws from the piano a sound of unusual beauty and strength\, opening new dimensions of the instrument’s expressive possibilities. \nMore information about Pavel can be found here: https://pavelnersessian.com/ \n  \nThis concert is supported in part by the Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation. \nPresented by Hiroko Nagahata. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/pavel-nersessian-piano-recital
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_5323-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260410T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260410T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260205T191557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T192154Z
UID:309274-1775849400-1775854800@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:From This Moment On!
DESCRIPTION:Starring Anna Palermo\, Lina Koutrakos (director)\, Beckie Menzie (music director). Join Anna Palermo for an evening of self discovery through a musical concert. With songs by Mary Chapin Carpenter\, Kander and Ebb\, The Beatles\, Johnny Mercer\, and more! With Beckie Menzie on piano and Irwin Berkowitz on percussion. \n  \nAnna Palermo is Chicago’s up coming star in the Cabaret scene. Anna is a cabaret performer and has a BFA in Musical Theatre.  She is a single mother of two who put her career on hold until the boys got older. Anna started up again in 2014 and worked up to her performance of her show\, Powerful Women in Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series for up and coming artists. \nAnna grew up in a little town outside of Savannah\, Georgia. She began singing and dancing at the age of ten. She performed in countless musicals\, pageants\, and Shakespeare competitions. Anna has studied at Greenville Fine Arts Center High School in Greenville\, SC\, with the late\, Michael V. Rice. She also had the opportunity to compete on Lincoln Center stage for the English Speaking Unions Shakespeare Competition two years in a row. Her path lead her to Boston Conservatory where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre. One of her highlights in Boston was working with Spiro Veloudos at the Publick Theatre. \nOnce Anna graduated she moved to Hoboken\, NJ\, and began auditioning in New York. While in New York\, Anna worked with Discovery Health Channel on the reality show\, Buff Brides\, danced in a Kings of Leon video\, sang the National Anthem at Meadowlands for the NJ Nets\, and worked on student films and theatre. \nAnna then made her move to the Midwest and now resides in Chicago. She has appeared in national commercials and performs in Chicago’s cabaret scene. Beckie Menzie is Anna’s music director and mentor. She has also had the honor of coaching with Lina Koutrakas\, K.T. Sullivan\, Sally Mayes\, Karen Mason\, Amanda McBroom\, Lucy Arnez\, Faith Prince\, and Rick Jensen. Anna also has been on the other side of the table interning at O’connor Casting and PR Casting learning a tremendous amount about the acting business. \nAnna also has a love for fitness. She has been a personal trainer for 19 years. She had her own studio while living in Hoboken. After moving to Chicago\, she began working independently\, as well as at the ever popular\, East Bank Club. \nFor more information\, please visit https://annapalermosings.com/home. \n  \nAn award winning concert artist\, Beckie Menzie has appeared at some of the nation’s top nightclubs and concert venues including the legendary Carnegie Hall\, Lincoln Center and Birdland in New York\, Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre\, The Ravinia Festival and Park West\, as well as at concert halls and art series across the country. Hailed by Chicago’s WGN Radio as “one of the city’s finest cabaret performers\,” Beckie is a three time winner of Chicago’s After Dark Award for Outstanding Cabaret Artist. \nAs one of cabaret’s most in demand entertainers\, Beckie was featured in Michael Feinstein’s “Now & Then” Series for her Carnegie Hall debut. She has been a featured performer at many of the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Conventions in New York\, The Hamptons and in Chicago\, as well as many performances for the Chicago Humanities Festival\, where she has served as a performer\, a director and musical director. \nBeckie has two acclaimed solo CD’s\, Real Emotional Girl and Heart & Soul\, that have received national airplay. Both are an eclectic mix of classic ballads\, standard jazz favorites as well as her own original songs. Cabaret Scenes Magazine called Real Emotional Girl “one of the year’s finest recordings.” Beckie is also an award-winning songwriter. \nShe performs regularly with Tom Michael\, and as a duo they are recipients of the After Dark Award for Outstanding Cabaret Artist. She performs regularly with Tom Michael and as a duo they have toured their many concerts across the country\, including Carnegie Hall’s 100th birthday celebration for Cole Porter\, they’ve performed with the Rich Daniel’s City Light’s Orchestra and headlined with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra and many other symphonies with their holiday show. Beckie is also one third of the GIRLS LIKE US group that includes Laura Freeman and Marianne Murphy Orland who entertain sell out audiences across the Midwest. Beckie is an award winning songwriter who coaches Musical musical talent across the country. \nFrom swing to torch songs\, Beckie’s interpretive style\, rich smoky voice and inventive piano stylings rank her among the best nightclub entertainers in the country. Hers is a talent that not only warms but breaks your heart. \nFor more information\, please visit https://beckiemenzie.com/about/
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/from-this-moment-on
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image0-scaled.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260329T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260329T173000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260111T225447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T164124Z
UID:309195-1774800000-1774805400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Bellissima Opera & Song's "Under 30" Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Showcasing 8 of Chicago’s rising young performers from Classical to Cabaret.\nHosted by Claudia Hommel\, Carl Ratner & Christine Steye with Dana Brown\, Collaborative Pianist\nTop: Harrison Mueller\, Karissa Burkhardt\, Peter Lorenzo\, Chiemerie Obianom\nBottom: Brandon Burkhardt\, Kunying Li\, Hannah Grace Weber\, Jasmine Doll \nOn-site reception to follow. \nPlease note\n-Parking: Many inexpensive SpotHero and on-street options. We recommend either reserving these in advance or arriving early to find on street parking\n-Limited Tickets: Please we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/bellissima-opera-songs-under-30-showcase
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/NEW-Under-30-square.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260328T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260328T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260125T170717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T171323Z
UID:309238-1774726200-1774731600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:North Shore Chamber Music Festival | onstage/offstage Series | Concert/Conversation with Lucas Chiche\, piano (AFSF'25)
DESCRIPTION:Born in Geneva in September 2011\, Lucas Chiche is a young concert pianist whose passion for music began at the age of 4 with Evgenia Pilyavina. At the age of 6\, he entered the prestigious Geneva Conservatory of Music\, and a year later joined the Musimax programme for gifted children. He is in the class of Mladen Tcholitch. \nAt just 13\, Lucas has already won a number of prestigious international competitions\, including the Rondo International Competition (2019 and 2020)\, the SJMW Swiss Competition (2021)\, the London Young Musician (2022) and the Geneva Baroque Competition (2023). In 2024\, the jury of the Grand Piano Competition awarded him the Special Prize and invited him to give a recital at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris – Salle Cortot. \nIn 2022\, he distinguished himself as a finalist in the ‘Prodiges’ competition on France 2\, winning praise from the jury comprising Gautier Capuçon\, Julie Fuchs and Marie-Claude Pietragalla. This performance brought him to the attention of a wide audience. In 2025\, he was invited to perform at the Victoires de la Musique Classique on France 3\, consolidating his reputation as a promising young artist. In March 2025\, Lucas was chosen to be part of the International selection of « Rising Stars » Classic FM in UK\, highlighting the most promising musicians under the age of 30. \nIn 2025\, he became the recipient of the Arkady Fomin Scholarship in US. \nLucas has already performed in such world-renowned venues as New York’s Carnegie Hall\, Geneva’s Victoria Hall\, Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Philarmonic Hall\, Tchaikovsky Conservatory Hall\, Zaryadye Hall\, Paris’s Salle Gaveau\, and many others. Whether as a soloist or accompanied by prestigious orchestras such as the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande\, the CMG Symphony Orchestra\, Divertimento\, the Svetlanov Orchestra\, the Moscow Virtuosi and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia under Maestro Spivakov and many others\, Lucas impresses with his talent and musical maturity. He is a constant participant in the International School of M. Marchenko. He has also taken masterclasses with renowned musicians such as N. Goerner\, M. Voskresensky\, E. Leonskaya. \nAside from music\, Lucas finds his balance in travelling\, diving and basketball. \nhttps://www.lucaschiche.com/ \n  \nFor more information about North Shore Chamber Music Festival\, please visit: https://nscmf.org/
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/north-shore-chamber-music-festival-onstage-offstage-series-concert-conversation-with-lucas-chiche-piano-afsf25
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_6877-high.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260324T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260324T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260111T221715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T024012Z
UID:309188-1774378800-1774384200@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Strings of Memory
DESCRIPTION:Strings of Memory brings together powerful musical voices from Mexico and the Arab world\, inviting listeners on a journey across cultures. Featuring José Pablo Moncayo’s passionate Viola Sonata and Dia Succari’s colorful and rhythmic 5 Syrian Dances\, the program highlights how composers express national identity\, tradition\, and emotion through classical music. Two additional solo works—one rooted in Mexican tradition and one in Arab heritage—offer a personal glimpse into the soul of each culture. Blending the familiar and the unexpected\, this program celebrates the beauty of musical dialogue across continents. \n  \nProgram: \nSelections from Five Syrian Dances for Viola and Piano\, Dia Succari\nIV. Danse de l’accueil\nIII.Danse du Printemps \nTres Danzas Indigenas Jaliscienses\, Jose Rolin \nLe Bedouin\, Youssef Greiss\n(Arranged for Viola by Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc) \nSelections from Five Syrian Dances for Viola and Piano\, Dia Succari\nI. Improvisation et Danse\nII. Sultane de Damas \nBalada Mexicana\, Manuel Ponce \nSonata for Viola and Piano\, Jose Pablo Moncayo\nI. Allegro moderato\nII. Lento\nIII. Allegro \n  \nMelissa Terrall is an award-winning Oregonian pianist currently based in the Willamette valley. Melissa spent the 2023-24 academic year as a Fulbright scholar studying Mexican piano repertoire at Mexico City’s National Conservatory. Her research focuses on the evolution of Mexican classical piano repertoire before\, during\, and after the country’s revolution in the early 20th century. \nA passionate educator and performer\, Melissa has maintained a private piano studio for many years and has worked as interim piano professor at Linfield University and Clark College. Melissa received her master’s in piano performance at the University of Kansas\, where she was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship and studied under Dr. Scott McBride Smith. While in Kansas\, she served as director of the KU Community Music School\, teaching beginning piano lessons to students of all ages. \nThe youngest of six in a musical family\, Melissa’s first piano teachers were her mom and sister. She went on to study with Dr. Jill Timmons and Dr. Julia Lee at Portland State University. She has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Oregon Sinfonietta and Portland’s Jewish Community Orchestra. During her undergrad\, Melissa studied abroad in Spain\, working with pianists in Madrid and Barcelona\, an experience that piqued her interest in Iberian and Latin American classical music. When she is not at the keyboard\, Melissa finds inspiration hiking\, reading\, and improvising in the kitchen. \nViolist Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc brings a rare combination of expressive depth\, cultural fluency\, and visionary leadership to the international concert stage. Her 2024–2025 debut tour featured performances across Switzerland\, Egypt\, and the United States—including her Carnegie Hall debut in July 2024. The performance marked her remarkable transformation from Army linguist to celebrated concert artist. Joël Belgique\, principal violist of the Oregon Symphony\, calls Christina “part of a new generation of musicians—her talent alone is not enough… she’s inspiring.” \nHer debut album\, Viola al-Mashura / The Enchanted Viola\, released on Acis Productions in Spring 2026\, features contemporary works and world premieres that bridge cultures and genres. The project reflects Christina’s passion for global collaboration and artistic storytelling\, highlighting Egyptian composers and voices from the Arabic diaspora. A United States Army veteran and Arabic linguist\, Christina launched her solo career following her honorable discharge\, earning early acclaim for performances marked by fearless imagination and heartfelt sincerity. \nBeyond the stage\, Christina is a driving force in the viola world.  A 2022 Pat Tillman Scholar\, Christina is a leading advocate for blind and visually impaired musicians\, with speaking engagements at the New Music Gathering\, Music Library Association\, and International Vision Conference. She is a recipient of the NFB Pearson Scholarship for Teaching\, a Gilman International Scholarship alumna\, and a passionate mentor for inclusive teaching practices. Her first book—featuring interviews and biographies of contemporary Egyptian composers—will be published alongside the release of her CD in Spring 2026. \nA Licensed Body Mapping Educator\, Christina teaches workshops that help musicians prevent injury\, develop sustainable technique\, and rediscover the joy of movement. Her teachers include renowned violists Joël Belgique\, Kenji Bunch\, Basil Vendryes\, and Liz Freivogel of the Jupiter Quartet. She earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Viola Performance and Literature and Arabic Language as an Illinois Distinguished Fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. \nChristina is not only performing on today’s global stages—she’s using music as a bridge: connecting cultures\, challenging boundaries\, and reimagining who classical music is for. \n 
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/strings-of-memory
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/humanitx-banner-ebersohl.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260321T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260321T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251123T180916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T033732Z
UID:309085-1774121400-1774126800@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:SAM SAOMEK "A GREAT MERCY" ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT
DESCRIPTION:Sam Saomek Srithongkum is a multigenre Thai pianist and composer based in Boston whose work bridges jazz\, contemporary classical music\, world traditions\, and gospel influences. Known for his expressive touch and vivid harmonic imagination\, he has collaborated with numerous award-winning and Grammy-nominated artists\, including Christylez Bacon\, Jamey Haddad\, Mehmet Sanlıkol\, and Mike Block. His expressive touch\, rich harmonic imagination\, and boundary-defying approach to composition have captivated audiences across the globe. \n \nAs a composer\, Sam continues to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation. His works often unite cultural idioms with modern forms — from Fallen Jasmine\, inspired by a traditional Thai melody\, to The Fourth Fortress\, which draws on the intricate rhythmic patterns of Gamelan and the resonant timbres of the gong. \nIn 2025\, he founded the Sam Saomek Quartet — with Paul Joseph\, Othniel Privat\, and Woody Pierre — which is preparing his debut album “A GREAT MERCY”\, to be released in March 2026. The album showcases Sam’s original compositions\, drawing on global musical traditions as well as the gospel and spiritual influences that have shaped his musical journey since childhood. \nSam is pursuing his master’s degree at the New England Conservatory\, studying with Ran Blake\, Hankus Netsky\, Bert Seager\, Frank Carlberg\, Akram Haddad\, and Mehmet Sanlıkol. \n  \n  \n  \nIn this concert\, Sam and his friends will be performing music from his album “A GREAT MERCY”  \n  \nSam Saomek Srithongkum: Piano \nWoody Pierre: Trumpet \nPaul July Joseph: Drums \nOthniel Privat: Bass \nEli Brandt: Soprano Saxophone \nMax Cannon: Alto Saxophone \nGraham Lin: Vocal \nPia Sanpitak: Violin I \nDavid Katahira: Violin II \nJulia Li: Violin III \nAmanda Zhang: Viola \nLaine Wang: Cello \n  \nhttps://www.samsaomek.com/
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/sam-saomek-a-great-mercy-album-release-concert
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AZ3X9685-2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260303T211415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T211415Z
UID:309346-1773428400-1773433800@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:American Chamber Music Society: ECHOES OF BOHEMIA
DESCRIPTION:The American Chamber Music Society Presents: \nECHOES OF BOHEMIA \n“Electric . . . [the] performance extracted all the tensions\, fun\, and charm that can be found” \n~THIRD COAST REVIEW \nECHOES OF BOHEMIA is a rhapsodic evening exploring the folk spirit\, emotional depth\, and restless lyricism of three beloved composers: Dvorak\, Janacek\, and Smetana. By turns reflective and charged\, this program brings Bohemia’s musical voice vividly to life in works for piano\, violin\, and cello. ACMS welcomes the poetic French cellist Juliette Herlin in her series debut\, while critically acclaimed pianist Christopher Guzman returns for his second appearance. They’ll join Eric Gratz\, ACMS Director and international prizewinning violinist. \nACMS performs all concerts at PianoForte\, an intimate 75-seat concert hall with spectacular acoustics in downtown Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. A reception and meet-and-greet with the performers will follow this 90-minute program. \nTickets are $25 GA/$10 students. \n——– \nThe American Chamber Music Society is deeply invested in inspiring and connecting with our local community. As one of the most intimate classical music experiences in Chicago\, it is our honor to enrich our culture by performing repertoire ranging from centuries ago to the present\, providing a variety of educational opportunities and offering tickets at a discounted price. There is nothing like sitting a few feet away from the best musicians in the world\, especially when many of them are from your home town. I am confident the diverse and innovative programming of our events will leave you moved\, exhilarated\, and eager to return. \n–ERIC GRATZ\, DIRECTOR
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/american-chamber-music-society-echoes-of-bohemia
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/acms-march-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260309T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260309T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20250911T172033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T172033Z
UID:308852-1773084600-1773090000@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:The Orion Ensemble - Concert 3
DESCRIPTION:Ludwig van Beethoven\nTrio in B-flat Major for Clarinet\, Cello and Piano\, Op. 11 \nEphraim Champion\nNew Composition for Orion \nAnton Arensky\nTrio in D Minor for Violin\, Cello and Piano\, Op. 11 \n  \nRecognized as one of Chicago’s finest chamber music groups\, The Orion Ensemble has been performing since 1992. John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune called Orion “one of Chicago’s most vibrant\, versatile and distinctive ensembles.” With the possibilities inherent in its unique combination of instruments—piano\, string trio and clarinet—Orion offers exciting interpretations of standard repertoire\, introduces audiences to rarely performed masterpieces and inspires composers with commissions for new works. \nThe Orion Ensemble boasts a roster of superb musicians who have performed throughout North America\, Europe and Asia\, as an ensemble and individually in solo\, orchestral and other chamber music roles. In Chicago\, Orion presents a four-concert series in three venues\, is heard regularly on the broadcast series “Live from WFMT” and appears frequently on the Chicago Cultural Center’s Lunchbreak Series “Classical Mondays.” \nOrion programs diverse works ranging from Mozart\, Beethoven and Brahms to William Bolcom\, Chick Corea\, Paul Schoenfield\, Augusta Read Thomas and other living composers\, offering audiences a remarkably broad chamber music experience. Orion’s expansive commitment to chamber music embraces the works of the classical through modern standard repertoire as well as an extensive range of new pieces for piano quartet and clarinet. Orion continues to inspire composers with commissions for new works written especially for its unique combination of instruments. As the Chicago Tribune’s John von Rhein wrote upon Orion’s 10th anniversary\, “It seems like only yesterday that a remarkable chamber group of musicians calling itself the Orion Ensemble was born. The Orions … quickly established themselves as one of the Chicago area’s most vibrant\, versatile and distinctive ensembles\, at home in every period but especially committed to enlarging the repertory of its unusual combination of piano quartet and clarinet.”
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/the-orion-ensemble-concert-3
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/orion.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260228T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260228T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260125T170322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T171434Z
UID:309233-1772307000-1772312400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:North Shore Chamber Music Festival | onstage/offstage Series | Concert by Anna Kesselman\, piano (AFSF'25) and Fiona Khuong-Huu\, violin (AFSF'22)
DESCRIPTION:Anna Kesselman is an 18 year old pianist from New York City. A graduate of the Special Music School at Kaufman Music Center\, she has studied with Ms. Natela Mchedlishvili for the last thirteen years. Anna is a Lang Lang Young Scholar\, 2025 National YoungArts Winner\, and participated in the 2023 Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival. She has performed with numerous orchestras such as the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony\, Midwest Young Artists Symphony Orchestra\, and Special Music School String Orchestra\, and was a finalist in the 11th Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition\, whose jury panel included Martha Argerich. Anna has performed in 13 states across the country and internationally as well as in venues such as Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall\, Merkin Hall\, and The Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall. An avid chamber music collaborator\, Anna has played chamber works in esteemed halls such as Alice Tully Hall\, Rose Studio\, and Steinway Hall\, and has shared the stage with artists such as Antonio Pompa-Baldi and Peter Dugan. She has performed in masterclasses for many distinguished artists\, including Richard Goode\, Veda Kaplinsky\, Jeremy Denk\, and Vladimir Feltsman. \nA strong advocate for community outreach and engagement\, Anna co-authored the children’s book Who is Florence Price?\, published by G. Schirmer\, created a website and organization called Keys 4 Community (keys4community.com) that hosts benefit concerts and online fundraising projects through music\, founded a student organization at her school called Music For All\, which brings live music to hundreds of people at assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout the city\, and served as Co-President of her school’s National Honor Society chapter. In the fall of 2025\, Anna will pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Columbia University and continue her piano studies under the tutelage of Prof. Veda Kaplinsky. \n  \nBorn in New York City\, violinist Fiona Khuong-Huu currently studies with Professor Ilya Kaler at the Cleveland Institute of Music\, previously a student of Professors Itzhak Perlman in the Juilliard Pre-College Division. Fiona made her debut with the New York Philharmonic at 16 in David Geffen Hall\, performing the Mendelssohn Concerto under the baton of Maestro Thomas Wilkins for the Centennial Season of the NY Phil Young People’s Concerts\, and she frequently performs as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States\, Italy\, Germany\, Belgium\, the Netherlands\, London\, and more. \nShe has had the honor of performing for King Charles at the Lancaster House with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Marios Papadopoulos\, with whom she has also performed as soloist in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium\, the Windsor Castle\, and the Buckingham Palace along with Maxim Vengerov. Most recently\, she performed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Kulturpalast Dresden with the Moritzburg Festival Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Josep Domenech. Other notable performances as soloist include the Juilliard Orchestra in Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center\, the Flanders Symphony Orchestra at the Bozar Concert Hall in Brussels\, and with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Fiona was awarded the prestigious Career Grant Award from Salon de Virtuosi in 2021 and performed in several of their concert series\, as well as at Festival Napa Valley as one of their Bouchaine Young Artists. \nShe has performed as guest artist with Andrea Lucchesini and Robert McDuffie at the Rome Chamber Music Festival\, with Jan Vogler at the Moritzburg Festival\, with Vadim Gluzman at the North Shore Chamber Music Festival\, and with Paul Neubauer in the Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players concert series. She is fortunate to have received inspiration from world renowned mentors such as Menahem Pressler and Sheryl Staples. \n  \nFor more information about North Shore Chamber Music Festival\, please visit: https://nscmf.org/
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/north-shore-chamber-music-festival-onstage-offstage-series-concert-by-anna-kesselman-piano-afsf25-and-fiona-khuong-huu-violin-afsf22
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nscmf-feb-2026-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260227T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260227T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260221T163957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260221T163957Z
UID:309314-1772218800-1772224200@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Nani Vazana | An Evening of Sephardic Soul and Global Rhythms
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an unforgettable night as acclaimed Ladino singer-songwriter Nani Vazana brings her mesmerizing blend of ancient Sephardic melodies and contemporary global sounds to Chicago. \nNani Vazana is a musical bridge between worlds—a keeper of Sephardic Jewish traditions who breathes new life into centuries-old Ladino songs while creating captivating original compositions. Born in Israel to a family with roots in the vibrant Sephardic communities of the Mediterranean\, Nani has dedicated her artistry to preserving and reimagining the rich musical heritage of Spanish-speaking Jews. \nWhat makes Nani truly special is her ability to make ancient poetry feel urgent and alive. Her powerful\, honeyed voice carries the weight of history while her innovative arrangements—blending Middle Eastern percussion\, flamenco guitar\, and contemporary folk—create a sound that transcends time and geography. Whether performing traditional Ladino ballads passed down through generations or her own introspective compositions\, Nani creates an intimate\, spiritual experience that resonates with audiences regardless of their background. \nThis is a rare opportunity to experience one of world music’s most distinctive voices in an intimate setting. Come discover why audiences worldwide have been captivated by Nani’s artistry—an evening of beauty\, soul\, and cross-cultural connection awaits. \nDon’t miss this special performance brought to you by The International Latino Cultural Center.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/nani-vazana-an-evening-of-sephardic-soul-and-global-rhythms
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nani-Vazana-PIANO-FORTE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260117T220851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260118T195146Z
UID:309210-1772132400-1772137800@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:10th Annual Chopin in the City Festival | Michal Drewnowski
DESCRIPTION:The 10th Annual Chopin in the City Festival will take place from February 20 to March 1\, 2025 (with a performance in Madison\, Wisconsin). For more information about the festival\, please visit: https://soundsandnotes.org/. \n  \nBorn in 1977 into a lineage of accomplished musicians in Warsaw\, Michal Drewnowski‘s musical journey began at the age of eight in Italy\, where he resided with his family. The young prodigy honed his piano skills under the expert guidance of his father\, Marek Drewnowski. \nIn 1991\, Michal commenced formal musical education at the esteemed Karol Szymanowski Music School in Warsaw\, studying under the tutelage of Bronislawa Kawalla and Ewa Poblocka. He graduated with the highest honors from the University of Music in Lodz\, further refining his craft at the Conservatory of Music in Geneva\, guided by eminent professors Dominique Merlet and Pascal Devoyon. In 2006\, he achieved his Master’s Degree with distinction. \nDrewnowski’s musical odyssey has been enriched by immersion in piano masterclasses led by luminaries like Naum Shtarkman\, Fou T’Song\, Rudolf Kehrer\, and Eugen Indjic. \nIn 2014\, he earned his doctorate\, presenting a thesis on the previously unknown Polish composer\, Tadeusz Majerski\, whose piano compositions he uncovered and recorded for the English label Toccata Classics. \nThe award-winning pianist has garnered numerous accolades at prestigious piano competitions: \n• Special Prize at the Tansman International Individual Musical Competition in Lodz (1996) • 1st Prize at the XIII Bacewicz Chamber Music Competition in Lodz (1998) \n• 1st Prize at the XXXII Polish Pianists Festival in Slupsk (1998) \n• 2nd Prize at the Mascia Masin International Piano Competition in San Gemini\, Italy (2000) • 2nd Prize at the A.GI.MUS. Piano Competition in Rome (2005) \nMichal Drewnowski has graced audiences worldwide with his solo and chamber performances\, captivating listeners in Poland\, Italy\, France\, Spain\, Switzerland\, Luxembourg\, Belgium\, Bulgaria\, England\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Finland\, Denmark\, Germany\, and the USA. \nHe has shared the stage with distinguished orchestras including the Polish Radio Orchestra\, Chopin Philharmonic Orchestra\, Shumen Sinfonietta\, Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra\, Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra\, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra\, collaborating with esteemed conductors such as Massimiliano Caldi\, Emil Tabakov\, Emilian Madey\, Tadeusz Kozlowski\, Monika Wolińska\, Stanislav Oushev\, and Ruben Silva\, among others. \nDrewnowski’s enthralling performances have graced renowned festivals worldwide\, including the Passage Warsaw\, Salon of the Arts in Sofia\, Festival Musicale di Norcia (Italy)\, Varna Summer Festival (Bulgaria)\, Cracow Music Spring\, Warsaw Music Encounters\, Chopin Festival in Geneva\, Keminklavier in Kemi (Finland)\, Bolzano Piano Festival (Italy)\, and Chopin au Jardin in Paris. His music has resonated in prestigious venues like Bulgaria Hall in Sofia\, Gianicolo in Rome\, Steinway Kammersal in Copenhagen\, Wigmore Hall in London\, Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona\,Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Carnegie Hall. \nBeyond his musical prowess\, Michal Drewnowski has demonstrated his acting acumen. From 1999 to 2002\, he delighted audiences as an actor-pianist in the New Theatre in Warsaw\, portraying Frederic Chopin in Adam Hanuszkiewicz’s ‘Chopin\, his life\, his love\, his music…’ In 2018\, at the Opera Lorraine in Nancy\, France\, he portrayed the role of I.J. Paderewski in Jessica Dalle’s “Paderewski\, the pianist who became Prime Minister.” \nDrewnowski’s discography spans several albums released by acclaimed recording companies: DUX\, GEGA NEW\, TOCCATA CLASSICS\, ARS SONORA\, and PRO ART. His recordings have earned enthusiastic praise in esteemed musical publications. \nA fervent advocate for lesser-known Polish composers\, Michal Drewnowski champions the works of Ludwik Grossmann\, Jadwiga Sarnecka\, Stefan Kisielewski\, Tadeusz Majerski\, and Joseph Hofmann. As a devoted proponent of contemporary music\, he has premiered compositions by Mariusz Dubaj\, Andrzej Nikodemowciz\, Ari ben Shabetai\, and Igor Scherbakov. \nMichal Drewnowski stands as the co-founder and artistic director of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra of New Art\, a vibrant endeavor that flourished from 2009 to 2016. \nIn the academic year 2023/2024\, thanks to the Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange Program to the United States\, he held the esteemed position of Visiting Professor at the Chicago College of Performing Arts\, Roosevelt University. Beginning in the 2024/2025 academic year\, he has become a member of the piano faculty at the same institution.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/10th-annual-chopin-in-the-city-festival-michal-drewnowski
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/michal-chopin-feb-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260224T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260117T215403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T174044Z
UID:309204-1771959600-1771965000@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:10th Annual Chopin in the City Festival | Mateusz Dubiel
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe 10th Annual Chopin in the City Festival will take place from February 20 to March 1\, 2025 (with a performance in Madison\, Wisconsin). For more information about the festival\, please visit: https://soundsandnotes.org/. \n  \nHailing from Bielsko-Biała and currently studying in Kraków\, Mateusz Dubiel has been dubbed the ‘new hope’ of Polish piano playing. He won the first prize at the Fryderyk Chopin National Piano Competition in Warsaw\, which earned him a place in the prestigious 2025 International Chopin Competition. \nIn 2023\, graduated from high school in his hometown of Bielsko-Biała\, where he studied piano under Anna Skarbowska. Currently studying at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków\, where he studies under Professor Mirosław Herbowski. \nThe winner of the 51st and 53rd National Fryderyk Chopin Competition in Warsaw (2022\, 2025) and was a participant in the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Competition in Warsaw in 2025. Also a laureate of several international competitions for young pianists\, including the Arthur Rubinstein in Memoriam in Bydgoszcz (2021)\, the Jeune Chopin in Lugano\, Switzerland (2023)\, and the Baltic Competition in Gdańsk (2023). Participated in master classes led by professors Michel Beroff\, Piotr Paleczny\, Kevin Kenner\, Andrzej Jasiński\, Arie Vardi\, and Angela Hewitt. \nGiven recitals in Poland and abroad\, including at the Royal Castle in Warsaw\, the birthplace of Fryderyk Chopin in Żelazowa Wola\, the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Lusławice\, Cavatina Hall in Bielsko-Biała\, and the Pomeranian Philharmonic in Bydgoszcz. \nAlso performed in Japan\, the United States\, Paris\, Vilnius\, Hamburg\, Cologne\, and Majorca. Performed at the Chopin Festival in Duszniki-Zdrój (2024 and 2025)\, the Polish Radio Chopin Marathon\, and the Chopin Interpretations of the Young Piano Festival in Konin-Żychlin\, where won first place (2022). \nThe artist is the recipient of the Coryphaeus of Polish Music statuette in the Discovery of the Year category (2025) and the IKAR 2021 Award from the Mayor of Bielsko-Biała in the field of culture and art. He has also received scholarships from the National Children’s Fund\, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage\, and the Młoda Polska scholarship program. He is currently a beneficiary of the Henryk Sztompka Scholarship Fund. \n  \nOnly one special concert \nFree for RSVP
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/10th-annual-chopin-in-the-city-festival-mateusz-dubiel
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mateusz-Dubiel-promo-1080-x-1350px-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260106T004735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T004735Z
UID:309159-1771783200-1771788600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Ferrer Miller Duo
DESCRIPTION:Cellist Christopher Ferrer and Pianist Cacie Miller perform sonatas by Frederic Chopin and Sergei Prokofiev. \n  \nProgram:  \nSonata for Cello and Piano\, Op. 65 (1847) – Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)\n   I. Allegro moderato\nII. Scherzo and Trio\nIII. Largo\nIV. Finale. Allegro \nSonata for Cello and Piano\, Op. 119 (1949) – Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) \n I. Andante grave\nII. Moderato\nIII. Allegro\, ma non troppo \n  \nChristopher Ferrer is a member of Lakeshore Rush and principal cellist of Camerata Chicago\, originally joining the orchestra in 2006. \nChristopher has toured\, recorded and performed internationally as an orchestral and chamber musician. His recording credits include the soundtrack for Spike Lee’s Chiraq and music for the 2020 film Dreaming Grand Avenue. He has performed with My Morning Jacket and Chance the Rapper – also with the Chicago Children’s Chorus\, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic\, Chicago Sinfonietta\, The Florida Orchestra\, Mode\, Anaphora\, and Picosa. Christopher traveled as solo cellist for the Broadway North American Tour of West Side Story\, giving performances throughout the United States and Canada. He is also featured as a guest artist on the award-winning album American Melting Pot as part of the premier recording of Ilya Levinson’s Shtetl Scenes for piano trio. \nBorn in Valencia\, Venezuela\, Christopher began studying cello through the Community School for the Arts in Wheaton\, IL at the age of seven and was later a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. He attended the Royal College of Music in London and Northern Illinois University. \n  \nCacie Miller has relied on the sounds and repertoire of the piano to help her make sense of the world around her since a young age. She is drawn to compositions packed with colorful storytelling and especially those that seem to push through the edges of reality. She relishes these qualities in the music of time honored composers such as Beethoven\, Liszt\, Debussy and Bartok\, and in contemporary composers such as Lera Auerbach and Reena Esmail. Sometimes Cacie improvises and composes on her instrument. \nCacie is a passionate chamber musician\, and enjoys chamber parties\, improv\, and more formal arrangements. She is a founding member of the Ferrer Miller Duo and the Helia Trio. \nCacie’s musicianship was fostered by several teachers throughout her university studies. She studied piano with William Heiles\, Rebecca Penneys\, and Robert Glover\, theory with Steve Laitz\, and harpsichord with Charlotte Mattax Moersch. She holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (DMA in Performance and Literature)\, the Eastman School of Music (MA in theory pedagogy)\, Houghton University (MM in piano)\, and the University of Southern Maine (BM in piano). These studies informed Cacie’s playing and her own teaching through work on body/emotion integration at the piano\, use of analytical practices to inform interpretive decisions\, and practicing intentional listening to prepare communicative performances. \nWith hope of working toward sustainable cultural practices\, Cacie has been actively working on the project Composing Our Climate\, which began during her doctoral research. This project focuses on performer-driven commissioned chamber works written to work through emotional reckonings with the climate crisis. In Fall 2023\, the first recital took place\, with works by Shi-An Costello and Sam Sharp\, two Chicago composers. In 2024-5\, Cacie worked with Missing Piece to commission and present music by Scott Rubin\, Alissa Voth and Ben Zucker. \nCacie enjoys making music in many places\, at festivals in Germany\, Italy and Puerto Rico\, and through the Chicago area\, including Constellation\, Elastic Arts\, Fourth Presbyterian Church\, the Nineteenth Century Club\, PianoForte Studios\, and several area churches\, including United Lutheran Church\, where she is director of music. Cacie is a member of New Music Chicago\, Musicians Club of Women Chicago\, and MTNA’s CAMTA chapter.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/ferrer-miller-duo
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260215T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260215T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251120T020712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T171114Z
UID:309083-1771156800-1771185600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Yi-Chung Huang - Sorabji: Opus Archimagicum (world's HARDEST piano piece)
DESCRIPTION:Pianist Yi-Chung Huang (23) presents a performance of Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji’s (1892-1988) monumental Opus Archimagicum (KSS 58) in its entirety\, making him the youngest musician to undertake this extraordinary work in full. \nThe program will be offered in three sections throughout the day (12:00 pm\, ~2:30 pm\, and ~5:00 pm). Audience members are welcome to attend the full event or arrive between sections. Tickets will be available at the door. \nMore information about the piece can be found at opusarchimagicum.com. \n  \nProgram: \nKaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji: Opus Archimagicum KSS 58 \n  \nStart time 12:00 pm \nPARS PRIMA: ARCANA MINORA \nI. Fiero\, ardito \nII. Presto\, sotto voce inquieto \nIII. Punta d’organo \nIV. Con fuoco\, ardito e fiero \n  \nStart time around 2:30 pm \nPARS ALTERA: ARCANA MAJORA \nV. \nVI. Adagio \n  \nStart time around 5:00 pm \nPARS TERTIA ET ULTIMA: ARCHIMAGUS \nVII. Preludio \nVIII. Preludio-corale \nIX. Cadenza \nX. Fuga libera a cinque voci e tre soggetti
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/yi-chung-huang-sorabji-opus-archimagicum-worlds-hardest-piano-piece
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_1171104287_1941876373103_1_original.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260208T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260208T163000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251201T000738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T155342Z
UID:309103-1770562800-1770568200@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Souvenirs de Musica | Yulia Lipmanovich
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM \nSonata No. 50 in D Major Hob. XVI 37 by Joseph Haydn \nSonata No. 26 in E-flat Major\, Op. 81 A “Les Adieux” by Ludwig van Beethoven \nFour Ballades by Frédéric Chopin \nCarnaval Op. 9 by Robert Schumann \n  \nDr. Yulia Lipmanovich is a Russian-born concert pianist and distinguished piano teacher. Her vast wealth of teaching and performing experience enables her to successfully introduce performers of any level and age to the beautiful world of classical music. \nAs a very young child\, Dr. Lipmanovich studied with her mother\, Madame Luba Lipmanovich-Yackobishvili\, who was an outstanding pianist and a great teacher. Later she studied with well-known pianist Tatiana Nickolayeva in Moscow. Dr. Lipmanovich holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Juilliard School of Music in New York. She was a protégé student of the legendary pianist/teacher Madame Rosina Lhevinne\, the teacher at the Juilliard School in New York. \nDr. Lipmanovich received a Master’s M.Mus\, in Piano Performance from the Rubin Academy of Music of the Tel Aviv University in Israel where she studied under the guidance of Professor Pnina Salzman and Professor Arie Vardi on a full scholarship awarded by the University. She was awarded her Doctorate in Piano Performance in 1998 under the guidance of Professor Ian Hobson from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Among her teachers were Anthony di Bonaventura and Rudolfo Caporally. \nDr. Lipmanovich won the Piano Competition of the Soviet Composers (Moscow). She was a winner of Tenth Annual Young Artists International Competition (New York) where she was a winner among 300 contestants and made her Carnegie Hall debut. She was recognized as an outstanding young performer and was named Collegiate All-American Scholar in the National Collegiate Academy Honorary Book. \nShe was a member of the Trio Bor\, who were members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra\, and appeared in numerous concerts. She performed as a soloist with orchestras and in solo recitals. She performed for an audience of 30 foreign ambassadors and appeared on radio and television. Dr. Lipmanovich has given numerous Piano Master Classes and performances in Europe\, United States\, Thailand\, Russia including Master Classes at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music Clairmont Hall of Tel Aviv University in Israel. \nDr. Lipmanovich has appeared with solo recitals in England\, Italy\, Spain and performed at Music Festivals at Dardington and St. Lewis Music Festival in England. \nDr\, Lipmanovich’s performances in Chicago include the Fazioli Concert-Series (Live Broadcast on WFMT)\, and performance from the Harold Washington Library Pritzker Auditorium of Solo Recital of “All Russian Program” which was broadcasted numerous times on Television Station WTTW i. She performed at the Gala event of the Fine Arts Building in Curtiss Hall\, and at the Concert-Series at the Fourth Presbyterian Church Bachman Auditorium\, at the Schubertiade (Fazioli Pianoforte Solon). She has performed in Chicago with orchestras Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor\, and Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1. \nDr. Lipmanovich has been invited to give concerts\, teach\, and judge local and international competitions. Among many she was in a jury at the 6th Mozart International Piano Competition and Fifth Chopin International Piano Competition in Thailand\, where she also gave Master Classes and Solo Performances. Dr. Lipmanovich taught Master Classes in Magihol University in Bangkok Thailand. She has been a Piano Faculty Member at the Summer Music Festival of the Gulf in San Marco\, Italy since 2013. She was the Honorary President of the Jury of the Madame Rosina Lhevinne Piano International Competition held in San Marco\, Italy. She was on a Piano Faculty and gave solo performances at Ameropa Music Arts Festival “Musical Bridges” in St. Petersburg\, Russia. Dr.Yulia has taught on the piano faculties of the Boston Conservatory\, Boston College\, Northeastern University\, Daley College\, Rubin Conservatory of Music in Jerusalem in Israel. \nDr. Yulia performed on Television Stations in Chicago on WGN\, PBS\, NBC\, FOX WTTW. \nDr. Lipmanovich is on a Piano Faculty at the InterHarmony International Music Festival held in Italy and Summit Music Festival held in Spain & New York. She was on a piano faculty at the Summer Music Festival of the Gulf in San Marco\, Italy since 2013-2019 where she was is teaching and performing. Dr. Lipmanovich has performed in major concert halls as a soloist and with orchestras and chamber groups throughout the USA\, Canada\, Russia\, Europe\, Israel\, Thailand\, and Italy and venues in the USA such as Carnegie Recital Hall\, Alice Tully Hall and Steinway Hall among them\, Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Kirov Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with Chief Conductor Maestro Valery Raevsky. She gave numerous performances in Chicago. Among them were Solo Recitals of All Chopin Favorites at the Studebaker Theater and Chicago Cultural Center and many other concert halls. \nDr. Lipmanovich was appointed by The Juilliard School to teach piano in the After School Arts program with Juilliard Nord Anglia Performing Arts program at the British International School of Chicago in the South Loop. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and Chicago Area Music Teachers Association (CAMTA). \nDr. Yulia Lipmanovich recently gave a Solo Piano Recitals at Ganz Hall at the Roosevelt University and Solo Recital at the Studebaker Theater of the Celebration of 125th year Anniversary of the Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago. \nDr. Lipmanovich received the prestigious honor to be a Partner of the Steinway Educational Program. She is actively teaching at her studio at the Fine Arts Building downtown Chicago and is the Artistic Director and Founder of The Art of Piano Playing and Performing Arts. \nFor more information please visit: \nhttps://theartofpianoplaying.com/
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/souvenirs-de-musica-yulia-lipmanovich
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG-20230610-WA0000.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T183000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260111T224257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260111T224257Z
UID:309193-1769878800-1769884200@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:American Chamber Music Society: MUNDI TRANSITUS
DESCRIPTION:The American Chamber Music Society Presents: \nMUNDI TRANSITUS: Music Between Worlds \n“Electric . . . [the] performance extracted all the tensions\, fun\, and charm that can be found” \n~THIRD COAST REVIEW \nMUNDI TRANSITUS is an exhilarating evening of string chamber music written for violin\, viola\, and cello. ACMS is thrilled to welcome back GRAMMY-nominated cellist Julian Schwarz and acclaimed violist of the Formosa Quartet Matthew Cohen. They’ll join Eric Gratz\, ACMS Director and international prizewinning violinist. \nThis 90-minute program features some of the most famous chamber works by Ravel\, Martinů\, Dohnányi\, and Weinberg. Composed during a period of intense artistic\, political\, and philosophical transformation in the early 20th century\, this music reflects four profoundly individual voices responding to a world in flux. Together\, they form a powerful and cohesive program of dramatic\, intimate music-making. \nACMS performs all concerts at PianoForte\, an intimate 75-seat concert hall with spectacular acoustics in downtown Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. A reception and meet-and-greet with the performers will follow this program. \nTickets start at just $10. \n——– \nThe American Chamber Music Society is deeply invested in inspiring and connecting with our local community. As one of the most intimate classical music experiences in Chicago\, it is our honor to enrich our culture by performing repertoire ranging from centuries ago to the present\, providing a variety of educational opportunities and offering tickets at a discounted price. There is nothing like sitting a few feet away from the best musicians in the world\, especially when many of them are from your home town. I am confident the diverse and innovative programming of our events will leave you moved\, exhilarated\, and eager to return. \n–ERIC GRATZ\, DIRECTOR \n  \nPhoto by Elliot Mandel Photography
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/american-chamber-music-society-mundi-transitus
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260124T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260124T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20260111T230547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260111T230547Z
UID:309197-1769283000-1769288400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:North Shore Chamber Music Festival | onstage/offstage Series | Concert and Presentation of Lera Auerbach's 24 Preludes
DESCRIPTION:Lera Auerbach\,\nan Artist Without Borders\n“Passion Creates Passion” \n“Music can overcome the limitations of words. I can draw from all the sources I love. Passion creates passion.” — Lera Auerbach \n“Music is my life. It is impossible to separate my life from music because they are so intensely intertwined.” \nLera Auerbach’s journey into the world of art began as a poet\, with several published works before she turned 18. Born in 1973 in Chelyabinsk\, in the Ural Mountains\, she was a virtuoso pianist from early childhood and composed her first opera at the age of twelve. In 1991\, during a concert tour in the United States\, she made the spontaneous decision at just 17 years old to remain in New York—without a safety net and without speaking English—while the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse. She seized her freedom and started a new life in the U.S.\, where she was later granted American citizenship in recognition of her extraordinary talent. In 2021\, the Austrian government also awarded her citizenship for her significant contributions to music and the arts\, underscoring her international influence. She studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School and comparative literature at Columbia University. In 2002\, she completed her concert diploma at the Hochschule für Musik in Hanover. That same year\, she debuted at Carnegie Hall with her Suite for Violin\, Piano\, and Orchestra\, performed by Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica. Her extensive catalog now encompasses nearly every musical genre\, from chamber music and orchestral works to opera and ballet\, performed worldwide by leading soloists\, orchestras\, and theaters. \nToday\, conducting is at the center of her artistic focus. It defines her current artistic expression: “Standing on the podium\, creating vast musical landscapes\, sharing a vision of expression with the orchestra\, drawing from my experience in various art forms\, and integrating these currents into the ocean of the orchestra and the stage—that is my greatest joy.”This role enriches her artistic voice and expands her legacy as she brings her unique vision to symphonic stages worldwide. \nAs a poet of both words and music\, her literary work includes poetry and prose collections\, novellas\, and numerous contributions to newspapers and magazines. Auerbach was named Poet of the Year by the International Pushkin Society\, and her first English-language book\, Excess of Being\, explores the art of aphorisms. In 2022\, her children’s book A is for Oboe (Random House) won the AudioFile Best Audiobook Award\, and she received the Robert Creeley Memorial Award\, leading to the publication of her poetry manuscript Forever Music. She remains active as a visual artist\, with her works being collected and exhibited. A career that would suffice for multiple lifetimes—yet she continues her journey: “There is no reason to keep something locked in its cage and not connect it\,” says Lera Auerbach. “For me\, art must feel larger than life. Whether it is music\, visual art\, or literature\, art is what remains of our time.” \n  \nWinner of the prestigious 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant\, Korean American violinist Julian Rhee came to international prominence following his prize winning performances at the 2024\nQueen Elisabeth International Violin Competition and the Silver Medal at the 11th Quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. \nRhee has appeared with the Milwaukee Symphony\, Belgian National Orchestra\, Antwerp Symphony\, Württemberg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn\, Indianapolis Symphony\, Pittsburgh Symphony\, Richmond Symphony\, and San Diego Symphony alongside Francesco Lecce-Chong\, Valentina Peleggi\, Rune Bergmann\, Antony Hermus and Leonard Slatkin\, among others. \nEqually passionate about chamber music\, Rhee is the newest member of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s prestigious Bowers Program. He has performed at and attended festivals including the Ravinia Steans Institute\, Marlboro Music\, and NorthShore Chamber Music Festival\, performing alongside esteemed musicians such as Vadim Gluzman\, Jonathan Biss\, and Mitsuko Uchida. \nRhee received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as teaching assistant of Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory\, and currently studies with Christian Tetzlaff at the Kronberg Academy. \nRhee is the recipient of the outstanding 1699 “Lady Tennant” Antonio Stradivari violin and Jean Pierre Marie Persoit bow on extended loan through the generosity of the Mary B. Galvin Foundation and the Stradivari Society. \n  \nPianist\, producer\, and educator\, Angela Yoffe\, is widely admired for her dazzling musicianship and passion for music education. Yoffe is the founder and executive director of The Music Makers\, an international organization that produces Chicago’s annual North Shore Chamber Music Festival\, the Music Makers Israel\, and the Arkady Fomin Scholarship Fund\, which has provided early career support\, guidance and inspiration to more than 25 gifted young artists from around the world interested in pursuing a career as a performer. \nYoffe is also founder of the Collaborative Piano Class at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Her Creative Learning Program has led collaborative projects with the International Center on Deafness and the Arts and the Lurie Children’s hospital. \nAngela Yoffe has performed as a chamber musician and recitalist in New York\, Washington\, Chicago\, San Francisco\, Dallas\, London\, Berlin\, Paris\, Tel Aviv\, Geneva\, Rome and Tokyo among others. She has appeared as soloist with the Seattle Symphony\, the Omaha Symphony\, SWR Stuttgart Radio Orchestra\, the Hamburg Symphony and with New York’s Jupiter Symphony under the batons of Andrey Boreyko\, Gerard Schwarz\, Jens Nygaard\, and other leading conductors. Yoffe has been invited to perform at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland\, Lockenhaus Festival in Austria\, Festival de Radio France\, Schleswig-Holstein Festival\, Colmar Festival in France\, MIDEM Festival\, Ravinia Festival\, Pablo Casals Festival in Puerto Rico\, the Schwetzingen Festspiele\, and the Bantry Festival in West Cork. \nAngela Yoffe records exclusively for BIS Records and her discography includes a recent album of Sergey Prokofiev’s Violin and Piano Sonatas with violinist Vadim Gluzman. Her world premiere recording of Lera Auerbach’s “24 Preludes for Violin and Piano” (composed for Ms. Yoffe and Mr. Gluzman) was released on BIS Records to rave reviews\, as well as their other albums: “Time and Again\,” “Ballet for a Lonely Violinist\,” and “Fireworks”. \nMs. Yoffe was born in Riga\, Latvia into a family of respected musicians. After studying piano performance in the Soviet Union and Israel\, she continued with Joaquín Achúcarro and Jonathan Feldman in the United States and became an assistant to Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School of Music. Angela resides between Chicago and Tel Aviv with her husband\, violinist Vadim Gluzman\, and their daughter Orli.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/north-shore-chamber-music-festival-onstage-offstage-series-concert-and-presentation-of-lera-auerbachs-24-preludes
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nscmf-jan-2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251217T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251217T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251020T195702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T195702Z
UID:309015-1765998000-1766003400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Markus Rutz & Third Coast Sounds Holiday Concert
DESCRIPTION:The small ensemble has music programmed and arranged by Markus that includes selections from two volumes of holiday albums “Moods & Spirits of the Season”. \nPlease join us to usher in peace and good feelings for the holiday season and new year.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/markus-rutz-third-coast-sounds-holiday-concert
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251206T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251206T190000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251102T195533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T195533Z
UID:309044-1765040400-1765047600@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:REFRACTIONS: Violinist Eric Gratz in Recital
DESCRIPTION:The American Chamber Music Society Presents: \nREFRACTIONS \n“Mr. Gratz was like a great story teller immediately gaining the confidence of his listeners. He knew where he would be taking us\, and we wanted to follow him. Throughout the performance\, he combined superb technique – virtually perfect intonation\, incisive rhythms\, rich double-stops – with a sense of humanity.” \n–Mike Greenberg\, INCIDENT LIGHT \n  \nInternationally celebrated violinist Eric Gratz returns to the stage with another dramatically eclectic program\, REFRACTIONS. Explore music through a variety of lenses\, from the elegance of Leclair to the spirituality of Messiaen\, the refined brilliance of Mozart\, and the storm-lit drama of Saint-Saëns. \nREFRACTIONS draws on the deep tradition of the violin recital while illuminating the unique character of each composer. Intimate and expansive\, lyrical and virtuosic\, this program explores how music refracts time\, style\, and spirit through the hands of the performer. Gratz is joined by his collaborator of nearly two decades\, New York-based pianist Eliot Goldmund. \nACMS performs all concerts at PianoForte\, an intimate 75-seat concert hall with spectacular acoustics in downtown Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. A reception and meet-and-greet with the performers will follow this 90 minute program. \n——– \nThe American Chamber Music Society is deeply invested in inspiring and connecting with our local community. As one of the most intimate classical music experiences in Chicago\, it is our honor to enrich our culture by performing repertoire ranging from centuries ago to the present\, providing a variety of educational opportunities and offering tickets at a discounted price. There is nothing like sitting a few feet away from the best musicians in the world\, especially when many of them are from your home town. I am confident the diverse and innovative programming of our events will leave you moved\, exhilarated\, and eager to return. \n–ERIC GRATZ\, DIRECTOR
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/refractions-violinist-eric-gratz-in-recital
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/humanitix-banner-gratz.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251205T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251205T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251007T164829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T164829Z
UID:308948-1764963000-1764968400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Ulli Meta | Piano | Vocals | Guitar
DESCRIPTION:“Sound Voices of the Wind” is the fourth concert in which Ulli invites you to join her on a musical explorative journey and transcend from your everyday world. She creates music with various instruments\, piano\, voice\, guitar\, drums and singing bowls. Audiences often find that Ulli’s energetic spaces enable them to touch new feelings and to constellate new insights. She leads you on a path that is not defined by space\, but by the energy of the moment. Every concert is unique\, for Ulli opens herself to the energy of musical spontaneous creations and compositions. So it is a kind of an exchange and co-creation by all present. You’ll hear elements of classical\, jazz\, folk\, and traditional music. Her extraordinary voice is a must hear full of surprises like a dance with the wind. Come and taste the experience of a unique musical and transformational event. \n  \nUlli Meta is a composer\, lyricist\, pianist\, vocalist\, and guitarist who has studied classical piano\, jazz\, voice\, and traditional music. She has composed since she was twelve and performed since the age of sixteen.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/ulli-meta-piano-vocals-guitar-3
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ulli-Meta.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251007T211452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T211452Z
UID:308972-1763838000-1763843400@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Mid-Century Modern: American Made Music | Tyler Kivel
DESCRIPTION:This upcoming piano recital project invites audiences to embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating realm of mid-century American music and design\, thoughtfully curated by a passionate pianist dedicated to inspiring a new generation. This highly anticipated concert will feature a vibrant selection of iconic melodies that have gracefully withstood the test of time\, spotlighting beloved classics such as “Tea for Two\,” the ever popular “West Side Story\,” and the beautifully lyrical “All the Things You Are.” \nInfused with the aesthetic allure of mid-century design and furniture—a style that has seen a resurgence in popularity among millennials—the recital is set to showcase the enduring charm and cultural significance of this dynamic era. To add an exciting contemporary twist\, the program will include the relatively new “Millennial Suite\,” a clever homage that harmoniously bridges the rich musical heritage of the past with today’s influences. \nWith its delightful fusion of nostalgia and modernity\, this project promises to engage and captivate audiences\, celebrating the timeless and evocative melodies that define mid-century American music while inviting a fresh perspective that resonates with today’s listeners. \n  \nPROGRAM \nCy Walter Tea for Two \nJacob Koller Moon River \nPercy Grainger Spoon River \nSamuel Barber Excursions\, Op. 20 \nI. Un poco allegro \nII. In slow blues tempo \nIII. Allegretto \nIV. Allegro molto \nStephen Prutsman All The Things You Are for the left-hand alone \nMargaret Bonds Troubled Water \nStephen Limbaugh Millennial Suite \nI. Prelude \nII. Transfiguration \nIII. Nocturne \nIV. Melody \nV. Ballade \nVI. Rhapsody \nNatalie Tenenbaum West Side Story Suite \n  \nTyler Kivel is a Chicago-based pianist and collaborative artist whose work spans classical performance\, contemporary music\, and interdisciplinary projects. With degrees in Piano Performance from Central Michigan University (BM) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (MM)\, Tyler has performed across the country at venues including Carnegie Hall\, Chicago Symphony Center\, and PianoForte Studios. \nA deeply curious and ever-evolving musician\, Tyler is committed to creating meaningful experiences for audiences. He is known for his expressive playing and thoughtful programming\, often bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. His work in The Great God Pan\, a contemporary opera featuring prepared piano\, earned national recognition for its artistic boldness and originality. \nTyler’s passion for collaboration has led him to work with a wide range of ensembles\, from symphony orchestras to experimental duos. He is one half of Dual-Art\, a piano and organ duo that presents imaginative transcriptions and inventive programs around the world. Their projects have included a Beethoven anniversary celebration\, a Bastille Day concert of French repertoire\, and a lecture recital in Sweden exploring the unique combination of organ and piano music. \nHe trained with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago under the mentorship of former CSO keyboardist Mary Sauer\, and made his Chicago debut as music director of Thrones! The Musical Parody\, which earned him a live feature on Fox-32 News. He has appeared as a soloist with the LakeShore Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Metropolitan Orchestra\, and has collaborated with groups such as Fifthhouse Ensemble and the renowned Alash Ensemble of Tuvan throat singers. \nTyler has always valued adaptability\, moving fluidly across musical genres and settings. In recent years\, he has turned toward recital programming that blends classical repertoire with elements of popular music\, reimagining what solo performance can look and feel like. During his artist residency in Flint\, Michigan\, he created a concert series titled Mr. POP-ular\, exploring the cultural overlap between pop and classical traditions. His most recent project celebrates mid-century American music\, inspired by the artistic energy of that era’s design and architecture. These performances feature works such as a brilliant set of variations on My Favorite Things\, a lyrical left-hand arrangement of All the Things You Are\, and a dynamic suite drawn from West Side Story. \nBeyond the piano\, Tyler continues to expand his creative expression through improvisation and theater. He has studied at The Second City in Chicago with David Montgomery\, integrating the spontaneity and human connection of improv into his musical life. Whether performing in concert halls or creating something new on stage\, Tyler remains devoted to bringing audiences into the heart of the artistic experience.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/mid-century-modern-american-made-music-tyler-kivel
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0001-3024647798359295166.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251007T165120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T165120Z
UID:308954-1763753400-1763758800@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:Avalon 30
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate the Avalon Quartet’s 30th anniversary\, each member has selected some of their favorite works to revisit for the season. This program features Beethoven’s Op. 130 Quartet\, with the Grosse Fuge Op. 133\, along with the Ravel Quartet\, which was featured on their debut recording. \n  \nDescribed by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites you — ears\, mind\, and spirit — into its music\,” the Avalon String Quartet has established itself as one of the country’s leading chamber music ensembles. \nThe Avalon has performed in major venues including Carnegie Hall\, Alice Tully Hall\, the 92nd St Y\, Merkin Hall\, and Bargemusic in New York; the Library of Congress and National Gallery of Art in Washington DC; Wigmore Hall in London; and Herculessaal in Munich. Other performances include appearances at the Bath International Music Festival\, Aldeburgh Festival\, Caramoor\, La Jolla Chamber Music Society\, NPR’s St. Paul Sunday\, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum\, Dame Myra Hess Concerts\, Los Angeles Music Guild\, and the Ravinia Festival. The quartet performs an annual concert series in historic Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago\, where it has presented the complete quartet cycles of Beethoven\, Bartok\, and Brahms in recent seasons. \nThe Avalon is quartet-in-residence at the Northern Illinois University School of Music\, a position formerly held by the Vermeer Quartet. Additional teaching activities have included the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Institute\, Interlochen Advanced Quartet Program\, Madeline Island Music Camp\, and the Britten-Pears School in England\, as well as masterclasses at universities and conservatories throughout the United States. Additionally\, they have given numerous performances and presentations to young audiences in under-resourced schools and communities. \nIn 2015\, the quartet released “Illuminations”\, its first recording for Cedille Records. It was met with praise from NY Times\, WQXR radio and Chicago Tribune. This recording follows a critically acclaimed CD of contemporary American works on the Albany label in 2010. The Avalon String Quartet’s debut CD\, Dawn to Dusk\, featuring quartets by Ravel and Janacek\, was honored with the 2002 Chamber Music America/WQXR Record Award for best chamber music recording. \nThe quartet’s live performances and conversations are frequently featured on Chicago fine arts radio station WFMT. They have also been heard on New York’s WQXR and WNYC\, National Public Radio’s Performance Today\, Canada’s CBC\, Australia’s ABC\, the ARD of Germany\, and France Musique. \nThe Avalon captured the top prize at the ARD Competition in Munich (2000) and First Prize at the Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York City (1999). In its early years\, the ensemble trained intensively with the Juilliard Quartet at The Juilliard School\, the Emerson Quartet at the Hartt School of Music\, and the Vermeer Quartet at Northern Illinois University. \nTo learn more\, visit https://avalonquartet.com/.
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/avalon-30-2
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/avalon-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251119T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251119T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T073509
CREATED:20251007T165001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251019T155433Z
UID:308953-1763578800-1763584200@pianofortechicago.com
SUMMARY:HELEN JANE LONG live in Chicago
DESCRIPTION:HELEN JANE LONG is coming to Chicago! Join her for an unforgettable evening. This is a unique and rare opportunity to experience her talent up close and personal\, in an intimate setting of only 75 guests. It will be an evening of enchanting music\, audience Q & A and conversation about the inspirations behind her music. Each ticket comes with signed merchanise to take home after the show! Helen will be performing solo pieces from her new piano album SOLUS as well as any favourites from her nine previous albums you would like to request! \n  \n \n  \nHelen Jane Long has a very signature sound yet remains undefinable. She has become one of the world’s highest-streaming female pianist and composers in the world. Helen is a multi-instrumentalist composing\, arranging\, scoring\, performing and producing her own music and her visions go beyond just musical notes.  With every album comes detailed conceptual illustrations enabling the listener to explore into the imagination of the artist and her own thoughts and inspirations.  Helen has created a surreal world\, pushing the boundaries of what we perceive as so-called piano music\, and transporting the listener on their own unique sensory journey. \n‘I want the listener to discover for themselves what they feel. Music has the rare ability to truly touch our hearts and soul.  Music evokes memories\, both happy and sad; music hurts\, and music can heal. \nHelen’s first ever music video\, (from the track with the same name ‘When Angel’s Rise’ ) won “Best Inspirational Film” in both the New York Film Awards and Los Angeles Global Film Awards. \nShe has written extensively for film and television with credits including Mercedes Formula One\, the British Airways’ multi-million-pound campaign\, To Fly\, To Serve\, (The Aviators was released on her Intervention album). Helen also wrote the theme tune for Ricky Gervais’s hugely popular TV series\, ‘Life’s Too Short.  She has worked alongside prestigious composers including Howard Shore\, who invited her to be part of his music team on the Academy Award-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy. \nHelen’s latest piano release SOLUS is a collection of solo piano pieces recorded in 2020 when the world stood still. SOLUS album is released ahead of Helen’s newest piano and string album due early 2026. \n  \n 
URL:https://pianofortechicago.com/event/helen-jane-long-live-in-chicago
LOCATION:PianoForte Studios\, 1335 South Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://pianofortechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/helen-jane-long.jpg
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