The Piano is the Star at the 15th Annual Keyboard Festival
The keyboard family is certainly a diverse one. Under the family tree fall the harpsichord, clavichord, pipe organ and even the hurdy gurdy. While these are dramatically removed from the grand piano we are familiar with today, all have given sound to many a masterpiece over the ages. The New School celebrates this musical instrument July 14-28 with the 15th Annual International Keyboard Institute and Festival. Hosted by Mannes College The New School for Music and founded by Mannes alumnus and faculty member Jerome Rose, the festival will feature performances by world-renowned pianists.
Two concert series will take place this year: the Prestige Series featuring accomplished young artists from around the world, many of them recent winners of major international competitions; and the Masters Series featuring guest artists and faculty.
This year, a number of guest artists and faculty members will not only perform, but also lead master classes for Mannes faculty and students. Those giving recitals and master classes include Ilya Yakushev, Nikolai Demidenko, Yuan Sheng, Mykola Suk, Andrea Lucchesini, and Jeffrey Swann. International Keyboard Institute Founder/Director Jerome Rose will perform the Festival’s opening concert on Sunday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m. Other distinguished pianists to perform include: Steven Mayer, Marc-AndrĂ© Hamelin, Massimiliano Ferrati, Alexander Kobrin, and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. In addition, the festival will feature special lecture/recitals, including Noam Sivan presenting “The Art of Improvisation,” Jed Distler lecturing on “Composers at the Keyboard,“ and Jerome Rose hosting a special event honoring David Dubal.
All concerts will take place at the Mannes Concert Hall, 150 West 85th Street. For more full program, evening events, master classes, and ticket information, please visit: www.ikif.org, or call 212.580.0210 x4858.