Pierre’s Piano News January 2025
January 17, 2025
Dear friends,
I am happy to share some exciting news with you! Thanks to the amazing support of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Steinway technician D. Marie Jones and I recently had the opportunity to visit the Steinway factory in Astoria to select two beautiful new pianos for the Gilmore.
Walking into that historic space, which has been around since 1870, felt a bit like stepping into Willy Wonka’s factory—pure magic for a piano enthusiast! But our mission wasn’t just to admire; it was strategic. Ensuring we have the highest-quality pianos to match the extraordinary talent of our performing artists is absolutely key. These instruments play such a pivotal role in making the Gilmore Festival the success it is.
We were greeted by Gavin English, the president of Steinway & Sons (he’s the one in the photo with me, standing beside the Concert Grand D we selected). The Steinway team presented us with about six model Ds and six model Bs to choose from, all showcased in their famous underground vault.
After several hours of playing, listening, and collaborating with D. Marie, we made our selections: one D (a 9-foot grand piano) and one B (a 7-foot grand piano). Both instruments have now arrived safely in Kalamazoo and will be ready to shine at our next festival.
I can’t wait for you and everyone else to hear these magnificent pianos in action, played by our incredible festival artists. I know they’ll be a perfect addition to the Gilmore family.
Don’t miss out! Alexandre Kantorow, our 2024 Gilmore Artist, is returning to Kalamazoo for an extraordinary performance with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra on February 5, 2025, at Chenery Auditorium. Known as a “fire-breathing virtuoso,” Kantorow will open the concert with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 28 and then will take on Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto—the “Mount Everest of concertos.” I hope to see you there.
Notable Performances This Spring
• Elisabeth Brauss: Part of a new generation of classical artists, German pianist Elisabeth Brauss will perform on March 9, 2025, at Wellspring Theater, Epic Center, Kalamazoo.
• Richard Goode and Sarah Shafer: Accomplished artists of two generations will present a dynamic program of music by Fauré, Wolf, and Schubert on March 16, 2025, at Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College.
• Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Marcus Gilmore: Join us for a special collaboration by three Grammy®-winning jazz artists on April 13, 2025, at Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo.
• Hélène Grimaud: Known for unique interpretations of classical works, French pianist Hélène Grimaud will perform masterworks by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms on April 23, 2025, at Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo.
• Daniela Liebman: Mexican pianist Daniela Liebman has performed with over 30 orchestras worldwide. A Warner Classics and Yamaha Artist, she made her Lincoln Center debut in 2023. See her on May 11, 2025, at Wellspring Theater, Epic Center, Kalamazoo.
We encourage you to attend these concerts and experience the remarkable talents of our Gilmore Artists. For tickets and more information, please visit thegilmore.org.
Thank you for your continued support and passion for The Gilmore. Your enthusiasm and generosity enable us to bring world-class music to Kalamazoo year after year.
Best to you,
Alexandre Kantorow – 2024 Gilmore Artist
The 2024 Gilmore Artist, Alexandre Kantorow, has released a new album on SACD hybrid disc featuring Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 1 and Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasy alongside Liszt-arranged Schubert songs. Known for his profound emotional depth and impeccable technique, Kantorow breathes new life into these ambitious and challenging works. He will perform Brahms and Rachmaninoff in Kalamazoo on February 5, 2025. Tickets are available now.
Kirill Gerstein – 2010 Gilmore Artist
Kirill Gerstein, the 2010 Gilmore Artist, delivered a breathtaking performance with the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Music Center. His program included Schumann’s Carnaval, Francisco Coll’s dramatic Waltzes Toward Civilization, and Ravel’s electrifying La valse, concluding with Liszt’s transcendent Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude and B-minor sonata. Gerstein’s artistry remains as compelling as ever, leaving audiences mesmerized.
Conrad Tao – 2012 Gilmore Young Artist
Conrad Tao has wonthe prestigious 2024 Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award, presented by Bay Chamber Concerts & Music School. Known for his genre-defying artistry, Tao continues to redefine classical music through innovative collaborations like The Junction Trio and performances with leading orchestras worldwide. He returns to Carnegie Hall on January 31 for a solo recital featuring works by Debussy, Schumann, and Tao himself.
Orli Shaham, 1996 Gilmore Young Artist
Orli Shaham, 1996 Gilmore Young Artist, has been named one of the Top 30 Professionals of the Year by Musical America Worldwide. Each year, the publication recognizes a cohort of industry professionals who relentlessly and enthusiastically strive to keep the performing arts vibrant.
KeysFest 2025 returns on Saturday, February 22, 2025, for a full day of music, learning, and inspiration. Open to piano students in grades 1–12 across West Michigan, this enriching event provides the opportunity to perform in master classes with renowned clinicians, including Allison Keep, Lori Sims, Jeff Kleinsorge, and Nicole Lee.
At 12:30 PM, attendees can enjoy a special WMU Student Recital and Interactive Talk featuring talented music majors performing jazz and classical pieces while sharing their journeys as students in the field of music. The event also includes add-on workshops such as Advanced Sight-Reading with Tina Gorter and Jazz Improvisation with Aris Chalin, designed to inspire creativity and foster growth.
Registration is now open, with spots filling quickly. Fees start at $25 for younger students and $30 for older students. Visit The Gilmore website to secure your spot and explore everything KeysFest has to offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for young pianists to connect with peers, learn from professionals, and grow their passion for music.