In Wednesday’s (5/23) Chicago Tribune, John von Rhein writes, “Music festivals typically invite listeners to regard familiar pieces in different contexts and perspectives, seek out musical connections between scores, and discover new things about works they may have long taken for granted. That is as good a capsule description as any of the intentions behind the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s ambitious and far-reaching ‘Keys to the City’ Piano Festival. During the three-week festival, which runs Wednesday to June 12 at Symphony Center, the public will be able to delve into the vast keyboard repertory and the instruments, old and new, for which that repertory was written. More than 20 concerts, recitals, presentations and ancillary events will bring more than a dozen leading keyboard artists to downtown Chicago.” As part of the festival, Steinway pianos will be available for the public to play for free at eleven downtown Chicago locations, and a Free Chicago Piano Day will be hosted by actor David Hyde Pierce. “The idea to devote this year’s CSO spring festival to the piano came from Martha Gilmer, the orchestra association’s vice president for artistic administration, who engaged pianist Emanuel Ax as its curator, lead participant and guiding spirit.”
Photo by Maurice Jerry Beznos
Posted May 23, 2012
