Piano News contains current and informative stories, articles and more. Learn about the current happenings in the world of piano and music!
The Lang Lang Effect: After starring in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Classical pianist Lang Lang rocketed to international stardom. In China, though, the 27-year old artist, known for his rock-star style and virtuoso talent, had long been a megastar . . . click here for rest of story.
The State of Classical Music: Let’s face it, the world of classical music is fairly far off the radar screen for most people in this country. Still, there are huge numbers of passionate classical fans, posting on dozens and dozens of classical blogs and chat rooms, downloading everything from Beethoven to Bang on a Can, and attending operas, symphonies and chamber music concerts. . . Click here for complete story.
A Jazz Pianist, Happy to Work for Peanuts: About this time of year, the music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is hear on radios and in shopping malls across the country . . . click here for rest for story.
Discovering the Keys to a Musical Past (book review): Madeline Goold is a British sculptor who trained as a lawyer. She has also played the piano since childhood—and it was this avocation that sparked her interest, a few years ago, to look into buying a historical instrument. In her search, she heard about “square pianos,” early-19th-century instruments that were produced during the transition from harpsichords to modern pianos. She had wondered about this musical curiosity but had never seen one. Then, idly surveying the listings for an antique auction one day, she saw this entry: “Two Square Pianos.” Click here for rest of story . . .
Composer Reinvents the Piano: ‘Fluid’ instrument allows pianists to alter sound before or while they play.
Pink Martini - A Tale of Two Songs: For its latest record, Splendor in the Grass, the Portland-based band found inspiration for two of its songs from an unlikely place: a sheet of music left on band member Thomas Lauderdale’s piano. Click here for complete story.
Christopher O’Reilly: Reliving A Love For Ravel – Radio and television host of the popular show From the Top, Chris O’Reilley talks about the importance of Ravel’s Tombeau de Couperin in his musical development.
NAMM’s Wanna Play booth was one of top 10 booths sought out for interactive kiosks by attendees at the 2009 AARP convention in Las Vegas.
First Lady, Michelle Obama, makes room for classical music at the White House as part of the on going concert series in the East Room to highlight the importance of music and the arts in education.
Michelle Obama opens the White House for a special
Ben Folds Turns Orchestras in to Rock Bands: Two videos show Ben Folds in a PBS story and in an interview about his approach to his own music.
Renowned Pianist Stirs Emotions Behind Bars: Concert pianist Simone Dinnerstein plays for women inmates at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women in Jessup.
Think Free Project: String Bassist & Composer, Ben Allison, invites you to be a virtual collaborator by going to YouTube and submitting your own interpretation of two of his own tracks posted on YouTube. Winners will be chosen by Ben Allison himself!
