Six out of the twelve pianos that fill the American Grands stage
Guest blogger and American Grands expert (he’s been involved since the very first year!) Stu Ainsworth shares his insight into this “monster piano concert” that’s celebrating its 17th season on January 28. Thank you, Stu!
Why has American Grands been so successful and appreciated for seventeen years?
- The music staff has changed very little. The music director was initially Lorelei Capell followed by Howard Bakken and then Larry Dieffenbach for the past 7 years. Colin Holman has been “the man on the podium” for sixteen of the performances with the exception of one season during which Jon Mortensen, American Grands percussionist, filled in for him. Jon Mortensen has participated in every American Grands performance.
- Only one change in venue. Started in Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, American Grands moved to the Blizzard Theatre in the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Elgin Community College which has been our home ever since.
- Started in 1995, with one evening performance entitled “A Monster Piano Concert”, Amercan Grands soon grew to two performances, and eventually enlarged to three concerts in 2002-all to accomodate the growing number of players which will number nearly 500 during the 3 concerts in 2012.
- The number of highly polished ebony grand pianos have remained unchanged-all twelve strategically placed at different levels on the stage. Since the beginning, all have been loaned and maintained by Cordogan’s Pianoland.
- Only two closing works have been used: initially “God Bless America” and then a stirring rendition of John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”. Performed by 24 hands (240 flashing fingers) at twelve pianos on stage while all the participants file into the theatre to the thunderous applause that greets and thanks them.
American Grands XVII will be performed on January 28, 2012 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. For more information, visit elgin.edu/arts.
