By Suzanne Korey, Keyboard Marathon Event Producer and piano student of Lauren Cony
This April the Community Music Center is preparing to host the 15th Annual Keyboard Marathon Concert, Sunday, April 22 at 3pm. As keyboard performers, we are thrilled that this yearly event has been sustained for 15 years through the interest of the community, the active engagement of the performers, and a keen appreciation in learning about and hearing the wide range of keyboard compositions that are chosen for each year’s event.
Our theme this year is Joy and Sorrow, reflecting both the quandary we find ourselves in the world at this time, as well as the wide range of emotions that music evokes in the listener.
Performers have selected original compositions, solo pieces and duets, classical music, contemporary pieces, and old favorites. This year’s theme has brought out some of the most varied compositions that we’ve offered yet.
The Keyboard Marathon is a beloved CMC institution. It is one of the few opportunities we have to gather members of the keyboard faculty and listen to the richness of the music, the diversity of taste and styles, and the quality of performance. It is a special afternoon that brings friends and family together for music and celebration.
The Keyboard Marathon takes place in the CMC Recital Hall, at 544 Capp Street in San Francisco. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, with tickets available at the door. A champagne reception follows the performance – we are fortunate to have a courtyard and often beautiful weather, that allows us to take the reception outside and celebrate the day.
This year’s performers are faculty members Lauren Cony, John Kyrk, Juliet McComas, Jennifer Peringer, Lilia Zheltova, Paul Dab, Erik Ian Walker, Betty Wong, Shirley Wong Frentzel, Elektra Schmidt, Maestro Curtis, Jon Jang, Theodore Carson, Jacqueline Chew, Allison Lovejoy, Paula Dreyer, and guest artists Grace Huenemann, Esther Chan and Annie Nalezny.