The Magic of the Keyboard Marathon: Nature in Music

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Keyboard Marathon on April 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. This annual event brings together the talented pianists of CMC, showcasing their music and creativity, each year centered around a unique theme. This year’s theme is nature, with performances on both piano and harpsichord.

To learn more about the event, we spoke with Matylda Rotkiewicz, the event’s organizer and a dedicated member of the CMC piano faculty. “When I moved to the Bay Area in 2008 with my husband and newborn daughter, I was eager to immerse myself in the musical community, just as I had in Boston. I introduced myself to Steve Shapiro, then the director of CMC, had an interview, and was thrilled to join the faculty. Shortly after, I learned about the Keyboard Marathon and attended an informal meeting with its founder, Juliet McComas, along with Grace Huenemann and the Wong sisters, Betty and Shirley. From the moment I walked in, I knew I wanted to be part of this incredible project—not just as a performer, but as a collaborator. The idea of working together on something bigger than ourselves, sharing the stage, and inspiring one another felt deeply meaningful.”

Since its founding in 2004 by Juliet McComas (1949–2020), the Keyboard Marathon has become a cherished CMC tradition. Juliet’s vision was to bring the piano faculty together each year to explore and showcase different facets of the vast keyboard repertoire for students and the broader community. Over the years, the event has evolved to embrace a diverse range of musical styles, from classical to jazz and beyond. It has also inspired other departments at CMC to create their own collaborative performances.

“I am passionate about keeping Juliet’s vision alive,” says Matylda. “We continue to engage our faculty, honor the tradition she started, and welcome new CMC members into this inspiring and collaborative experience.”

Each fall, CMC piano faculty gather to brainstorm and select a theme for the Keyboard Marathon, aiming to inspire both new and returning performers. This year, 12 faculty members and two guest artists will present an engaging program featuring compositions that capture the essence of nature. The repertoire spans various musical styles and time periods, promising a rich and immersive experience for the audience.

Performers and Program Highlights:

  • Allison Lovejoy
    L’isle Joyeuse by C. Debussy
  • Betty Wong
    Saint Louis en Ile by Piazzolla
  • Bruce Loeb
    Sonatina in E major by Sibelius
  • Christian Bonvin
    Quejas, o la Maja y el Ruiseñor from Goyescas by Enrique Granados
    Abschied from Waldszenen op.82 by Robert Schumann
  • Esther Chan
    Amy Beach: Danse des fleurs
  • Grace Huenemann
    Sheep May Safely Graze by J.S. Bach/Mary Howe (from the Birthday Cantata BWV)
  • Hadley McCarroll
    Selections from On the Overgrown Path by Leoš Janáček: Lístek odvanutý, Štěbetaly jak laštovičky, Sýček neodletěl!
  • Jacqueline Chew
    Karen Tanaka: Water of Life, Light, Our Planet Earth
  • Jennifer Peringer
    Gabriela Lena Frank: Adagio Illariy (from Sonata Andina)
  • Jennifer Peringer and Lauren Cony
    Hilary Tann: Water’s Edge, Dawn Light, From the Riverbed, Toward Dusk
  • Lauren Cony
    Water Dance III by Karen Tanaka
  • Lilia Zheltova
    Snowdrop (April from the “Seasons”) by P. Tchaikovsky
    Honeysuckle op. 97, no. 5 by Amy Beach
  • Matylda Rotkiewicz
    Jardin sous la Pluie by C. Debussy
    Nocturne in B flat major by I. J. Paderewski
  • Shirley Wong-Frenzel
    Les Cyclopes, Le Rappel des oiseaux by Jean-Philippe Rameau
  • Tony Martinez
    The Wave by Antonio Carlos Jobim
    El Manicero by Moisés Simons

For Matylda, this year’s theme and repertoire brings her back to her musical roots. “I’ve always enjoyed being challenged and seeking out new repertoire, and that’s truly the essence of the Keyboard Marathon. This year, I wanted to return to my roots. Born in Poland, I moved to Paris at fourteen to study with Milosz Magin, a virtuoso Polish-born pianist and composer. Under his guidance, I immersed myself in the works of Chopin, Paderewski, and Szymanowski. Their music, rich with folk influences, has become an integral part of my identity as a pianist. Nearly a decade of studying at the Conservatoire in Paris offered me a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of composers like Debussy and Ravel. I’ve always had a special love for Debussy, particularly the way he captures delicate sounds and his beautiful use of color. His precision in annotating his music has always fascinated me, and it continues to inspire my approach to interpretation. So this year, I’ll be performing one piece by Paderewski and one by Debussy.”

Join Us for an Unforgettable Afternoon of Music

The Keyboard Marathon is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the collaborative spirit of music. It’s an opportunity to experience an exciting range of performances and immerse yourself in the magic of music and nature. We invite you to join us on April 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. for an unforgettable afternoon of creativity, music, and community. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience!