ECC taking applications for ‘American Grands XVII’

Pianists of all levels may apply to perform in the Elgin Community College Arts Center’s American Grands XVII. The event will be Saturday, Jan. 28, at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Applications will be accepted at elgin.edu/americangrands until midnight Sunday, Sept. 25. Applicants are required to attend three rehearsals and may be required to perform in two of the three concerts, which will be at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.

Billed as “the piano event of the year,” American Grands features more than 500 performers of all talent levels and age groups from throughout the area. Up to 24 musicians perform classical and popular music at once on a dozen grand pianos provided by Cordogan’s Pianoland in Geneva, the event sponsor.

Colin Holman returns as conductor and Jon Mortensen as percussionist for the event.

For details, call Music Director Larry Dieffenbach at (847) 214-7404 or email ldieffenbach.

On Fridays through Aug. 5, classes at Elgin Community College will not meet and the campus will be closed. The Fox Valley University and Business Center, Child Care Center, Spartan Events Center and Visual and Performing Arts Center will be open as scheduled.