Hundreds of pianists play at Elgin Community College's 'American Grands'
About 460 pianists of all ages and skill levels performed Saturday during American Grands XXII at Elgin Community College Arts Center's Blizzard Theatre.
The concert featured 24 pianists at a time - two per piano - performing on a dozen grand pianos. Performers, who ranged from early elementary school students to adult performers, came from more than 50 hometowns.
"American Grands is a multigenerational celebration of the piano and those who love to play it, which makes it a unique and joyous opportunity for musicians," Music Director Larry Dieffenbach said. "We have professional level players performing with piano students, parents and grandparents performing with their children,"
The musical repertoire included arrangements of "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, the "Star Wars" theme by John Williams, selections from Handel's "Messiah," "Defying Gravity" from Stephen Schwartz's Broadway musical "Wicked," and "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. All three performances opened with the "Star-Spangled Banner" and ended with "Star and Stripes Forever."
The grand pianos were provided by event sponsor Cordogan's Pianoland in Geneva.