Pianophoria

And that’s a wrap. Pianophoria 2025 ended with a beautiful recital given by the participants. The focus this year had been on Chopin, and everyone shared music by that composer. Congratulations to everyone for the dedication and the beautiful playing!

After a full day of practice and lessons, Pianophorians shared the ensemble pieces they prepared during the course of the week. It was an afternoon full of joy.

July 4th was another working day for dedicated Pianophorians. They assembled at Marcia’s apartment to play for each other, hear their teachers perform works of Chopin, then learn about Chopin as a teacher and the various editions of his works. Afterward they met on the balcony of one of the participants to watch the fireworks and enjoy a bottle of Chopin vodka.

Day 3 of Pianophoria, which ended with an engaging and informative session on Chopin’s Mazurkas given by Alexandra Eames. After hearing about the music participants had a chance to play for Alexandra and get her feedback. The big smiles show how much everyone enjoyed the afternoon.

Another enriching day at Pianophoria. In addition to the usual practice hours, lessons, and ensemble practice, we had a most informative presentation on folk dances of Poland by Robert Bronchard and Martyna Gronchecki. We all got up and danced the Polonaise at the end. You can see how much fun we had.

Pianophoria! is back for another season. Eager participants gathered to kick off another week of practice, lessons, ensemble work, masterclasses, and lectures. This year’s focus is on Chopin. Today’s informative lecture was given by Dr. Lisa Yui and gave everyone an overview of Chopin’s contributions.

Day 6: The Manhattanhenge sun sets on the 21st edition of Pianophoria. Participants shared a beautiful program of music by French and other composers, all presented with commitment and expression. Afterward was lunch at a local restaurant, followed by hugs and farewells. Stay tuned for news about the theme for Season 22.

Day 5: A day of sharing. After the usual practice hours, lessons, and ensemble rehearsals, we all gathered to start hearing the results of everyone's work. Ensembles shared their pieces, and a few participants shared solo works, meaning we heard works for 2, 4, 6, and 8 hands during the course of the afternoon. As you can see, there were smiles all around.

Day 4: The Bloomingdale School was closed for the July 4th holiday today, so we all assembled at Marcia's apartment. The day started with a very informative presentation on Alexander Technique by Juilliard teacher F***y Wyrick-Flax. Many participants took advantage of the opportunity to have her expert hands guide them in their approach to the piano. After lunch participants shared music with the group, then heard a lecture-recital from all three faculty members on the life and music of Germaine Tailleferre. We celebrated afterward with red, white, and blue macarons and madeleines.

Day 3: After another full day at the piano participants gathered in the salon for a workshop with Deb on chords. They listened intently for tension and resolution in the numerous examples Deb prepared for them.

Day 2: Sparkling lecture from David Dubal on our topic of the year, French piano music, along with sparkling sneakers and smiles from our participants. Practice, lessons, performances, and ensemble practice filled the rest of the day.

Season 21, Day 1. Pianophorians assembled at the Bloomingdale School to start the latest session. After exchanging greetings everyone got to work with the usual hours of practice, lessons, and ensemble work. The day ended with a lecture from Raj on pedaling. Much more to come in this week dedicated to piano music by French composers other than Debussy and Ravel. Everyone is looking forward to discovering new composers and repertoire to add to their libraries.