Miami International Piano Festival

From May 11th through May 14th, 2006What are the odds that a non-competitive, classical music, piano festival can succeed in South Florida? “Frankly, when approached nine years ago by the founder and Artistic Director, Giselle Brodsky, I was leery of the idea that such an undertaking could possible succeed in the jaded musical community of South Florida – an area that twice in my quarter-century here has allowed its orchestra to die. But the ensuing years and the awesome work of Mrs. Brodsky have proven me wrong, for she has done exactly what she promised and done it with telling effect. Her work has surpassed very expectation.” This statement by Frank Cooper, Research Professor of Music at UM’s Frost School of Music, reflects the general consensus by many industry professionals about the Miami International Piano Festival. Norman Lebrecht, one of the most widely-read modern commentators on music, culture and politics whose Wednesday column in the (London) Evening Standard and on the Internet has been described as ‘required reading’ has this to say about the Festival: “The need for such a festival is incontrovertible. To have a showcase festival specially dedicated to new artists is not just an act of faith but a beacon of hope for the next generation that renewal has not been ruled out. In the context of the United States, the significance of such a festival is multiplied many times over. The value of an independent festival introducing the cream of the world’s new pianists to the United States cannot therefore be overestimated.” Innovative programming and creative musicianship are essentially the founding premise of the Festival and are in fact part of Patrons of Exceptional Artists, the presenting organization’s mission. “It’s such a surprise!” said Matthew Gurewitsch, a critic for The New York Times. “The quality of the artists is so high, yet all of them come to Miami as virtual unknowns.” But not for long, since many achievements have been made by the festival alumni. The Miami International Piano Festival Orchestra will present an evening of Beethoven Concertos on Sunday, May 14th of this year under the impeccable direction of conductor/pianist Maestro William Noll, former assistant conductor of the Atlanta Opera. The Ninth Annual Miami International Piano Festival – 2006 Discovery Series takes place from May 11th through May 14th at the Lincoln Theatre in Miami Beach. In addition to solo recitals and the Concerto Night, the Festival will present a Saturday May 13th matinee “Prodigies and Masters of Tomorrow” concert featuring South Florida’s own unbelievable Jazz Prodigy, 11 year-old, Antonio Madruga. For more information, please call 1.877.877.7677 or visit www.miamipianofest.com