What is the Six Piano Ensemble?
Founded in 1980 by conductor Glenna Sprague, Oakton professor and coordinator of music, the Six Piano Ensemble – comprised of adult students chosen through a highly selective audition process – performs classical, ragtime, and popular music transcribed for six pianos by Professor Sprague. The rich, layered sound of the Six Piano Ensemble compares to that of an orchestra, with each member playing a different part of a composition as the melody transfers from pianist to pianist.
AMA’s Jessica Walker, pictured left, is one of the youngest members ever to be invited to perform in the prestigious Six Piano Ensemble.
It’s the only group of its kind in the world, hailed by critics from Vienna to Honolulu as “extraordinary,” “unique,” and “innovative.”
The artistic success of the Six Piano Ensemble has resulted in prominent concert engagements across the United States and Europe, including the College Music Society International Conference in Vienna, Austria; numerous MTNA state conferences; Music Teachers Association of California State Convention in Los Angeles; and Hawaii Music Teachers Association in Honolulu. The group has also made appearances in the Chicago area, including the Civic Opera House, Navy Pier, and the Harold Washington Library.
In 2008, renowned composer Robert Vandall created a special piece for the Six Piano Ensemble – Oakton Toccata, published by Alfred Publishing Company.
Piano Teacher Jessica Walker Writes…
Three years ago I went to see the Six Piano Ensemble perform and was completely blown away! Since then, I’ve anticipated their annual performances at Oakton Community College and have taken some of my piano students with me to see them play. We always have a great time and leave inspired. I never ever dreamed of being in this prestigious group… I thought I’d have to play piano for 20 more years to even be considered good enough. However, I have been taking private piano lessons with Professor Sprague, and this past year I was invited to become a member of the ensemble!
What a crazy, amazing opportunity that I never saw coming!
I am SO blessed and excited to be performing with these extremely talented and hardworking pianists. Rehearsals are long and strenuous, but the pieces that we are preparing this year are awesome. This year’s concerts feature Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 by Beethoven; Concerto in G Minor, BWV 1058 by J.S. Bach; Sonata in B-flat Major, Op. 1a by Clementi; Legend in D Minor, Op. 59 by Dvorak; and much more!
Performances
Performance dates are Saturday, April 27th, at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 28th, at 3:00 p.m., in the Footlik Theater at Oakton Community College, 1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines.
The concert is an hour in length and followed by a reception with some really good dessert! Individual tickets are $17 ($14 for seniors). AMA is getting a group together so tickets will be discounted to $12. Contact the AMA office right away at 847-299-2233 to learn more.
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