One way to spend a morning of smiles, surprises virtuosity at the keyboard, and fine company, is with the Minnesota Orchestra. Today for lucky attendees, a Grand Piano Spectacular. And spectacular it was. Organized and hosted by ever ebullient Jon Kimura Packer, the 11 a.m. concert kicked off with a rousing overture from Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro.”
The stage was well lit with a close packed group of nine-foot black Steinways and nothing else. Four of them. The four pianists are all well-known to regular attendees of Orchestra concerts, Scott Cuellar, William Eddins, Jon Kimura Packer, and Andrew Staupe.
This talent-packed quartet performed a variety of pieces from the classical and other libraries. Composers visited included Bach, Beethoven, Milhaud, Kevin Olsen and the energetic and varied concert ended with an excellent presentation of the very fine Rachmaninoff Suite No. 2.
Fast paced, at times, even a little rowdy, it was clear from the first note that the performers were enjoying themselves. They quickly conveyed that joy to the enthusiastic audience, with even a few jokes from host Packer.
It was exactly the kind of concert the time, the day, the weather, and the audience needed
. One hopes this Grand Piano Spectacular is a harbinger of good things to come.
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