Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival

About the Event

The Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival will feature the finest international pianists playing classical, jazz, and pop music. The piano will be center stage for Gilmore-commissioned world premieres, free community concerts, films, musical theatre, and so much more.

Festival Schedule:

12:00 PM: Paul Cornish Trio

Paul Cornish, piano
Emma Dayhuff, bass – Jonathan Pinson, drums

Winner of the 2018 American Jazz Piano Competition, Composer-pianist Paul Cornish’s style is a blend of contemporary and jazz with experimental elements. Pianist for the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance, he has performed and worked with artists including Herbie Hancock and John Legend, and on stages throughout the world. An accomplished composer and educator, he is on faculty at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and strives to inspire freedom and collaboration in his music and community.

Location: Civic Theatre Auditorium, Kalamazoo

2:00 PM: Kirill Gerstein, 2010 Gilmore Artist

Kirill Gerstein brings his signature style to a varied program that includes the U.S. premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s The tracks have vanished, commissioned for him by The Gilmore. The GrammyⓇ-nominated pianist blends the traditions of Russian, American, and Central European schooling combined with a strong background in jazz. To his broad repertoire, both new and old, he brings an unwavering clarity of expression, discerning intelligence, virtuosity, and energy.

1 pm Concert preview with composer Matthew Aucoin, Olmsted Room

Location: Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College

8:00 PM: Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

Pink Martini and China Forbes return with their vibrant, varied repertoire of jazz, classical, latin, music, and pop marked by extraordinary vocal talent and top-flight musicians. Pink Martini has performed with more than 50 orchestras, and in sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, the opening party of the remodeled Museum of Modern Art, the Governor’s Ball at the 80th Annual Academy Awards, and more. Pink Martini albums have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide.

Location: Miller Auditorium, WMU

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