Watch and listen to the wonderful St. Valentine’s day concert from Anastasia and Andrei Kitaev. The piano concert at Michelle’s Piano in Portland, OR featured music from Anastasia and Andrei Kitaev with a special appearance by Elena Avanesyan. Watch the videos below and join us at our next Portland piano concert.
Author Archive | Michelles Piano
Barcelona Opera House Reopens and Performs for Plants
There’s a bit of an urban legend that plants actually respond positively to the sound of music. If it’s true, then what genre do they appreciate? Are they more fans of Mozart or Ravel?
This particular rumor that everyone has heard at least once is actually the result of several real-life studies done over the years. And the evidence is quite extraordinary. In 1973, “The Secret Life of Plants” was published by Christopher Bird and Peter Tompkins which was an intense analysis into the relationship between Man and Plants. Bird and Tompkins postulated that music not only helps plants grow, but that they maintain a level of consciousness throughout- and if consciousness exists, so does a sense of taste.
One of the earliest studies of the effect of music on plants was conducted in 1962 by Dr. T. C. Singh, Head of Botany at Annamalia University. He exposed balsam plants to classical music and found that their growth rate increased by 20% compared to a control group, along with a 72% increase in biomass. He then exposed crops to raga music over loudspeakers and found they yielded 25% – 60% more than the national average.
Recently, over two thousands plants were treated to a concert at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. After a three-month closure, El Liceu in Barcelona, Spain, held a performance of Puccini’s Crisantemi for 2,292 plants.
The project is the brainchild of Spanish artist Eugenio Ampudia, artistic director at the opera house. According to the artist, the concert looks to tackle whether humans can expand the concept of empathy to include our relationships with other species.
It’s an interesting substitution for live human crowds, which are still slowly returning to the concert halls, but not as quickly as we’d all like. However, until things change, we can all appreciate a few humorous, surreal concerts as a response to these equally surreal times.
Michelle’s Piano Honored for 25 Years of Service in the Music Products Industry at Annual Industry Gathering
Portland business recognized for milestone of service to community, advancing music making –
Portland, OR – November, 4th, 2019 — Michelle’s Piano of Portland, OR is being recognized in Anaheim, California at The 2020 NAMM Show for the company’s 25 years of service to the music products industry. Presented annually, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recognizes music businesses that have flourished through changing business environments to reach a noteworthy anniversary.
“We’re honored to receive this special recognition” said Lotof Shatout, owner of Michelle’s Piano in Portland, Oregon.
“On behalf of all NAMM member companies, it is truly an honor to recognize Michelle’s Piano for their 25 years in service to both the music products industry and to their community,” noted Lamond. “Michelle’s Piano has demonstrated the perseverance and passion to stand the test of time, inspire countless others and create a more musical world for the benefit of all.”
The Milestone Awards are presented annually to industry leaders celebrating notable anniversaries during The NAMM Show, held during the month of January in Anaheim, California. The NAMM Show brings together over 115,000 industry professionals to preview the latest gear, attend educational sessions, and network with peers from more than 139 countries and regions.
Michelle’s Piano is a leader in piano service and support in the Pacific Northwest. Check out their web site at www.michellespiano.com or call them at 503-295-1180
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,000 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation’s efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Pianist Hailey Sun
Making her debut at Carnegie Hall at eight, and winner of the Steinway Competition in her age category at Michelle’s Piano, Hailey Sun has already done more than most could ever dream!
Hailey began taking piano lessons at her own request when she was three years old. Since 2015, Hailey has actively participated in Period Festivals of the Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA), consistently receiving “Winner” rankings each time. In 2018, Hailey won second place at the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition and had the honor to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City in May 2018. In addition, she won first place in the Steinway Competition for the Oregon/Southwest Washington State region in Division I Category. Her current teachers are Dr. Renato Fabbro and Paula Watt. In addition to playing the piano and listening to classical music, in her spare time, Hailey loves to read, travel, swim and do arts and crafts.
Hailey’s family has also just taken ownership of a brand new Steinway Model B to further enable her to reach her artistic potential. Michelle’s is thrilled to be part of this happy event!
The Making of the Steinway White House Piano in Miniature
