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!
Carnegie Hall Preview Concert on March 3rd, 2018
“…an exceptional, gifted young artist.”
Robert Mann, Founding Member Juilliard String Quartet
A pianist of extraordinary sensitivity, intelligence, and breadth of dramatic expression, Jeffrey LaDeur makes his solo debut at Carnegie Hall with this recital commemorating the life and works of Claude Debussy on the centenary of his death. Inspired by Couperin and Chopin, Debussy’s Études of 1915 are the summation of the composer’s mature genius in writing for solo piano. The three composers are presented in musical dialogue, tracing the unbroken line of tradition through centuries of French music.
“Awe-inspiring” and “ear-opening.”
Stephen Smoliar, San Francisco Examiner
Sharing the stage with (his good friend) LaDeur—and celebrating his return to Portland audiences following his education at The Eastman School of Music (which began at age 15)—pianist and pedagogue, Johnandrew Slominski will perform a selection of Chopin Mazurkas and Barcarolle. In 2017, Slominski joined the faculty of Linfield College as an artist-in-residence and music theorist.
Melody Bober Alfred Clinician Thursday August 7th
In partnership with Portland Music Company and the leading music publisher in the world, Michelle’s Piano Company is pleased to welcome popular and insightful clinician Melody Bober to our recital hall this coming Thursday August 7th from 9-12pm.
Melody graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She later received her master of arts degree in piano performance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Melody credits much of her success to her influential teachers who include Joel Shapiro and Andrew Froelich (piano), Mary Hoffman (music education) and Tony Carmia (jazz).
As an active church pianist and accompanist, Melody has held the position of church music director. In addition to teaching piano in her private studio, Melody’s music experience includes twenty years of public education and two years of college instruction.
A dynamic clinician and innovative composer, Melody is in great demand at convention and workshops for piano teachers across North America. She resides in Minnesota with her husband Jeff.
Melody’s workshop will be concentrating on these components:
– Develop technic and reading skills by performing pieces in various keys.
– Develop practice strategies for enhancing rhythm,articulation, dynamics and velocity.
– Plan repertoire for your students with a fast paced review of new music.
Again, this workshop if free and open to the public from 9-12pm Light refreshments, Melody’s music will available for purchase, as well as check out the best selection of new and used Steinways in the Pacific Northwest.
Toshiko Akiyoshi in Concert & Other Jazz Greats Here @ Michelle’s Recital Hall
This Friday June 17th Michelle’s Pianos welcomes Toshiko Akiyoshi to the stage in our recital hall. We are partnering with the Bravo Northwest Concert Series in bringing this wonderful Jazz Legend and GRAMMY Nominated artist. But in fact, Michelle’s Piano is fast becoming a well liked venue for jazz, classical, piano studio recitals and other music performances.
Michelle’s recital room is becoming a well known room due to its wonderful acoustic, low rental costs, and the ability to socialize afterwards. In fact, we have hosted some great performers of international and national fame. But the main reason that performers love to do their concerts here is due to the fact that they have a brand new 9′ Steinway on the stage. Randy Porter , Portland native & Steinway Artist, remarked that a lot of the jazz musicians really love the room but more importantly appreciate the beneficial relationship which builds greater community.
Most venues have subpar instrument for their performance space. When you have the best piano in the world on your stage, the audience then gets to enjoy the best performance in the world. The other factor which makes Michelle’s desirable is the fact that their isn’t a restaurant and immense amount of background noise. Not to say, that the concert goer can participate in some nibbles and refreshments it is the best of both worlds- food, folks and fun so to speak. Check our website often for upcoming events, Costs are relatively low and the interaction between performer and audience is warm and inviting!
Portland Youth Piano Competition Set for 2016
Following on the success of last year’s piano competition here at Michelle’s Piano Company in November we are set to announce this years concert dates. Eligible piano students who are OMTA Syllabus level four and above are welcome to enter this years competition. The preliminary round is set for the weekend of November 4-6 with the final round set for Sunday November 13th.
Our criteria is as follow repertoire may be from the Baroque period to twentieth century. Two pieces maybe selected and performed. They are not to exceed 20 minutes in total time. Each contestant is to be in concert attire.
Last year’s first prize winners were able to take advantage of a weekend in New York. This weekend trip included a trip to the Steinway Piano Factory in Astoria Queens New York, the use of a Steinway grand piano in their home and access to rehearsals with the Oregon Symphony and Vancouver Symphony. This year’s first thru third place winners will receive the same prizes. early bird registration is $35 before April 30th and $45 up to the date of the competition. For further questions you may contact Ms.Layla Kastner at layla@michellespiano.com
PYP-Music & Merriment “A Salute to Carol SIndell”
Portland Youth Philharmonic was established Valentine’s Day 1925. It is the oldest youth orchestra in the United States! Since its inception many young people have come to find their joy, passion and pursuit of music in the this world class orchestra. In fact each December, many of these alums come back and join the current youth orchestra for another whirl in the opulent Arlene Schnitzer Hall. What a joy to see many of our active seniors playing with the orchestra members of today and inspiring younger musicians for tomorrow.
Join us here at Michelle’s Piano Company on December 20th 4-530pm as we listen to PYP’s three concert masters; Fumika Minuzo, Haeun Jung, and Halie Borror. The Florestan Trio will rounding out the afternoon, made up of Janet Guggenheim, Hamilton Cheifetz, and Carol Sindell. Incidentally, PYP will be honoring Carol Sindell as both a past PYP conductor, teacher of many PYP students and a strong proponent of the arts here in Portland. This music & merriment event is a both an awareness event as well as a fundraising opportunity to continue to seed the next generation of rising stars of musicians!
A new kind of piano competition in town
Last weekend November 14 & 15 saw,forty eight students, representing nineteen studios, and playing for sixteen hours from intermediated to advance OMTA Syllabus X in our recital hall. All vying for two trips, an all expense paid trip to the famed Steinway Piano Factory in Astoria Queens New York. The two winners from the intermediate and advanced categories will be able to meet and have lunch with a Steinway executive as well as take in a musical event.
The purpose of the competition is the promotion of the next generation of musicians. The competition criteria was relatively straight forward- students could perform anything from Baroque to 20th Century. We also encouraged students to perform a piece from as Asian composer!
The top three finishers in each will also have the opportunity to use a Steinway grand piano in their home for forty-five days. This coming weekend eleven finalist will be try to see who will take the New York trip, cash and the use of a Steinway piano! Sunday’s finals will be from 12-3pm with presentations by Portland Art and Cultural Center, Michelle’s Piano Company and Delta Airlines. All are welcomed to stay for the reception following the award’s ceremony.
Native NW’erner Pianist to Present Beethoven Recitals at the Old Church
Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas
“One of the most significant facts for the understanding of Beethoven is that his work shows an organic development up till the very end. The older Beethoven lived, the more and more profound was what he had to say. Such sustained development in the case of an artist who reaches years of maturity is a rare and important phenomenon.”
—J.W.N. Sullivan, Beethoven: His Spiritual Development
“Gregory Partain is a gifted pianist, and every item is intelligently and sympathetically played.” —BBC Music Magazine
PROGRAM ONE
Tuesday, May 5; 7:30
A fresh, compelling voice: Vienna conquered (1795)
Sonatas Op. 2, nos. 1, 2, 3
PROGRAM TWO
Thursday, May 7; 7:30
Early mastery: The virtuoso spreads his wings (1795-1798)
Sonatas Op. 7; Op. 10, nos. 1, 3
PROGRAM THREE
Friday, May 8; 7:30
Beethoven’s “New Way”: High drama, moonlight, and countryside (1798-1801)
Sonatas Op. 10, no. 2; Op. 13 (Pathétique); Op. 27, no. 2 (Moonlight); Op. 28 (Pastoral)
PROGRAM FOUR
Tuesday, May 12; 7:30
Expanding horizons: Broken boundaries and novel sonorities (1802-1804)
Sonatas Op. 31, no. 2 (Tempest); Op. 31, no. 3; Op. 53 (Waldstein)
PROGRAM FIVE
Wednesday, May 13; 7:30
Uncharted territory: “Beethoven–Hero” (1804-1814)
Sonatas Op. 57 (Appassionata); Op. 78; Op. 81a (Les adieux); Op. 90
PROGRAM SIX
Wednesday, May 20; 7:30
The final phase: Romantic yearning and epic struggle (1816-1818)
Opus 90; Op. 106 Hammerklavier ( iii Adagio sostenuto ); Opus 101
PROGRAM SEVEN
Thursday, May 21; 7:30
Apotheosis: Revelations, strange landscapes, and a last ascension (1821-1822)
Sonatas Op. 109; Op. 110; Op. 111
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote 32 piano sonatas over the course of his adult life–the first when he was 25, the last at age 52, just five years before his death. Sometimes called the “New Testament” of the piano repertoire, collectively they represent one of the most significant achievements in the history of western music. Spanning nearly three decades, these masterworks chart the artistic and spiritual evolution of a man some see as the greatest composer of all time.
Although we remember Beethoven chiefly for his compositions, he earned early fame as an electrifying and unorthodox pianist. Upon arriving in Vienna, it was the young virtuoso’s eloquence at the piano that most impressed the musical king-makers of his adopted home. For the rest of his career, the piano remained his favorite vehicle for self-expression, and the piano sonata became his compositional laboratory as he challenged the limitations of the genre and stretched the boundaries of music itself. After two centuries, the brilliant sonatas of Beethoven’s early years continue to delight, his “heroic” works still stun and inspire, and his profound final statements offer rich rewards through their depth and transcendent mysticism.
The 22 sonatas chosen for this seven-recital series include those traditionally deemed the most satisfying and most historically significant. Hearing them performed chronologically allows listeners the unique experience of following Beethoven’s creative thought process as it unfolds through an illuminating, powerfully moving odyssey.
Gregory Partain, pianist
In his twenty-eight years on the concert stage, Camas, Washington native Gregory Partain has performed as piano recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber music collaborator throughout the United States, as well as in Germany, Poland, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Russia, and Greece. He has garnered consistent critical acclaim in the U.S. and abroad for his live and CD recordings of a wide-ranging repertoire: “…some of the best Scarlatti I’ve ever heard…these approach the same level as Horowitz’s legendary recordings” (American Record Guide); “Gregory Partain is a gifted pianist, and every item is intelligently and sympathetically played” (BBC Music Magazine); “…brilliant clarity, crisp articulation, and a magnificent sense of pacing” (All Music Guide); “He is a sterling-silver player. He doesn’t glitter; he gleams. Suffice it to say that the thrill in the audience was very real” (Lexington Herald-Leader).
Also a serious composer, Partain has focused in recent years on compositions for voice that explore spiritual themes. Major works include Requiem (a large-scale concert piece for chorus and orchestra) and Stabat mater dolorosa for a cappella chorus–both with traditional Latin texts–and “Come to the Garden in Spring,” a song cycle for soprano and piano based on spiritual love poems of Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century Islamic mystic.
Partain received his Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from the University of Washington and Masters and Doctoral degrees from The University of Texas at Austin as a Javits Fellowship recipient. Since 1991 he has taught at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where he holds a Bingham Award for Excellence in Teaching.
http://www.transy.edu/about/faculty_bio.htm?ID=0061544
