Any living organism undergoes constant adjustment. So must organizations.
Dranoff 2 Piano works with great artists who present and pursue great music. We offer these gifts to our youth and now seek to broaden our audience by including young people in the creative process. Recognizing that music is young people's language, music offers a familiar framework for teens to learn, connect to culture, and identify with their community. This is what PIANO SLAM is all about.
Over the past few years, we at Dranoff have ever more actively developed the idea behind PIANO SLAM and ever more intentionally built on each successful implementation.
The videos we have chosen today reflect all three aspects of what our organization is about. The first is a performance by the Dranoff 2 Piano Competition Finalists, Duo Yamamoto, at our globally recognized competition, performing the beloved Francis Poulenc Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra under the baton of Sarah Hicks .
The second video is a performance at the PIANO SLAM 6 Finals show by the acclaimed professional poet, Lenelle Moise of her poem “Noah”. She is accompanied by Duo Yoo & Kim, performing the same concerto in a transcription for 2 pianos only. As a personal aside - this is one of my all-time favorite performances.
The third video shows the performance of PIANO SLAM 6 poetry contest winner, Eduin Turcios of his poem “Let Me Be”.
From Music to Language to Community & Culture. That is PIANO SLAM.
Warmly,
Gabriele Fiorentino
President,
The Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation
Piano Slam
