Susan and Sarah were about 12 years old when their talent brought them to Miami to participate in one of Dranoff’s early youth competitions.
They returned in 2008 to win the Silver Medal in the Dranoff International Competition, and since then we have had the joy of witnessing their growth and maturation as artists during their Miami performances over the years.
One of the wonderful things about relationships forged with young artists at the beginning of their careers is that very ability to connect, to guide, to nurture and to celebrate. It is a little akin to long term friendship where we become each other’s witness.
Susan and Sarah have a great interest in collaborative projects, and in new work. They chose for us one of those projects –
Cinderella
with music from the Ballet arranged for Two Pianos by Mikhail Pletnev, with the story by Brothers Grimm as told by Samira Hempel.
I have translated the first paragraph the fairy tale, although most of us know the story from our childhood, and the music tells the story as well as any words. But just in case you want to read the Grimm version, I added the link.
This makes me think about the arc of time of our connection with Susan and Sarah, and the many other of the artists we have been presenting over the years. We hope to continue to be that bridge between past and future. At this moment in time, we don’t know yet what this bridge will look like. But you can help us design it: in a few days, I will send out a short questionnaire. Please take the few minutes needed to complete it.
And please take part in our May fund raising so that we can continue to not only design the bridge, but build it to bring you the delight of music and to connect you with the artists.
Warmly,
Gabriele Fiorentino
President,
The Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation
