The Clayton Piano Festival returns this year for season 12 which will run from October 14th through December 16th. As in previous years, there will be multiple venues and themes featuring international touring artists.
First up is “Pictures from an Exhibition” featuring Asiya Korepanova on October 14th at 7:30 p.m. This special evening, where audiences will hear her perform some of her own transcriptions of beloved classical works, will take place in the newly renovated Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Korepanova is an internationally renowned pianist and visual artist; the concert will feature visual projections of her artwork to go along with certain pieces.
“I’m excited about our collaboration with JCC to present our opening concert at the newly renovated Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. This is a place where I experienced so many inspiring events growing up in Johnston County, and the new theater and staff are outstanding,” stated Jonathan Levin, Clayton Piano Festival Director.
On October 26th, the festival returns to the beautiful Twin Oaks Barn with “The Transcendental Piano” - a unique concert with pianist and composer, Jeremy Jordan. Jordan’s skills for complicated musical settings border on the miraculous. Equally adept in classical and jazz styles, he will present his own transcriptions and interpretations of everything from classical opera to jazz standards.
“In November, we return to present one of our ‘CPF Live Sessions’ concerts at Hopper Piano Company in Raleigh,” says Levin, speaking of the unique, virtual events the festival began offering during COVID.
On November 11th pianist and author, Matthew Harrison will headline an intimate and fun, podcast-style concert “Rachmaninoff @ 150” - celebrating what would have been the composer's 150th birthday. Rachmaninoff was one of the most prodigious pianists and composers of the 20th Century. The event will take audiences behind the scenes of this live filming, with candid conversations about the music and an audience Q & A.
To close out the season, the Clayton Piano Festival’s annual Holiday Gala Concert will be held at the beautiful Twin Oaks Barn. The December 16th event will feature multiple genres and instrumental/vocal acts, including international touring vocalist, Tyrone Chambers, in addition to other special guests who will be announced later in October.
Levin says the holiday gala is always a favorite among festival attendees, “we’ll be presenting some of your favorite holiday music, followed by a festive reception.”
To purchase tickets and for more information about Clayton Piano Festival go to claytonpianofestival.org/season12.
