SPRINGFIELD, Ohio---Sixteen pianists of national and international renown will be featured at the 41st annual American Matthay Association (AMA) Piano Festival being held in Wittenberg University's Krieg Hall June 22-26.
Founded in 1925, the AMA strives to perpetuate the teaching principles of British piano teacher Tobias Matthay (1858-1945). Since 1958 the association has sponsored week-long fesitivals of lectures and concerts by Matthay-trained artists at campuses throughout the United States and Canada.
"Matthay's principles are often still controversial today in England and America, but those who understand them revere him above all other teachers," said Stephen Siek, adjunct associate professor of music at Wittenberg and host of the event. Siek is currently president of the AMA.
Siek said although there many piano festivals today, the Matthay Festival is the longest continually running festival in the United States, and perhaps the world, devoted exclusively to the piano.
On Wednesday, June 23 the finals of the 27th annual Clara Wells Scholarship Auditions will be held. The scholarships provide expenses for studying with a member of the AMA, with the top prize of $2,000 and the second prize of $1,500. The competition is open to those 25 years or younger.
As part of the event evening recitals will be held at 8 p.m. in room 300 of Krieg Hall. Siek will open the series with the 24 preludes of Rachmaninoff, on June 22.
On June 23, the 1998 winner of the Clara Wells Scholarship, Albert Frantz of Harmony, Pa. will present a program featuring Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata. Frantz is a Fulbright Scholar studying in Vienna.
The third recital, scheduled for Thursday, June 24, will feature Mary Pendleton, resident keyboardist of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, who will present Schubert's "Wanderer" and "Variations on a Theme of Chopin" by Frederic Mompou.
The final concert will feature music by Schubert and Brahms presented by Constance Carroll, artist-in-residence at Louisiana State University.
Daily sessions will be held from 9-noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m. and include lectures, demonstrations, performances and master classes for pre-registered guests. Sessions are devoted to Matthay's principles as they apply to teaching at all levels, including that of the performing artist.
"Unfortunately, piano studies are not nearly so popular in America as they once were, and competition for capable pianists has become increasingly keen between colleges and conservatories," Siek said. "At Wittenberg we are attempting to enhance keyboard studies as a central focus in the music department, and in addition to the cultural enrichment it provides our campus, the Matthay Festival is an important element in that increased visibility."
Admission is charged to the Clara Wells auditions and evening recitals. Cost is $10 for the general public, $8 for seniors over 60 and $6 for students.
Matthay taught piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London for more than 50 years. His revolutionary concepts in teaching piano received international attention.
This is the first time the AMA Piano Fesitval has been held at Wittenberg. Previous sites have included Phillips Academy, University of Maryland, Royal Convervatory of Music in Toronto, Williams College, and Penn State University.
For more information, contact Siek at (937) 327-7348.
