Hancock to Debut New Piano During Midday Mini-Concert
JULY 16, 2024-- Allan Hancock College is inviting community members to see and hear the newest addition to the college’s Boyd Concert Hall: a world-class concert piano.
The instrument, a Steinway Model D concert piano, is the overwhelming choice of the world's greatest pianists and will make its debut during a Festival Mozaic Midday Mini-Concert at Boyd Hall in the college’s Fine Arts Complex (bldg. F) on July 25 from 12-1 p.m.
The piano, valued at $175,000, was purchased by the Allan Hancock College Foundation using funds from the estate of the late Patricia “Patty” Boyd. In addition to being featured in college musical productions, the instrument will also be utilized by students and faculty in Hancock’s music programs.
"Thanks to funding left by Ms. Boyd, we are thrilled to bring this truly remarkable instrument to our campus, where it will be used by students and faculty for years to come,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the AHC Foundation.
The July 25 concert will feature cellist Alexander Hersh and pianist Susan Grace, who will perform works for cello and piano by Debussy, Webern, and others. Hersh gave his Carnegie Hall debut recital in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and creative talents of his generation. He has frequently appeared as a soloist with major orchestras, including the Houston Symphony and the Boston POPS, and has received top prizes at competitions worldwide. Grace is an associate chair, artist-in-residence and lecturer in music at Colorado College and the music director of the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. She has performed as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist in the United States, Europe, the former Soviet Union, South Korea, India and China.
Festival Mozaic hosts more than 30 events each year - including a two-week summer festival and a year-round chamber music and presenting series - and maintains a vibrant virtual presence. The Festival emphasizes offering performances in unique Central Coast venues, including historic and outdoor venues, as well as contemporary concert halls.
Tickets for the July 25 concert are free, but space is limited. To learn more and get tickets, visit https://bit.ly/ahcpiano.
