A Special Winter Holiday Recital

Hello, Piano Friends,

As promised, I am inviting you to participate in a special gathering for our final MeetUp of 2025. December is concert season at PianoForte, with some great year-end performances. Building on last year's holiday recital, our PianoForte Performance group will host a special holiday recital that we will open for friends, family and the general public. This is an opportunity to showcase our talents beyond our immediate group, as well as raise some visibility for PianoForte, this wonderful South Loop gem. I am especially excited as we will get to feature Thomas himself, who has agreed to perform a duet!!

Please read this message carefully, because this event is different than our usual gatherings:

1. Our Holiday Concert will be exactly 2.5 hours, including a brief intermission and short reception. We want you to bring guests. There will also be a cover charge of $10 for all attendees and performers.

2. Because there is another concert after our gathering, we are moving the time of our typical gathering. Due to the other gathering starting at 5 p.m., our recital will begin at 1:30 p.m. sharp and end no later than 3:30 p.m., leaving us 30 minutes for a short reception.

1. This is a holiday/winter-themed recital. While playing a holiday/winter season tune is preferable, it is not a pre-requisite. While we traditionally observe Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwaanza, I also encourage performers to think beyond our typical American Christmas carol fare and incorporate other cultural traditions. We have a wonderfully diverse group, so I really hope to hear music from around the world!

2. This is a public performance. As such, your piece should be refined and fully performance ready. (And don't worry; we'll go back to our laid-back format for members only in 2026 where you can try out pieces.)

3. There will be a formal program for the event to ensure good flow and continuity. There will also be a strict time limit of 5 minutes for solo performances and 6-7 minutes for ensembles. Each of you performing should be prepared to play one primary piece, which you can do as a soloist or as a featured performer in an ensemble. However, if you are playing another instrument or accompanying someone else, you can perform again. (Depending upon the number of performers, I will notify the group if there is room for a second solo piece.)

4. Remember that for this recital, you can play another instrument aside from piano, including sing! Duets and ensembles are not only welcomed but encouraged. For example: you can play a solo piano number, then accompany another performer on piano or another instrument. If you are a singer, you can play a piano piece, then sing on another song. You can also play your second instrument for your primary piece instead of piano. Here is another twist - you can even perform with a friend, partner or family member who is not a member. So, if you have a good friend with a great voice or who plays a mean guitar, they can join you on stage!

5. Earlier, I mentioned that all acts need to have a piano, as this is still a piano meet up. But upon reflection, so long as the majority of our gathering features a piano, I think we can have a few acts without one. :)

6. Before you RSVP, I need you to tell me the following: 1. Exactly WHAT you will be playing (title, composer, any special background of the composition), length of time, WHO you'll be playing with (if anyone) and WHICH other instrument(s) will be featured (if any). I need your song selection(s) by NO LATER than Friday, November 14th. That way, I can begin to put together the program and performer order in plenty of time to let everyone know.

As a reminder, you do NOT need to be in a group. But if you'd like to play in a group or do a duet, this would be a great time to do so.

This is a LOT to digest and I am sure there will be questions. Do not hesitate to ask and I will respond promptly. You should also be on the lookout for more updates in the next few days. But we're gonna end the year on a high note and show off our talents while celebrating PianoForte.

Thanks so much, everyone!

Audra