The Grace Music School in Melville will hold a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. to launch a first piano competition featuring classical works from Billy Joel’s album “Fantasies and Delusions.”
The winner of the competition will earn a $1,000 prize and perform at the school’s Carnegie Hall concert on June 2, 2017.
According to a press release by the Grace Music School, the aim of this competition is to increase the awareness and appreciation of these extraordinary compositions and their contribution to the body of great classical works.
The school’s owners have made the piano competition the focus of a grand opening celebration they are holding Sunday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13.
Furthermore, the piano competition was inspired in part by a YouTube video in which Joel explained that “Fantasies and Delusions” is his all-time favorite album.
“I could not imagine a more fitting way to celebrate our grand opening celebration then having this piano competition,” Grace Heaphy, the school’s director, said. “It not only helps expose Long Island’s aspiring pianist to this great music, but also gives them a chance to perform at one of the greatest music venues in the world — I hope this competition will spotlight these lesser-known, but incredible compositions so they become part of the repertoire young pianists are taught.”
Immediately following the press conference, performances will be given by students from the Long Island High School for the Arts.
The Grand Opening Celebration will take place over the weekend of Nov. 12 and 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The event will feature student performances, door prizes, an opportunity to win 6 months’ free piano lessons along with a free piano rental, free 30-minute trial lessons, and refreshments.
This is open to the public and all are welcome.
Individuals specifically interested in registering for the piano competition must be between the ages of 13 to 18 and can do so immediately after the press conference and at the grand opening celebration.
For more information and details on the competition call (631) 239-6169.
Piano contest to feature Billy Joel album
