The Piano Society of Greater Washington

If you live in the Washington DC area and have a love for beautiful classical piano music, treat yourself to an afternoon of accomplished piano performances by local talented musicians—amateur, professional, and competition winners. The Piano Society of Greater Washington, established in 2003, is a nonprofit group of Washington area pianists providing recitals of classical music five times a year at Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Avenue, in Silver Spring, Maryland, just south of the Capital Beltway. (See below for directions) The church is blessed with a unique Steinway grand piano in an inspired setting. The performers, numbering eleven, study piano with some of the area’s finest teachers and concert artists. The caliber of playing is high, and some members participate in prestigious competitions. Three members most recently were winners or received special awards in the latest Washington International Piano Competition. Some members have their own studios and teach piano students.

Piano Society concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at 3 o’clock. The typical concert may open with a welcoming Renaissance or Baroque work, perhaps a Bach suite or a group of Scarlatti sonatas. Three performers offer sets of works before intermission, and then three other performers play selections. Each performer first tells a bit about the composers or works, giving the audience context and background. A single concert may include six performers sharing wide-ranging music of Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff.

Following the concert is a reception for all to enjoy. Listeners and performers mix, over hors d’oeuvres, homemade sweets, and drinks, all supplied by Piano Society members. There is no charge for these community concerts. A free will offering is appreciated, covering the maintenance of the piano.

The Piano Society welcomes other performance opportunities. Our purpose is to bring the world of classical music to the community, including families and children of all ages. We share the classical repertoire for the life-affirming love of music.

This is a benefit concert in honor of the founder, Alice Stark-Garofano, who passed away September 7, just one week ago, after a long, painful battle with breast cancer. All contributions benefit a special fund that helps uninsured and underinsured cancer patients in our local area to pay for things they could not otherwise pay for--such as transportation to radiation and chemo appointments; medications not covered; and even rent. This fund is administered by the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization Critters for the Cure. The website is www.crittersforthecure.com

This concert features works by Bach, Rachmaninov, Schubert, and Schumann. A champagne reception follows, so please plan to stay.

Calvary Lutheran Church is at 9545 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring. From the south, it's on the right just before the beltway. From the north, after passing under the beltway, you may turn left on Flora, then left on Woodland to the church parking lot on left. Be advised that this is a difficult place to make a left turn, so if you would rather, you may choose to turn left at one of the intersections that has a traffic light and proceed north on Georgia to the church entrance.

Further information: Contact the member who handles publicity, Ellen Tenenbaum, at (301) 793-1863 or by email at ellentenenbaum@westat.com.

Donna Baldwin
Roger Coleman
Gala Gurinovich
Sandra Segal
Alice Stark-Garofano
Monika Mockovcakova
Ellen Tenenbaum
Robert C. Snyder, M.D.
Viscount Thurston
Felicia Weiss

Our Web site is currently under construction. Last Updated: Monday, January 26,2009