With two pianos, Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe kick off the Keyboard Concerts season
By Donald Munro
In the opening performance of the 54th consecutive season of the Philip Lorenz International Keyboard Concerts series, you get two pianists for the price of one.
I’ve long described the series as one of Fresno’s true cultural gems. It brings world-class performers to an intimate setting in Fresno. These musicians are the type to play in the world’s greatest concert halls and with the world’s greatest orchestras — and you get a chance to experience them up close and personal.
(Ticket giveaway alert: You can win a pair of tickets to Friday’s concert by leaving a comment on this post. Deadline to enter is noon Friday. Be sure to check your email on Friday afternoon if you enter.)
I caught up with Andreas Werz, longtime artistic director of the series, to ask about the first concert (7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5).
Q: It’s been a long time since you’ve had two pianists at one concert. Will Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe be playing separate pianos?
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TA: he majority of their very diverse program will be for two pianos. Some pieces will be for one piano/four hands. It is refreshing to again present a concert with two pianists.
About 12 years ago we had the privilege of featuring Sergei Babayan & Daniil Trifonov ,and Leon Fleisher & Katherine Jacobson.
Q: Are there lots of pieces in the repertoire to choose from in terms of two pianists performing together? Or is it a limited body of work?
A: The solo piano repertoire spans several centuries and contains an unbelievably vast body of works. Considering that, yes, the duo repertoire is limited. However, many composers such as Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt, Bartok, Boulez, to name a few, have contributed absolute masterpieces.
Q: We’re looking at a more eclectic program from these two pianists than most in the Keyboard series. For example, they’re playing an adaptation of two songs by Radiohead. As an artistic director, does this make you nervous? How do you think your audiences will respond?
A: On the contrary, I am very much looking forward to hearing pieces by Radiohead in our Concert Hall. Keyboard Concerts is known for including unusual repertoire in its programming. I can’t wait to see the audience reaction. I am not afraid of possible rejection — hasn’t it been like this all through history when something new and unknown was presented?
Q: For the 2025-26 Keyboard season, you have some returning masters and some hot young first-time performers. Tell us about that mix.
Our upcoming season presents the usual mix of seasoned performers and upcoming talents as it has been for the past 54 years. Last season, the majority of our pianists consisted of well established artists such as Garrick Ohlsson, Barry Douglas, Yefim Bronfman, and Nikolai Lugansky. This season features more of the remarkable talents of the present such as Hayato Sumino, Yulianna Avdeeva, Aristo Sham, Alexander Malofeev, and organist Katelyn Emerson.
Q: For people who have never experienced a solo piano concert, they probably don’t realize how intense and moving it can be — particularly in the small space of the Fresno State Concert Hall. How do you try to motivate first-timers to the Keyboard series?
A: Maybe take a risk, be open, and try to experience great works performed by acclaimed artists which will move you at every level and, hopefully, have a lasting impact.
Q: Anything else you’d like to say about Friday’s concert or the season in general?
A: Please come to this season opening concert — you will not be disappointed! For 54 consecutive years, it has enhanced the quality of life in our community and put Fresno on the world’s music cultural map.
Dianne Kady
I have a very close friend who plays four hands on one piano with her piano partner. They perform regularly at San Joaquin Gardens. We would be thrilled to win a pair of tickets to see how the duo of professional pianists play on one and two pianos. I have my fingers crossed for good luck.
Jeri Stubblefield
I’m glad I saw your review today. I’ve booked tickets for this evening’s event.
My husband’s birthday!
Thank you.