Music Institute Premieres Duo Piano Dialogues 3/26

To spotlight the unique repertoire for two pianists at one and two pianos, the Music Institute of Chicago presents Duo Piano Dialogues, a series of performances with commentary featuring the Music Institute's piano duo in residence Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem as performers and speakers. The first program, "Schubert and the Princess," takes place Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston.

"Schubert and the Princess," an exploration of Schubert's relationship with Princess Caroline Esterhazy and the four-hand music their friendship inspired, includes Rondo in D (Notre amitié est invariable), Variations on a French Song, Grande Marche No. 6 in E Major, Divertissement a la Hongroise, and Fantasie in F minor. Following the performance and commentary, there will be a gathering for refreshments and conversation.

"In 1818 and 1824, Schubert spent the summers as music teacher to Count Esterhazy's daughters, Caroline and Marie," said Neiweem. "He described Caroline as 'a certain attractive star,' and they remained lifelong friends. Caroline ultimately received the dedication of his beloved Fantasy in F Minor."

The Washington Post has described Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem as "consummate practitioners of pianism, in complete sympathy with and understanding of each other and Schubert," and Gramophone Magazine called their Schubert recordings "utterly charming."

The second installment of Duo Piano Dialogues, "Lisztomania x 2!," takes place Sunday, July 9 as part of the 29th Chicago Duo Piano Festival (CDPF) .

The Duo Piano Dialogue program "Schubert and the Princess" takes place Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students, available at musicinst.org/duo-piano-dialogues. For information, call the Nichols Concert Hall Box Office at 847.905.1500 or visit musicinst.org. All programming is subject to change.