Gilmore International Keyboard Festival And The Lang Lang International Music Foundation Announce New Collaboration

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation announce a new initiative for the next season of programs.

The Gilmore will work with the Foundation to provide master class experiences and performance opportunities for Lang Lang Young Scholars, exceptionally talented young pianists from around the world who are chosen by Lang Lang to participate in the Young Scholars Program. The Gilmore's Director will invite two or three pianists from the Young Scholars program, and the Foundation will support these musicians in their travel to Kalamazoo. As a first stage in this new and exciting partnership, the chosen Lang Lang Young Scholars will appear on The Gilmore's 2019 concert series (Lang Lang himself played at The Gilmore in his teens). In addition, the Lang Lang Young Scholars will be invited to participate in master classes taught by renowned artists during the 2020 Gilmore Keyboard Festival, and will participate in community outreach activities while in Kalamazoo. The partnership promises to further The Gilmore's efforts to inspire the next generation of pianists and music audiences and extend opportunities both in the US and worldwide for bright young pianists to develop their talent.

"The Gilmore is delighted to be the first US music festival to partner with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. There is a lot of synergy between our organizations, as both aim to educate and inspire the next generation of pianists and support talented young pianists in their professional development. Many of our Gilmore Young Artists have participated in the Lang Lang Young Scholars program."

- Pierre van der Westhuizen, Director, The Gilmore

"I am very happy to make this collaboration happen. It is our goal to make sure that we create opportunities for enrichment and growth, and I see this as another big opportunity for our Young Scholars and Alumni in their artistic development. Working with The Gilmore will provide important learning experiences and wonderful exposure on an international platform for our Lang Lang Scholars, which is so valuable."

- Leszek Barwinski-Brown, CEO, Lang Lang International Music Foundation

"The Gilmore shares my passion for nurturing extraordinary young talent and reaching out to encourage kids to engage in music. As a beneficiary of The Gilmore's support early in my career, I am very excited for the new partnership with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. I know that together we can create wonderful opportunities for a new generation of pianists and music lovers."

- Lang Lang

In 2008, internationally-acclaimed pianist Lang Lang created the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. It was built on the belief that all children should have access to a music education, regardless of their background. Their mission is to educate, inspire and motivate the next generation of music lovers and performers. More information can be found at langlangfoundation.org.

Located in Kalamazoo, MI, The Gilmore presents a biennial piano festival, bringing together some of the world's most sought-after classical, jazz, and contemporary keyboard artists, as well as a Rising Stars recital series, Piano Masters Series, and music education events and programs for children and adults. The Gilmore Awards are the legacy of Irving S. Gilmore, a Kalamazoo businessman and philanthropist, whose special devotion to keyboard music and its musicians inspired the creation of the biennial Gilmore Keyboard Festival and the Gilmore Artist and Gilmore Young Artist Awards. The next Gilmore Keyboard Festival will take place April-May 2020. More information can be found at thegilmore.org.

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