This Spring’s Key Players

When invented in the 1700s, the piano forte—the precursor to the modern piano—was immediately recognized as an improvement to the harpsichord. Unlike the harpsichord that utilizes plectrums to pluck strings, the piano forte uses hammers to strike strings. This development allowed piano players to control volume and dynamics through touch, which was not possible on the harpsichord. 

The piano’s widespread popularity across genres stems from its dynamic range and remarkable versatility. Pianists can play melody, harmony, bass lines, and rhythm simultaneously. This spring, the performing arts series features pianists from all over the world who highlight the versatility of the instrument.

Tigran Hamasyan
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center, Gartner Auditorium

Tigran Hamasyan is considered one of the most remarkable and distinctive jazz-meets-rock pianists/composers of his generation, seamlessly fusing improvisation and progressive rock with the rich folkloric music of his native Armenia. Hamasyan has won numerous awards, including first place in both the 2003 Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition and the 2005 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (currently known as the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) International Piano Competition.

The CMA and the Cleveland Chamber Music Society Present: The Verona Quartet with Yaron Kohlberg
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center, Gartner Auditorium

A string quartet for the 21st century, the Verona Quartet champions the rich breadth of this repertoire, from the time-honored canon through contemporary classics. Yaron Kohlberg, president of Piano Cleveland, is this evening’s featured artist in a program including works by Antonin Dvořák, Philip Glass, Leoš Janáček, and Domenico Scarlatti. Kohlberg has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras, such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic, and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. NPR raved, “When the music ends, if you’re not deeply moved by the depth of Kohlberg’s insight, you might want to check your pulse.” 

The Brad Mehldau Trio with Felix Moseholm and Jorge Rossy
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center, Gartner Auditorium

Grammy-winning and 17-time Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Brad Mehldau makes a rare Cleveland appearance. He has recorded and performed extensively since the early 1990s. One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Mehldau has forged a unique path that embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism, and pop allure. According to The New York Times, “Mehldau is the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years.”