Piano Stories with Penny treats audiences to humorous and poignant stories from great pianists of the past. Created by pianist, Dr. Penny Johnson, the hour-long, online event draws upon unique material from a variety of historic piano texts, memoirs, interviews and articles.
Accompanied by pictures and with supplemental listening resources, the program offers a friendly and engaging glimpse behind the scenes of such figures as Franz Liszt, Benno Moiseiwitsch, Artur Rubinstein, Constance Keene and even the pet dog of Richard Wagner.
Piano Stories with Penny has been booked by the Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Public Library, Milton Public Library, Niagara Falls Public Library and the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (ORMTA) as well as for a private group of piano-enthusiasts. The event is largely geared towards adults, however children and teens have attended and are always welcome!
*This program is also available in an extended, two-hour, in-person format.
Audience Feedback:
"We are so happy to have connected with Penny Johnson to present her new 'Piano Stories with Penny' program! She has been a pleasure to work with in every way - well-spoken, well-organized, knowledgeable, tech-savvy, and she has a delightful way of engaging with her audience, even in a virtual environment. She is a valuable asset to the local arts community, and we look forward to partnering with her again soon for future programs at Niagara Falls Public Library." - Becky Stark, Niagara Falls Public Library
Select photos from Piano Stories with Penny:
Clara Clemens (1874-1962) daughter of Mark Twain and wife of pianist, Ossip Gabrilowitsch. Author of My Husband Gabrilowitsch (1938).
Constance Keene (1921-2005) American concert pianist/teacher and wife of Abram Chasins.
Arthur Friedheim (1859-1932) Russian concert pianist, student of Franz Liszt.
"Russ" beloved dog of composer, Richard Wagner.
All set up for a Zoom presentation of Piano Stories with Penny for the Aurora Public Library. (January, 2022).
