The story of Piano Celebration Week dates back to long before the festival was created. Two passionate pianists met in college at the Michigan State University — one from Bosnia-Herzegovina, the other from the Republic of Korea — and found that the instrument was not the only thing they had in common. But given their language barrier, uncovering their wide array of shared interests started with conversing through the shared language of piano music.
Drs. Dino Mulić and Sangmi Lim began their journey in art and as life partners together by traveling the world and teaching aspiring musicians the joy of music. Both internationally recognized for their expertise and academic contributions to renowned higher educational institutions across continents, Mulić and Lim have long been inspired to share their gifts with others. In the beginning, “music was our way of communication,” said Mulić. And although the initial barrier has dissipated, playing the piano continues to be a language of love.
“Everyone should have access to music,” Lim added. The pair have been inspired by the famed pianist Van Cliburn, whom they agree is the greatest of all time. When Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Performing Arts Center was built in 2005, Cliburn was invited as the first pianist to perform on stage. The magnitude of this legacy is not lost on them. That master’s legacy has been the catalyst for creating opportunities for local, regional and now nationally aspiring pianists of all ages to grace the same stage as Cliburn and other all-time greats of this generation.
Piano Celebration Week will celebrate its seventh year this Mar. 22 – 29 at the Performing Arts Center, bringing the South Texas community together over an eight-day, entirely free festival that showcases classical, Broadway, pop, Latin, jazz, Disney music and nursery rhymes, to name a few. Complete with 25 events and 450 performers, Piano Celebration Week has a little something for everyone. Moreover, the festival is meant to continue a legacy of curiosity, accessibility and the fostering of a love for music. “We want the festival to inspire people to love and practice music,” explained Mulić. “We are bringing Carnegie Hall to Corpus Christi.”
Piano Celebration Week showcases 88 kids on pianos during the festival — which is purposeful. The 88th day of the year is considered “International Piano Day,” therefore, Piano Celebration Week takes place at the end of March, including the 88th day of the year, to commemorate the birthday of piano music.
Contact: pianocelebrationweek.com