The Cuesta Concord Chorus, along with members of the San Luis Obispo Symphony and the Paso Robles High School Choir, are joining together for “Piano Palooza!” at the Templeton Performing Arts Center on Sunday, May 3.
The concert celebrates the official debut of the newly-restored Steinway B concert grand piano that was donated to Templeton High School in honor of Cyrus Stoddard, who died in a car accident in 2007.
Stoddard’s mother, Jo Anne, was a longtime choir director at the high school. With no budget to maintain the piano, however, it fell into disrepair.
Cassandra Tarantino, choral conductor and founder of the Cuesta Concord Chorus, came across the piano while visiting the TPAC, hoping to use the site as a permanent setting for concerts.
“I saw the name plate with Cyrus’ name on it and asked about his story,” Tarantino says. “When I heard what happened, I knew something had to be done. I asked what it would take to restore the piano.”
The answer was roughly $40,000. Tarantino’s heart spoke to her and without hesitation she arranged for the funds to come from CCC’s Ann W. Coppenbarger Endowment.
Restoration of the piano took almost a year and a half—a delicate process involving dismantling the Steinway B, repairing it, and putting everything back together.
Given the program scheduled for May 3, the piano will get a good musical workout, backed up by symphony and choir.
Tarantino, who will conduct, turned to Susan Davies to be featured soloist on Gershwin’s iconic “Rhapsody in Blue.” Also on the program is Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” anchored by Forte, the Paso Robles High School Choir.
Davies will be joined by CCC’s accompanist, Ryan Hartzell, to present “Love Song Waltzes” by Brahms on four-hand piano.
Another special feature is the world premiere of a new piece, “Where the Fleet Goes, We’ve Already Been.” The music, composed by Ron Kean and based on a poem by Mary Golden, honors Korean War mine sweepers.
“Our veterans have always been near and dear to me,” Tarantino says. “We’ve tried over the years to honor them with our music and I’m particularly pleased to honor Korean veterans—those who fought in our so-called ‘Forgotten War.’”
“Piano Palooza” begins at 3 p.m. at the Templeton Performing Arts Center on the campus of Templeton High School. Tickets, which are “pay what you can,” are available online and at the door.