Piano Palooza with NFSO

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents Piano Palooza at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.

The Arts Center celebrates the return of its magnificent Steinway Grand piano following a 9 month restoration with a Piano Palooza concert by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra featuring three international guest artist pianists.

NFSO music director and conductor Jeffrey Rink noted the Mattie Kelly Arts Center’s Steinway Grand Piano underwent a $53,000 complete renovation with all portions being replaced and only the original frame and harp remaining.

“What we are receiving after this renovation is a concert grand of the highest quality that will sound fantastic in a wide variety of musical styles from Mozart to Rachmaninov," said Rink. “Before it returns home, our instrument was played in Maryland recently in two recitals by world-renown pianists Enrique Graf and Eric Himy. Graf declared the piano as ‘one of the finest instruments he has played in his career’ and Himy simply used the word ‘amazing’ to describe the sound.”

Rink noted that the November 14 Piano Palooza concert with the NFSO will be a totally unique musical experience as “world-class musicians perform in the state-of-the-art Mattie Kelly Arts Center — a true concert hall — on a fully refurbished Steinway Grand."

All national gold-medal winning musicians of extraordinary talent, the pianists will perform the works of Gershwin, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. Tickets are $25/adult and $18/Active Duty Military and for youth age 18 and younger. NWF State College students may request one free ticket per student ID.

Appearing in Piano Palooza are Ukrainian born pianist Stanislav Khristenko, Alon Goldstein, praised by the New York Times for his “irresistible powerhouse performance," and rising start pianist Tomer Gewirtzman of Israel, first-prize winner of the 64th Wideman International Piano Competition (2014).

Purchase NFSO concert tickets in advance by phone, web or in-person from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office or at-the-door starting at 6 p.m. the night of the concert. Call 850-729-6000 or visit www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org for information and tickets.