Season Finale: “Piano Monster” Concert Highlights Iconic American Music

Four pianos onstage at Fairchild Theatre.

A unique ensemble, the annual Piano Monster concert features four grand pianos on stage in Fairchild Theatre at the MSU Auditorium.

The Michigan State University College of Music concludes its 2025–2026 Music Season with the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series concert Piano Monster: America 250! on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre of the MSU Auditorium.

An annual tradition, the Piano Monster concert this season celebrates 250 years of American spirit and music with a high-energy finale that brings together four grand pianos and eight pianists on one stage for a dynamic and unique concert experience. Known for its scale and intensity, the multi-piano ensemble showcases both power and range, highlighting iconic American composers and familiar melodies in a diverse and spirited program.

Graphic collage with pencil sketch drawings of composers and president Lincoln and white and red piano keys configured like USA flag stripes above blue background with stars. Stylized font with the words "America 250!"

“America 250!” features music by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Scott Joplin, along with a selection of patriotic songs celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The lineup includes specially arranged selections of Scott Joplin’s Original Rags, music from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, and Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, which will be fully narrated. The concert concludes with classic patriotic sing-alongs, including “God Bless America,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and more, with opportunities for audiences to join in the celebration.

“Piano Monster always brings an exciting way to experience music on a grand scale,” said Deborah Moriarty, professor of piano and director of the concert. “Bringing eight pianists together creates a powerful and expressive sound, and this program adds a special sense of celebration as we share music that reflects the spirit and character of American traditions.”

Led by MSU musicians, the concert unites collaborative artistry with both precision and energy, featuring pianists Young Hyun Cho, Stanislav Khristenko, Elden Little, Tamar Mikeladze, Deborah Moriarty, Derek Polischuk, Zhihua Tang, and Eric Zuber, with narration of Lincoln Portrait by Marc Embree.

This performance is generously sponsored by Andrea L. Wulf. The entire Showcase Series is underwritten by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

Tickets: Reserved seating tickets purchased at the door are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors (age 60+), and $14 for students and those under 18 with valid ID. Tickets may also be purchased online at music.msu.edu/events or by calling (517) 353-5340; tickets purchased online or by phone include a $1.50 processing fee.

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Press Release

Contact: Michael Sundermann, MSU College of Music Communications Office, 517-353-2043

Piano Monster Concert at Fairchild Theatre

A unique ensemble, the annual Piano Monster concert features four grand pianos on stage in Fairchild Theatre at the MSU Auditorium. Photo by Harley Seeley.

Piano Monster Poster Graphic

“America 250!” features music by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Scott Joplin, along with a selection of patriotic songs celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Graphic courtesy MSU College of Music.

Pianists from the MSU College of Music

The Piano Monster program is directed by MSU Professor of Piano Deborah Moriarty, who is joined by seven other pianists from the MSU College of Music. Photo by Harley Seeley.