2023 Hempy Keyboard Series - Pierre and Sophié van der Westhuizen

Sunday, February 19, 20232 PM  Open Seating SCA Lobby

The Hempy Keyboard Series returns to the SCA Lobby for an intimate and truly immersive experience for music lovers and piano enthusiasts. From classical to jazz, a specially curated lineup of professional pianists from around the country will enchant guests. Grab a drink from the Uncommon Coffee Roasters coffee bar and settle in for an hour of engagement with the artists in our boutique lobby setting.

The Westhuizen Duo’s performances have been described as “…music-making that rewards you seventy times seven.” They have been hailed by audiences and critics alike for their “…excellent sensitivity for each other,” combined with playing that is “…charming, lyrical, and brilliant…” (Volksblad, South Africa).

Sophié and Pierre’s interest in new music has led to premiere performances of works written for the duo by young composers, and they enjoy taking part in new music festivals. Highlights include performances and guest teaching at major South African festivals, as well as others in the USA such as Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago, Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory’s Bach Festival, Cleveland Institute of Music’s Summer Sonata Festival, Gilmore Keysfest, College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, Colorado International Piano Festival, Kent State University Keyboard Series, and Cleveland Art Song Festival, among others. They also made their New York debut at Steinway Hall in 2017.

Pierre has served as juror for international competitions including the Cleveland, Scriabin (Italy), MozArte (Germany), and UNISA (South Africa), and serves on the board of the Yun Foundation as well as the Honorary Committee for Astral Artists, and the Advisory Board for the Avery Fisher Career Grants in New York. The Westhuizen Duo resides in Kalamazoo, MI, where Pierre is the Executive & Artistic Director of the Gilmore International Piano Festival and Award. Prior to this, he served as President of the Cleveland International Piano Competition (CIPC). Sophié joined the faculty of Kalamazoo College, and maintains a large private teaching studio. She was Director of ArtsConnect, the community outreach program for the CIPC, and also taught at Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Music Settlement. They both previously served on the faculty of Heidelberg University as Assistant Professors of Piano and Co-coordinators of the Keyboard Division.

The Westhuizen Duo are Steinway Artists.

Don’t miss any of these incredible experiences, get tickets to all 4 shows with one click - get the 4-show Hempy Experience Pass!