For generations, some of the world’s leading pianists have taken a seat at the Steinway grand piano in Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, Princeton University Concerts will give local piano players a chance to do the same.
PUC will hold its first Community Piano Jam from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, inviting pianists of all ages and experience levels to perform a short piece of their choosing on the auditorium’s Steinway.
Participation is free, but advance registration is required. Because space is limited, performers will be selected by lottery.
The event marks the first Piano Jam in Princeton University Concerts’ 133-year history and coincides with the launch of its new Pianists in Recital series.
The idea is a variation on PUC’s annual Chamber Jam, which brings amateur musicians together with professional performers for an informal community music-making experience.
Rather than presenting a formal recital, the Piano Jam is designed to give players an opportunity to experience one of Princeton’s best-known concert spaces while sharing music with other pianists and listeners.
“Every year, the Chamber Jam reminds us what music is really about,” PUC Director Marna Seltzer said, “with amateurs and professionals side by side, playing for the pure joy of it.”
Seltzer said turning the concept over to pianists was a natural way to celebrate the new recital series.
“This year we’re celebrating that spirit in a new way — for the first time, the piano takes center stage, as we launch our 26/27 season and our brand new Pianists in Recital series,” she said.
The setting adds another dimension.
Richardson Auditorium has hosted many of the most prominent pianists of recent decades, including Jonathan Biss, Hélène Grimaud, Murray Perahia, Víkingur Ólafsson, Igor Levit, Paul Lewis and Mitsuko Uchida.
“What better place to do it than Richardson Auditorium, where some of the world’s greatest pianists … have played?” Seltzer said. “We look forward to opening our doors and sharing our exceptional piano with pianists of every age and ability.”
Players do not have to be conservatory students, professionals or even particularly advanced. PUC says the event is open to pianists of all ages and experience levels, and selections can come from any musical genre.
The emphasis is on participation rather than competition.
Throughout the day, professional pianists also will make appearances, including PUC artist Gregg Kallor, pianist Clayton Stephenson and Princeton University Department of Music performance faculty members Margaret Kampmeier and Francine Kay.
The event builds on a community-music tradition PUC has developed through its Chamber Jam.
Past editions have brought amateur musicians together with members of the Berlin Philharmonic under conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Chicago Symphony Winds, the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, Escher String Quartet, St. Lawrence String Quartet, Takács String Quartet, Tenebrae Choir and Chanticleer Vocal Ensemble.
The Piano Jam extends that philosophy to an instrument that can sometimes be an unusually solitary one. Unlike orchestral and chamber musicians, pianists often practice and perform alone. The Sept. 27 event is intended to turn that individual experience into a shared one.
Audience members also can participate simply by listening.
No ticket or registration is required for spectators, and visitors can drop into Richardson Auditorium throughout the day to hear the rotating group of community musicians and professional guests.
The Piano Jam also reflects a larger effort by Princeton University Concerts to create ways for audiences to engage with music beyond traditional concerts.
Community offerings during the season include free Live Music Meditations, documentary screenings at the Princeton Garden Theatre, book discussions in partnership with Princeton Public Library and Do-Re-Meet social gatherings for music lovers.
For the Piano Jam, however, the invitation is particularly simple: sit down and play.
The Princeton University Concerts Community Piano Jam will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall on the Princeton University campus.
Participation is free, but pianists must register in advance and will be selected by lottery. Audience admission is free and does not require registration.
For more information go to puc.princeton.edu.