April Musician of the Month: Jackie Hickman

On the last day of April, I want to honor the piano soloist in this Friday's concert, Jackie Hickman. Each Month I will honor a standout musician, and this month it is Jackie, for her work on the Grieg Piano Concerto with the MVYSO.  Jackie is a Junior at Tahoma High School, and has been been playing piano for 11 years. Her piano teacher is Sydney Lee.

Jackie practicing.

The Grieg Piano concerto in A minor is a famous and recognizable concerto, and is being performed this Friday as part of the Spice of Life concert.

Jackie, right, and Haley Kovach, left.

Jackie is usually the principle cellist for the Maple Valley Youth Symphony, but this Friday we get the opportunity to hear her talents on piano as well.

Jackie accompanying her younger sister, Marcy Hickman.

The piano concerto was composed by Edvard Grieg in 1868, when he was only 24. It is the only concerto that Grieg completed, as well as one of his best known works.

It begins with a timpani roll, and a huge piano flourish that is instantly recognizable.
Even animals can't help but sing along with the opening!

If you're in town, be sure to check out the concert at 7pm at the Maple Valley Presbyterian Church. If not, then let me know what your favorite piano concerto is. I'm pretty partial to the Tchaikovsky - Piano Concerto No.1 Op.23 in B Flat Minor myself.
 Tomorrow I'll upload my own interpretation of the concert title, The Spice of Life! Happy May!