THE DRANOFF INTERNATIONAL TWO PIANO FOUNDATION
editHistory
editThe Dranoff International Two Piano Foundation (formerly The Murray Dranoff Foundation) was founded in 1986 by Loretta Dranoff as a tribute to her late husband, with whom she performed as an intrenationally acclaimed two piano team. The Foundation's programs are devoted to the two-piano literature and the continuation of the renaissance of the masterpieces of this music. They provide a wide range of opportunities for professionals, students, and the lay audience to discover and experience the extraordinary music created for both the two piano and one piano (four hands) genres. The programs continue to expand, as local, national and international phlanthropic support and recognition increases.
Programs
editThe Dranoff International Two Piano Competition
editIn 1987, The Dranoff International Two Piano Competition was introduced to the world. This first two piano competition in the United States attracted over one hundred dup-piano teams from aroudn the globe. Since then, this biennial program has grown in stature and international prestige, and is today recognized as a major musical event, attracting pianists of the highest caliber. Open to young concert artist, aged 18-35, the Compeition was the first of its kind in the world, dedicated exclusively to duo-pianism.
A Family of Music Lovers
editThe Dranoff Foundation's "A Family of Music Lovers" project brings International award winning two piano teams to South Florida to play calssical, jazz and contemporary piano performances in Dade County middle and high schools. Our laureate teams play musical programs and give mini seminars on training, career paths, and opportunities for a career in the performing arts. Following the Dranoff "A Family of Music Lovers" perforamce, participating schools issue vouchers for the student and his/her family to attend a concert played in the community by the same Dranoff artists. During the past year, over 4000 students in Dade County attended teh school concerts.
The Alvin Perlman Memorial Commission of an original work
editThe Foundation's mission includes the introduction of new works into the two piano repertoire. In tandem with the International Two Piano Competition, The Dranoff Foundation commissions a new work for two pianos by one of today's leading contemporary composers. This work is a required piece which each semi-finalist team msu learn and perform publicly at the Competition. Since its inception, the Foundation has introduced nine outstanding new works for two pianos. Looking to expand the horizons of the two piano repertoire and its audience, the Dranoff International Two Piano Foundation has continued to commission world class composers to write two piano works. They include Ned Rorem, Paul Schoenfield, Morton Gould, Paul Kaufmann, Marcel Bergman and Sir Richard Rodeny Bennett.