Twin concert pianist double the
listening pleasure
Leigh Ann Vanscoy / Features
Editor
What would it be like to look, work and play exactly like
someone else? For identical twins, Richard and John
Contiguglia this is a normal occurrence.
These two men have played classical piano together for over
55 years. The Contiguglia brothers usually play music
specifically written for two pianos. However, they often use
their four hands on one piano.
The native New York twins have been playing piano since they
were five years old. They have performed with many major
orchestras throughout the world. Some of these include the
Cleveland Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Atlanta
Symphony, The National Symphony and the Netherlands Chamber
Orchestra.
The twins played in Elon's Whitley Auditorium last
Thursday. The concert drew not only Elon students, but also
many people from the community.
"The audience was enthusiastic," said George
Troxler, dean of Cultural and Special Programs. His main
objective in bringing the twins to campus was to share their
love of music with the Elon community. "We have the
opportunity to present world class chamber music for our
campus community," Troxler said. "Bringing an
appreciation of the arts and making programs of this quality
available to the community is part of our mission."
The Contiguglia twins accomplished this mission by playing
many inspirational pieces. Their program included Franz
Liszt's Symphonic Poem as well as Beethoven's
Symphony No. 9.
The brothers are now proprietors of a recording company
Gemini Classics. They have modified various popular tunes for
duo pianist to perform. Their first releases include
"Schubert Piano Duets," "The Final Year,"
"Live From The Holland Liszt Festival," "Duos
of Franz Liszt for One and Two Pianos" and
"Gershwin – Grainger."
The brothers graduated in the top one percent of their class
at Yale, receiving their B.A. degrees summa cum laude. Two
years later, they received their Masters of Music degrees
from the Yale Graduate School of Music at the top of their
class. The brothers spent four years in London studying with
the legendary British pianist Dame Myra Hess.
After the concert, the cultural center held a reception at
the Isabella Cannon center for all who attended the
performance. Audience members could meet and greet the twins.
Their concert is part of the Adams Foundation Series.
"The Adams Foundation of Santa Barbara Cal supports
piano recitals throughout the U.S.," Troxler said.
"We are fortunate enough to have that support and we
choose from a list of pianists who the Adams Foundation has
on their list. All have been outstanding."
For more information about cultural events being held on
campus, please call or e–mail Dean Troxler in the
Center for the Arts.
Contact Leigh Ann Vanscoy at pendulum@elon.edu or
278-7247.
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Photo courtesy of the Cultural Program
department