The recently announced Virtuosos, A Wealth of Piano Masters is an unprecedented gathering of twelve of the finest piano masters in the Philippines. And they come irrespective of age too, with an 11-year old among the star-studded performers. In no particular order, the twelve masters are: Raul Sunico, Manuel Maramba, OSB, Ryan Cayabyab, Della Gamboa Besa, Mary Anne Espina, Rudolf Golez, Anamaie de Guzman, Najib Ismael, Regina Montescarlos, Peter Porticos, Nena del Rosario Villanueva and Greg Zuneiga.

Besides the twelve pianists, two orchestras - the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra - and ballet dancers from Ballet Philippines will also be in attendance. This spectacular performance will be held on March 3rd at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Now, these are the type of performances that I would love to see happening more often throughout the world - especially in smaller nations not normally famous for their musicians. After all, like any other aspect of the arts, only through these kind of big and heavily marketed performances can public awareness of classical music be improved.

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 (Source: Piano Wizard)

This week’s InformationWeek Personal Tech Guide features the Piano Wizard Premier Software-Game hybrid. It allows “gamers” or rather, learners, to enjoy the “…fun of a video game…” and yet, still develop their piano playing skills through the “…fundamentals of lessons…” provided by the Piano Wizard Premier software-game.

Apparently, you can adjust what skill level and speed the software-game is played at, as well as choose between four “worlds” to play in. In my opinion, all this makes the Piano Wizard Premier look somewhat like O2Jam, but I’m sure it should be more beneficial than such arcade-style games.

The software comes in a US$199.95 bundle - which includes an M-Audio 49e MIDI piano keyboard, a USB cable to connect to your Windows PC, some stickers, as well as the software itself. However, if you already have a MIDI keyboard, you can choose to purchase an alternative kit without the M-Audio MIDI keyboard at a price of US$139.95.

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(Source: Sonic State)

It was recently reported that the VOX Brian May AC30 Combo - an updated and reinvented version of Brian May’s legendary amplifier and boost pedal setup - was launched during NAMM 2006, and will be available starting March 2006. It’s a limited edition piece too, with only 500 of them to be produced and sold worldwide.

The 30 Watt Vox AC30BM features a built-in foot-switchable boost circuit, a back panel 15 Watt switch, a built-in treble/mid single transistor boost circuit, and two Celestion/VOX Alnico Blue 12″ 15 Watt loudspeakers. Of course, Brian May’s signature logo is clearly imprinted on the control panel - which is something that definitely contributes towards the suggested retail price of US$3000.

[News via Sonic State]

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(Source: Chris Venables Pianos)

The last time GuPiano featured a review by Chris Venables Pianos, it was a review on a budget upright Yamaha piano. This time, we’re going to the opposite end: A review of an expensive, top-class Yamaha upright - the Yamaha SU7.

Chris Venables Pianos gives the SU7 five out of five stars in all its key-factor ratings, including component quality, overall build quality and overall performance. On a more important and subjective side, they say that the Yamaha SU7 is:

The most prestigious ‘handcrafted’ series upright pianos. With equal or even better performance than higher priced instruments by other manufacturers. Lower-price aside, many prefer these fine and well respected instruments.

Well, that’s clearly high praise for the SU7. But I believe that this should be expected given that it is a relatively expensive Yamaha. However, as in all reviews provided by piano merchants, there is a possible lack of impartiality. Therefore, as usual, I suggest cross-referencing with a wider set of reviews and testimonials.

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At the Winter Namm 2006, America Sejung Corp (ASC) introduced their new and updated Grand and Upright pianos. Among the pianos introduced is the 88-note Hammer-Action Keyboard, with enhanced stereo-sampled sounds. Of course, all the prior features that make ASC pianos so versatile are still present with the expanded line of digital pianos, e.g. built-in song recorders, LED displays and stereo headphone outputs.

Personally, I like the refined look that Sejung pianos have maintained even with the updated line. This and Sejung’s reputation of producing affordable, yet reliable pianos, will surely create a pretty good following.

[News via Harmony Central]

The New York Times reviews the second installment of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra’s three-week “Magic of Mozart” minifestival. From the beginning - where Mr. Jeffrey Kahane performed the No. 17 in G and No. 20 in D minor, leading the orchestra from the piano - to Michelle Kim and Rebecca Young’s strong showing in the Andante, Mr. Kozinn describes and brings opinion to the powerful performance.

And just as a teaser, read a short excerpt of Mr. Kozinn’s detailed review:

Operatic gestures are even more clearly defined in the sinfonia concertante, the ultimate soprano and mezzo-soprano duet. Ms. Kim, the orchestra’s assistant concertmaster, and Ms. Young, its associate principal violist, proved sensitive partners, particularly in the supple Andante. Often their tandem lines had a warm, chamber music quality, offset effectively by the orchestra’s hefty string sound and its beautifully focused winds.

It seems that an entire photo gallery of the Six-String Masterpieces: The Dimebag Darrell Art Tribute has debuted online at DeanGuitars.com. As its name implies, the Masterpieces is a tribute towards one of the greatest guitarists of all time, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott. It is a collection of 50 guitars, all hand-painted by the most famous rock stars and modern artists today.

According to Blabbermouth.net, the participating artists include: “…members of METALLICA (Photo#1, Photo#2), KORN, LINKIN PARK, SLIPKNOT, MUDVAYNE, ROB ZOMBIE, DISTURBED.”

The Six-String Masterpieces originally debuted at Winter NAMM in Anaheim, California. The Masterpieces are now touring major US markets, and will be auctioned off - with all proceeds heading to a foundation dedicated to furthering music education.

For the entire online picture gallery of the Six-String Masterpieces, visit DeanGuitars.com.