Keys Across America

Keys Across America is Mackenzie Melemed’s recital tour exploring nearly two centuries of American piano music from the nation’s most influential composers. The program also features new works written especially for Mackenzie by American composers Laura Kaminsky and Avner Dorman. Between the ‘25-’28 seasons, Keys Across America will be the largest tour of American piano music in celebration of the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary.

“This is the most interesting take on the recital program that I have seen in a long time.”
— Emanuel Ax, pianist

The program:

AARON COPLAND

“Buckaroo Holiday” from Rodeo

AMY BEACH

Ballade Op.6

LAURA KAMINSKY

Threnody…October 2024

EDWARD MACDOWELL

New England Idyls Op.62

I. An Old Garden

V. In Deep Woods

X. The Joy of Autumn

LOUIS-MOREAU GOTTSCHALK

Union (Concert Paraphrase on National Airs) Op.48

AVNER DORMAN

Lament and Variations

FLORENCE PRICE

Meditation

ARTHUR FOOTE

2 Pieces Op.42

I. Scherzo

II. Etude Arabesque

NED ROREM

Piano Sonata No.1

I. Half Note = 72

II. Adagio (Theme and Variations)

III. Toccata. Clear, Fast, and Hard

Watch Mackenzie’s performance of Amy Beach’s Ballade Op.6 during the opening recital at CSU Fullerton!

Testimonials

  • He's a truly exceptional artist. This is the most interesting take on the recital program that I have seen in a long time.

    Emanuel Ax, pianist

  • Stupendous. This is playing of international stature— Mackenzie should be heard everywhere. It’s impossible not to love him.

    Dr. Catherine Kautsky, Lawrence University

  • Pianistic prestidigitation without pretense. His artistic vision and voice are deserving of the widest possible hearing.

    Dr. Rob Watson, CSU Fullerton

The pianist:

30-year-old American pianist Mackenzie Melemed, recipient of the 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, is widely acclaimed for his nuanced interpretations, technical mastery, and profound artistic insight. Described by The New York Times as “an excellent young pianist,” he has performed extensively as both soloist and chamber musician, appearing with major orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Helsinki Philharmonic, and in recital at iconic venues including Carnegie Hall. Melemed was a laureate of the 2021 American Pianists Awards, the 2019 China International Music Competition, and the 2017 Maj Lind International Piano Competition.

A native of Massachusetts, Melemed began performing at an early age—making his national television debut on The Rosie O’Donnell Show at six and appearing annually at the White House from ages nine to thirteen. Melemed is a Steinway Artist and graduate of The Juilliard School, where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Artist Diploma degrees under the guidance of Robert McDonald and Emanuel Ax.

With a distinctive voice and unwavering commitment to uncovering rarely heard repertoire, Melemed continues to chart a bold, expressive path in today’s classical music landscape. Keys Across America is one of Melemed’s bold initiatives, with the aim of bringing incredible American piano music to every corner of the country.