What People Are Saying
“The first time I played narrow keys on a modern piano was at the International Stretto Piano Festival in 2023. The ease and comfort I experienced within seconds was a magical experience that compelled me to immediately explore more opportunities to play and perform on narrow keys. With the introduction of Stretto Piano Events, I had the opportunity to play Rachmaninov for the first time in public on a narrow keyboard in Dallas, Texas, at Southern Methodist University. Since then, I have practiced numerous times and learned new repertoire on narrow keys and consider narrow keys an important tool in my pianistic toolbox. I look forward to a future in which narrow keys are widely accepted and accessible.”
Hilda Huang“I was honored to perform in last year's Stretto Piano Festival. Thanks to my Kaduk digital piano with its 5.1-inch octave, I have been able to play the music I love most in the style that inspires me—the jazz tradition of the legendary Oscar Peterson. Since last year's festival, I have continued to expand my solo jazz repertoire, and I am excited by the progress I've made. I owe much of that progress to the stretto keyboard. Without it, my physical limitations would make playing this music impossible. The Stretto Piano Festival is a wonderful celebration not only of stretto pianos, but also of the musicians whose artistic possibilities have been expanded by them. As I watch performances from previous festivals, I am continually inspired by the musical expression, creativity, and joy on display. These are performances that would never have been possible without these remarkable instruments. As this year's festival approaches, I am motivated to work even harder on the new music I've been preparing. I look forward to sharing what I've accomplished and celebrating another year of music with the Stretto community.”
Michael Tessler