Despite the snowy weather predictions, over eighty guests joined us for a Fran Randall Concert at the Levy Senior Center on Friday, January 18. The first Fran Randall Concert of the year welcomed local musicians Audrey Lidke and Tom Hicks.
Audrey Lidke, a classically trained trumpet player, and graduate of the DePaul School of Music performed first with a piano accompaniment. Audrey uses her unique skills to create new twists on well-known tunes, incorporating her rich sound on the horn. Lidke captivated the crowd with her rendition of "Amazing Grace" in honor of her late grandmother. Lidke explored the range of emotions that music can capture, and by the end of her performance, the crowd was clapping along to John Philip Sousa melodies!
The second musician, Tom Hicks, has gained first prize in competitions including the Wales International Piano Competition, the Croydon Piano Concerto Competition and the EPTA UK Piano Competition. He has appeared as a concerto soloist over 30 times and has been hailed as an artist of "magnificent pianism." Between captivating piano movements, Hicks described the historical and geographical context to the revered pieces.
Special thanks to Oak Street Health for sponsoring the free refreshments at Friday's concert! We hope to see another full crowd at the next Fran Randall Concert in May. Check back soon for details on May's guest performers.
