About

The mission of the PianoForte Foundation is to revitalize the classical and jazz piano culture by nurturing an intimate connection between audience and artists. We aim to serve and expand audiences for piano music through education and entertainment, by presenting exceptionally talented artists playing the world’s finest pianos in acoustically superior surroundings, and by reaching out to new and underserved audiences.

The PianoForte Foundation presents over 60 concerts per season (September-June); we are based in the historic Fine Arts Building in downtown Chicago. This location has been for over a century a highly accessible destination for a diverse range of lovers of the arts, and is easily accessible by train, bus, or car, with ample parking nearby. The 2008-09 season marked the beginning of our use of two additional venues: Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College Chicago, and the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.

Historically, chamber music was intended to be performed in small spaces; at each of its venues, PianoForte recreates that setting and delivers the music to the audience in a pure, intimate way. Artist and audience connect and a camaraderie is formed, a rare experience in the modern age.

PianoForte provides performance opportunities and much-needed exposure to exceptional pianists emerging on the national and international scene, and continues to feature some of Chicago’s favorite and best-known artists in an intimate setting. We facilitate interaction between artists and audience during performances, ensuring that audience members have personal, engaging learning experiences and leave with a heightened appreciation for piano music. We seek out a high caliber of professionals who perform repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary, and as a result we have great variety in all of our programming.

susan Meet the Artistic Director of the PianoForte Foundation, Susan Heiserman! “It’s probably a cliché to say that I didn’t choose music, it chose me. But it’s true. Throughout most of my formative years, I planned to go into science or medicine…” read more about Susan

PianoForte Foundation Facts

50,000 listeners tune in each week to our broadcasts on WFMT 98.7 FM and WDCB 90.9 FM.
Our 2009-10 concert schedule includes over 60 concerts.
In less than a year, we have received gifts from more than 150 generous donors.
Our Board of Directors consists of 17 highly talented individuals with very diverse backgrounds.
Approximately 2,500 music lovers come to PianoForte’s concerts each season.