Sun City resident Inge Sedey, Neighborhood 29, native of Germany’s Black Forest Region and piano instructor for 40 years, “can’t stop tickling those ivories.” She will participate for her seventh year at Elgin Community College Arts Center’s American Grands XVII Concert. The massive yearly-held piano event is under the direction of Colin Holman, conductor, and Larry Dieffenbach, musical director. The concert’s three performance times feature 500+ pianists ranging in age from 7 to 80, and includes piano instructors as well as ECC Music Department faculty members.
Sedey with her granddaughter playing one of the grands before last year's concert. (Photo provided)
Two things make this concert very special to Ms. Sedey. First: The “American Grands” in the title refers to 12 Grand Pianos on stage showcasing both classical and popular music arrangements for multiple pianos and duets. Second: Inge’s 16-year-old granddaughter, Meghan Sedey, has participated with Inge also for seven years in the concerts. On the last Saturday of January, Inge and Meghan, in formal dresses, will play duets to “Grand Celebration” and “Don’t Stop Believing” featured on the television show, Glee.
“Meghan also plays the flute in the marching band at Huntley High School,” says Inge proudly.
The younger Sedey has been taking piano lessons from her grandmother for 10 years. In anticipation of their performance, they have been practicing their pieces together for one hour daily for the past 2 1/2 months.
“Music and the piano play a very important role in my life,” states Inge. “It is very exciting for me to pass on this legacy to my granddaughter, Meghan.”
Practicing an additional two hours daily for the past 2 1/2 months, Inge has been preparing for her solo piece “Blues Concerto” and for playing in the Grand Finale with 24 advanced pupils and teachers on stage to “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The senior Sedey has played since 11 years of age and has studied under Dr. Isaak at Northwestern’s School of Music and under Janice Razaq, Artist in Residence at Harper College. Inge Sedey is a member of the Northwest Suburban Music Teachers Association and is a committee member of the association’s sponsored “Piano Festival” located at Northbrook Court. This six piano concert is typically held the first week in October.
If you are a piano aficionado, why not see and hear this talented grandmother and granddaughter “at play” on Saturday, January 28 at 1 p.m. at ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Performances also take place at 4 p.m. and at 7 p.m. the same day. Tickets to “American Grands XV11” are $22 for adults and $15 for children age 12 and younger. Tickets are available online at http:/tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC box office in the arts center or you may call: 847-622-0300.
