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There is a new album of classical piano music on the scene, and it is an inventive tour de force that boasts an incredible collaborative spirit with a dedication to highlighting the works of female composers.

Pianist and Michigan State University College of Music Professor and Director of Piano Pedagogy Derek Kealii Polischuk leads the way on the release featuring compositions by Cécile Chaminade, Joan Trimble, Amy Beach, and Marie Jaëll. The music is brought to life by Polischuk and a team of four talented pianists, all of whom study with him at MSU.

Released on the Blue Griffin label, Many Hands comprises 28 tracks divided among the participating pianists who perform with Polischuk. All top students under Polischuk's mentorship, Sungyeon Ahn, Euyjong Choi, Chang Li, and Jiwoon Sim join him in interpreting and celebrating the music of these remarkable women composers.

For Polischuk, the album stands as a heartfelt tribute to the influential women in his life, particularly his wife and daughter.

“The lack of representation of women in all facets of society is infuriating, quite honestly. I don't want my daughter to grow up thinking that any experiences, or occupations, or opportunities are not available to her,” Polischuk said. “The composers on this recording are amongst the most exceptional in the history of western music, yet their music is seldomly performed or recorded. There is no good reason for this, and I hope that this project will make a small impact on this big problem.”

Polischuk emphasized the joy of teamwork and camaraderie that characterized the recording sessions. 

“The biggest joy for me during this project was the sense of teamwork that we had. All the recordings happened as a group. Those who weren't playing when a particular piece was being recorded were there to make suggestions, listen carefully, and generally provide support and camaraderie – and snacks,” he said. “The three days spent recording these pieces are amongst my favorite days as a pianist and piano teacher ever.”

In addition to the musical journey the five pianists took together, Many Hands serves as a valuable professional experience for the students involved. 

“It's an important learning experience for the students in terms of all of the behind-the-scenes production involved in a recording project,” Polischuk said.

The partnership between faculty and students at the College of Music is a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering talent and collaboration. As Jiwoon Sim noted, working with colleagues on the project, including producer Sergei Kvitko, was one of the greatest things discovered.

“I was worried because it was my first time of recording with other people. I expected it would be more pressure than recording by myself, but it was not,” said Sim, a doctoral candidate in piano performance. “They were all professionals, and they came to all the recording sessions – even if they didn't record that day – mainly to encourage each other. It was a really great time to learn how to work together.”

Polischuk hopes that the album resonates with audiences who recognize and celebrate diverse voices in music. Perhaps it will inspire a new generation of musicians to embrace inclusivity and creativity in their artistic endeavors, with these four students among the leaders.
"MSU students are world-class,” he said, “and this project was a strong reminder for me."
 

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Many Hands may be purchased directly from Blue Griffin and found on streaming services.