TEN QUESTIONS

With Meisha Whitlock and Gregory Thompson

On Thursday, Nov. 6th, internationally acclaimed pianists Gregory Thompson and Meisha Whitlock join forces at Sigal Music Museum for an inspiring concert of major solo and duo piano works by Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, George Walker, and Dolores White—four groundbreaking composers whose music bridges classical tradition and African American heritage. Known for their expressive artistry and global performance careers, Thompson and Whitlock bring exceptional depth and passion to this program celebrating the voices that reshaped American piano music.

(1) What was the first song you remember learning how to play?
Meisha: I started piano lessons at the age of 3 at the Yamaha Music School, so I can’t recall my first piece. However, I do remember that I loved all my pieces and I enjoyed playing in recitals.
Gregory: Swans on the Lake from John Thompson Piano Lesson Book

(2) Did you have a favorite artist/inspiration growing up?
Meisha: The gospel pianists and organists in church inspired me the most growing up.
Gregory: I think the first major artist that inspired me was Arthur Rubenstein from one of his Chopin recordings.

(3) If you could jump in a time machine for one concert, who would you see?
Meisha: I would love to see Franz Liszt in action.
Gregory: Sergei Rachmaninoff playing one of his works

(4) Besides talent, what is the most important quality for a musician to possess?
Meisha: Discipline
Gregory: A passion for the music

(5) What is your favorite part about playing at the Sigal Music Museum?
Meisha: The Sigal Music Museum is internationally known and one-of-a-kind. Sharing these works in the performance series with fellow music lovers is an honor.
Gregory: The opportunity to share wonderful music and to learn more about the history of the instruments and the inspiration behind the history of the origin of the museum.

(6) If you could learn to play any other instrument, what would it be?
Meisha: Probably the violin. The idea of holding my instrument close to the body and creating its pitches is fascinating, but something I’ll never experience with my piano, of course.
Gregory: I’ve always had an interest in the violin.

(7) What’s the most important accessory for a musician to have on stage?
Meisha: A musician must dress for the back of the concert hall, projecting to those in the last row.
Gregory: Music

(8) What is the last thing you listened to?
Meisha: A podcast
Gregory: Spiritual Fantasy for Trumpet and Piano by Frederick Tillis

(9) What type of instrument would you most like to see added to the Sigal collection?
Meisha: Nina Siimone’s personal Steinway
Gregory: Vladimir Horowitz’s Steinway

(10) We have to ask… You’re stuck on a deserted island with only one record. What are you listening to for the rest of your days?
Meisha: The Sony recording of Bach’s Piano Concerto in D minor BWV. 1052 with Glenn Gould and
Leonard Bernstein.
Gregory: The recording of Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata in G-minor with Yo-Yo Ma and Emmanuel Ax.

Meisha Whitlock & Gregory Thompson – In Concert
Sigal Music Museum – Nov. 6, 7:30PM