Chicago Duo Piano Fest: EStrella Piano Duo Recital - July 17, 2026

The EStrella Piano Duo burst onto the musical scene in 2011 with a series of concerts celebrating the great masterpieces for piano duo. Since then, they have performed widely to enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim throughout the U.S., Canada, and China. In 2018 the Duo was awarded a Global Music Award Silver medal for their critically acclaimed new CD, Tales from the East, featuring stories of adventure, magic, and romance by Russian composers. In 2019 the CD was awarded an Honorable Mention by The American Prize Competition. In 2022, a collaboration with North Shore Chamber Orchestra (Evanston) led to a critically acclaimed performance of a rarely heard concerto for piano/four hands by Leopold Koželuch. Also in 2022, the duo received a grant from Musicians Club of Women to record music for piano/four hands by women composers of the Romantic Era. The CD In Her Own Voice featuring women composers was released in 2023 to critical acclaim, was featured on WFMT, and led to a collaboration with Ballet Chicago, performing works by Cecile Chaminade. In March 2026 EStrella performed their program “From Ukraine with Love!” featuring Ukrainian composers at the MTNA conference. The EStrella Duo will be performing works by Gershwin, Rachmaninoff and Barber, among others. Chicago Duo Piano Festival 2026 Concert Schedule Up Next... Saturday, July 18 at 10 AM Guest Duo Master Class: EStrella Piano Duo Sunday, July 19 at 2 PM Final Student Recital More about the Chicago Duo Piano Festival This summer marks the Chicago Duo Piano Festival's 38th anniversary season. Founded in 1988 by MIC resident piano duo Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem, the mission of the festival is to foster a deeper interest in the repertoire, performance, and teaching of music for piano, four hands, and two pianos, in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The annual Chicago Duo Piano Festival is a wonderful opportunity to meet new pianists and make new friends while building pianistic and ensemble skills. Enjoy special concerts and master classes and participate in a culminating student recital at Nichols Concert Hall.