The Gallwas Twins in Concert

Bethel United Church of Christ is thrilled to continue its commitment to Rising Star Concerts in which they showcase up-and-coming musical talent. On Saturday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m., Music@Bethel will welcome the Gallwas Twins, (Joseph and Kenneth) award-winning teenage classical pianists from Elmhurst, Illinois.

The concert will include works by J.S Bach, Richard Strauss, Frédérich Chopin, Carlos Guastavino and Astor Piazzolla. There will also be an appearance of guest artists the Valinor Trio, featuring Joe on piano.

Joe and Ken began studying the piano at age 6, where they progressed quickly and were soon stand-out pianists. Both possess perfect (or absolute) pitch, and as brothers it wasn’t long before they also began playing duets.

As solo artists they have won prizes in international and national competitions, including the Aloha International Piano Competition, Chicago Symphony Concerto Competition, O’Malley Competition, DePaul National Concerto Competition for Young Performers, International Young Artist Concerto Competition and the Sejong Music Competition. As a duo they have won third place in the MTNA National Piano Duo competition and top prize in the Ohio International Piano Duo Competition.

They are currently students at the New Music School in Chicago, studying under Mary Sauer, Winston Choi and Jeffrey Panko, Artistic Director of Music at Bethel. Panko began coaching them 9 years ago.

“One of the great joys of my teaching career has been working with Ken and Joe Gallwas. They began their studies with me when they were 9 years old in order to prepare for their Carnegie Hall debut. Their playing is athletic and virtuosic, inquisitive and musically passionate and well deserving of the national and international acclaim they have received,” said Panko.

The twins are also members of York Community High School’s orchestra, with Joe playing the violin and Ken on the cello.

Music, however, is not their only passion. Joe and Ken are also skilled hockey players, and are members of the York High School Varsity Hockey Team. Joe is a right-handed shooting defenseman and Ken a left-handed shooting forward.

Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 315 East St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. For questions please call the church office at 630-279-4040. Tickets are $25-$35, available on Eventbrite or at the door. Students are free. A reception will follow the concert.

The church is accessible and parking is free. Enter through Sandburg Middle School from St. Charles Road, or from Huntington off Poplar Street.