Piano: An All-Woman Show, with Brianna Conrey

This special afternoon of music and stories will feature women composers for the piano over a 250-year period. You’ll get to know Élisabeth Claude Jacquet de La Guerre, a musician in the court of Louis XIV of France; Marianna Martines, a favorite duet partner of Mozart’s; Florence Price, the first African-American woman to gain widespread recognition as a composer; and other composers representing a variety of time periods, from when Bach was two years old to the early 20th century. Like women today, these composers struggled with sexism, with imposter syndrome, with being mothers who were also artists, and with gaining professional recognition. Most of them wondered if they were really amateurs underneath it all. Yet they composed anyway. Prepare to be inspired!

An audience favorite and quarter-finalist at the 2016 Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition, Brianna Conrey is known for her elegantly expressive interpretations of familiar standards as well as for “pushing the repertoire envelope,” resulting in “standout performances” (Theater Jones). Critics have praised her “glittering scales,” “sparkling voicing,” and “well-shaped, clarified vision.” Equally at home with words as she is with music, Brianna’s “magical,” “heartwarming” stories balance poignant observation with the “joyfully humorous.” Her writing focuses on modern womanhood, creativity, and family life, and has been featured in P.S. I Love You, Forge, and Human Parts. According to audiences, Brianna’s show is “astonishingly beautiful and informative,” combining “warm, wise, and funny curation” with “soulful and formidable artistry.”

Tickets are $20 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin