The next show in our 10x10 Arts Series is “the biggest classical music sensation in years,” according to The New York Post. The 5 Browns are delivering on their dream to wake up classical music by introducing it to the widest, largest and most excited audience they can find, including a show at Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 8 pm.
The 5 Browns – Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae – all attended New York’s Juilliard School and became the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously. The quintet enjoyed their first wave of critical attention in February 2002 when People magazine dubbed them the “Fab Five” at about the same time they were featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes.
In keeping with our 10x10 Arts Series, we asked the artists 10 questions ahead of their performance.
What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?
“As brothers and sisters, we have loved performing around the world together. There is nothing like the sound of 5 Steinways onstage – our own little orchestra! The opportunity to share our love of classical music and provide a fun experience for families is something we will always cherish. Spend an evening with us exploring a mix of favorites, including Rhapsody in Blue and Star Wars, along with many others we are excited to share with you.” – Deondra
What message do you hope to send to the world or what do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?
"We hope audiences will leave our concerts feeling the same joy for music that my siblings and I experience while we're performing onstage. Some audience members come to a piano concert feeling a little nervous about whether it's going to be stuffy or whether they'll be able to follow the right etiquette. It's important to us to show people that this music is not some museum piece to be intimidated by. Great music stands the test of time because it remains capable of helping us feel joy, excitement, heartbreak, or peace – no matter who we are. We hope our audiences will leave the concert having experienced all of these emotions, but especially joy.” – Gregory
What is it like being a part of a nearly 20-year legacy?
“We have been performing together for 18 years, if you can believe it! After all these years we have really streamlined our rehearsal process and learned to treat each other with kindness and patience. Now, when we play together, it feels almost like being home. Being on stage together feels like a safe space.” – Desirae
What drew you to this performance field?
“I think a large part of the draw was the opportunity to perform with each other. Classical soloists live a very solitary life, and we're so grateful we get to perform around the world as a group. Not only as just a group of musicians, but as a family that truly are each other's best friends. We love hanging out and have way too much fun on the road. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we need to rehearse or we'll just keep talking and chatting through our allotted rehearsal time!” – Melody
What are some memorable experiences you’ve had while sharing this performance with others?
"I think one of the most memorable performances we shared was our debut at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium. We had grown up going to concerts in this iconic hall, so it was stressful, but it was also rewarding to finally get there with one another. After we finished our last bow and realized the performance was a success, we all started jumping up and down, hugging each other and crying. It was such a memorable night.” – Melody
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
“I have a really hard time starting a concert if my hands are not sufficiently warm. The warmer the better. So, 10 minutes before I walk out onstage, I usually try to soak them in steaming hot water until they've got that red, puffy feeling. If you see me start the concert with pink hands, it's because I have just purposely scalded them.” – Gregory
“We’re so grateful we get to perform around the world as a group. Not only as just a group of musicians, but as a family that truly are each other’s best friends.”
Pick 5 words to best describe your work.
“Passionate, energetic, introspective, joyous, siblings.” – Deondra
What is the best advice that you have been given?
“My old teacher Phillip Kawin personalized the famous "practice makes perfect," saying, ‘practice makes better not perfect.’ Along those lines was the idea of working slowly, in small sections first to make sure my brain could process what I was working on in a faster and better way. – Ryan
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?
"We all listen to a wide range of genres of music. Anything from pop, rock and indie to jazz and classical. My personal favorite song this year is ‘Can’t Pretend’ by Tom Odell and my favorite albums are Gabrielle Shonk’s 2017 self-named album and Esja by Hania Rani.” – Ryan
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?
"There are so many! Walking the Great Wall of China together, touring Kyoto in Japan and seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. These are all unforgettable experiences that we have been able to do together.” – Desirae
Don’t miss their energetic and joyful performance on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 pm. Tickets are only $10, so grab a few tickets for friends and neighbors too.