DMA Lecture-Recital: Mikhail Grazhdanov, Fortepiano | Department of Music

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
(no tickets required)
Watch: Livestream in Harkness Chapel

About The Program

Hélène de Montgeroult and the Forgotten Art of the Singing Piano

This lecture-recital explores the career of the forgotten French pianist Hélène de Montgeroult and her monumental piano method, Cours complet pour l'enseignement du forté-piano. Her ideal of a "singing" piano anticipated the Romantic aesthetic decades before it was solidified by pianists like Chopin and Liszt, yet her name was practically erased from the history of pianism. The performed music will showcase application of various techniques that help create the illusion of singing on the piano.

View Program

About The Artist

Mikhail Grazhdanov is a multi-keyboardist from Russia. He regularly performs in the Cleveland area as a harpsichordist, fortepianist, and organist. With soprano Andréa Walker, Mikhail performs as Duo CPE, appearing at festivals including the Early Music Seattle Spring Festival 2025 and Forte/Piano 2025 at Cornell University. In the summer of 2024 he participated in two major early music competitions: the 10th Mae and Irving Jurow International Harpsichord Competition in Montreal (most promising semi finalist prize) and the Musique Antique Fortepiano Competition in Brugge (semifinals).

Currently Mikhail is in the final stages of his DMA in historical performance at Case Western Reserve University, where he studies with Francesca Brittan (fortepiano), Peter Bennett (harpsichord), Jonathan Moyer (organ). Recently he was distinguished by The Susan McClary Award for Excellence in Historical Performance Practice.

CWRU Music 2025–26 Concert Season

The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music presents a dynamic season of concerts, recitals, and special events featuring students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary works, the series highlights the creativity and excellence of CWRU’s vibrant music community. All events are open to the public.

During the 2025–26 season, CWRU celebrates its Bicentennial—200 years of academic excellence, innovation, and impact—honoring the generations who have shaped the performing arts at CWRU while looking ahead to the future.

Venue Information

Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant setting on the Mather Quad. This neo-Gothic landmark commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance and reflects Cleveland’s rich cultural and philanthropic history. Designed by architect Charles F. Schweinfurth, the chapel is renowned for its soaring arches, exquisite woodwork, and luminous Tiffany stained-glass windows.

Health + Safety
The health and well-being of our community is important to us as we gather for campus events. University Health and Counseling Services provides up-to-date guidance and resources to help support a safe campus experience. For life-threatening emergencies, please call CWRU Public Safety immediately at 216.368.3333.