Spearheaded by Swanlund endowed Ian Hobson, along with musician/professors Timothy Ehlen, William Heiles, and Rochelle Sennet, the University of Illinois School of Music has embarked on a journey to reach new musical heights this summer. Combining high-level experiences through master classes and private lessons, students and teachers of all ages have chosen to participate in this summer’s Illinois Summer Piano Institute from June 28 to July 2. The institute features a gala to mark the end of its five-day soiree with each faculty/artist performing alongside chosen institute participants.

As a discontinued event from past summers due to budget concerns, Hobson was compelled to reanimate the program for all students and artists seeking "something active [for those] who are hungry for musical expression," said Hobson. The community has received the SPI well, and there are no doubts as to its seamless integration to the surrounding campus musical scene.

"The institute is very well known now, and more are becoming aware of its educational and entertainment value", regaled Hobson. He and his faculty at the School of Music are hopeful to coming summers where the Institute will continue to thrive.

With two days left in the Institute program, the remainder of the performances can be seen at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, with tickets available through Krannert's ticket office or online at www.krannertcenter.com. Fifteen performers have been selected to debut alongside the four faculty members. Thus remaining, the final two events will feature as following:

• July 1 – Institute founder Hobson will perform Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” along with selections by Chopin.

• July 2 - Gala performance highlighting the talent of institute participants.