Courtney Bryan’s ‘House of Pianos’ offers reassurance through music during challenging times.

Courtney Bryan, a composer and pianist based in New Orleans, will debut her innovative piano concerto titled House of Pianos this Sunday, performed by the Network for New Music, an organization renowned for its commitment to contemporary music. Bryan takes on the role of soloist in this compelling work that brings together various styles and influences across different periods of musical history.

In creating House of Pianos, Bryan envisioned a unique setting—an imagined house filled with the presence of famed pianists like Thelonious Monk, Jelly Roll Morton, and Nina Simone. This concept reflects her desire to merge genres, primarily jazz, with elements of classical and gospel music. The result is a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to traverse through an auditory landscape marked by the influences of some of the greatest pianists in history.

Bryan’s work has garnered attention at notable platforms, including a feature on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, showcasing a movement titled “Praise House.” This piece is distinguished by its tenderness and sincerity, resonating deeply with audiences. One YouTube comment aptly suggested that listening to this movement could set a positive tone for the day, highlighting the emotional impact of Bryan’s music.

Currently, Bryan is actively engaged in multiple projects, including composing an opera for Bard College based on Tennessee Williams’s Suddenly Last Summer. Her connection to Philadelphia includes a recent stint as composer-in-residence at Opera Philadelphia. She is also developing a piece for the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra centered on Rebecca Cox Jackson, a 19th-century Philadelphia feminist writer and Shaker community founder.

House of Pianos is designed in distinct movements, each characterized by its own unique theme, such as “Rent Party” and “Jam Session.” While the piece pays homage to notable pianists—including Ahmad Jamal and Erroll Garner—Bryan refrains from incorporating direct quotes from their works. Instead, she draws inspiration from their techniques, infusing her original sound with the essence of their artistry.

Initially conceived for chamber and full orchestral settings, House of Pianos was subsequently transformed into a version for string quintet and piano at the request of Thomas Schuttenhelm, the artistic director of the Network for New Music. He expressed admiration for the intimacy that this arrangement conveys, reinforcing Bryan’s intent to craft a love letter to pianos and pianists.

The upcoming performance promises to showcase not only House of Pianos but also an array of works by other contemporary composers, offering a comprehensive experience of modern classical music. The concert will take place at the American Philosophical Society at 3 p.m., and tickets range from to .

As audiences prepare to experience House of Pianos, they can anticipate an exploration of musical joy and a celebration of the rich history of pianists across generations, all intricately woven into Bryan’s evocative composition.

For further details regarding the performance and ticket purchases, interested parties are advised to visit Network for New Music’s official website or contact their office directly.