Anderson and Roe: They’re the Real Deal!
When people ask me if my nearest and dearest are musical too, I am embarrassed to say that I sometimes hesitate to respond. Not because the answer is negative, but because, depending on the company, I often feel like I have to qualify. Yes, I am married to a deeply musical man. No, he does not like classical music. (There, I said it.) I am also somewhat embarrassed to admit that this is often the cause for heated marital debate. What constitutes “good” music or, even worse, “superior” music, is a matter of subjective taste – and the fact that I just love getting on my high (classical) horse frequently causes extreme dischord (pardon the musical pun) in an otherwise harmonious household. All a very roundabout way of saying that when the boundaries between “classical” and “not-so-classical” and the question of what constitutes “popular” and “less popular” music appear on the horizon, I automatically fear false notes – and flee to the piano.
It is also why PPI’s new “Boundless” series fills me with power-chord levels of hope and excitement, because as time goes by, I’m becoming more and more convinced that we’re all actually seeking the same thing in the music that nourishes our souls: community, escapism, rapture, joy, pleasure, amusement, curiosity, the thrill of something intangible yet real! Our music may sometimes divide us, but oh, (cue Beethoven’s Ode to Joy or U2’s In the name of love!) the sheer wonder of the times it connects us!
When descriptions like genre-crossing and transcending the conventional get thrown around in a classical context, it’s easy for the jaded traditionalists among us to approach with caution (“They’re not taking the music seriously!”) – and for the already unconvinced to think that the snobs are just trying to get into their wallets (“If classical music was so great, why do so few people attend concerts?”) I see the arguments on both sides and want to scream, fortississimo: “But you haven’t heard Anderson and Roe!”
Two Juilliard graduates, a pair of pianos, perfectly matched musical sensibilities, et voilà: That rare, coveted something that truly unites audiences. With only twenty fingers and twenty years of partnership between them, Elizabeth Joy Roe and Greg Anderson have managed to redefine the model of the piano duo, touring the world extensively, reimagining the classical canon and arranging pop music through a classical lens. Their theatrical, jaw-dropping performances reflect their belief that all music has something to say to all people. Their five critically acclaimed albums have spent dozens of weeks atop the Billboard classical charts. Their music videos are the stuff of legends, racking up millions of views and securing them an Emmy® nomination. And they’re regular media personalities, from appearances on MTV, NPR, PBS, and the BBC, to hosting the webcasts of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Not convinced yet? Let their playing do the talking. Watch this if you’re on the “it’s not classical enough” side. And then check out this if the Swiftie in you feels that classical pianists should stick to the classical repertoire.
I’m already canvassing for everyone I know to be at Lincoln Hall on Tuesday, October 14th. So should you! Single tickets to Anderson and Roe’s performance are available here. Follow them on social media and/or check out their website for even more electrifying arrangements: https://www.andersonroe.com/videos
This is why, dear friends of PPI, we think you really should 1) follow us on social media and 2) subscribe to our 2025/2026 season. Not only will you receive frequent injections of warmth, wit and wisdom, but also get the opportunity to be lifted temporarily out of the mundane, into some other, marvelous state. We want to meet you there!
PS: If you’re really not a social media person, we’ve got your back, too. We are currently working on a “Get to know your curator”-section on our website, where you’ll be able to see all the Boris-videos at a glance. We’ll keep you posted!