College of Charleston International Piano Series

Fresh from his First Prize victory at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, pianist Jonathan Mamora brings electrifying artistry and lyrical sensitivity to the historic Sottile Theatre. Praised for his “most assured pianism” and expressive warmth, Mamora has quickly become one of the most exciting young pianists on the international scene. His recital pairs the poetic intensity of Frédéric Chopin’s complete 24 Preludes with the imaginative storytelling of Robert Schumann’s whimsical Humoreske in a program of dazzling contrasts, profound emotion, and breathtaking virtuosity. Experience an artist at the forefront of the new generation of pianists in an evening that moves seamlessly from intimate poetry to exuberant brilliance. 

“a remarkable performance…  Mamora’s technique and muscularity was more than a match for the piece, but every effect was carefully judged and expertly deployed.”   -The Times, UK

“… Mamora's impressive combination of a solid technique and understated virtuosity...a performance to savour”  -The Scotsman

American pianist Mackenzie Melemed, recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and a graduate of The Juilliard School, presents a vibrant recital celebrating the spirit of America in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Praised by The New York Times for his artistry and technical finesse, Melemed explores the rich tapestry of American musical voices, from the open landscapes of Aaron Copland and the jazz-infused brilliance of George Gershwin to the fiery and lyrical sounds of Florence Price and Amy Beach. Anchored by masterworks of Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms, the program culminates in a thrilling virtuosic encore favorite: Vladimir Horowitz’s dazzling arrangement of John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.

“Melemed’s crystal-clear pianism landed right on target at every moment.”   - Boston Musical Intelligencer 

“An excellent young pianist”  - The New York Times 

Internationally celebrated pianist Angela Hewitt is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Johann Sebastian Bach, and her performances have captivated audiences across the globe. In the magnificent acoustics of the historic Sottile Theatre, Hewitt brings her unmatched clarity, elegance, and insight to a selection of Bach’s timeless Preludes and Fugues. The evening continues with the passion and poetry of Frédéric Chopin, including the powerful Fantasy in F minor and the virtuosic Scherzo No. 2. With playing described as one of the “record glories of our age,” Hewitt offers an unforgettable recital by a true legend of the piano.  

“Hewitt remains today’s finest exponent of Bach’s keyboard music”  - Gramophone

“I know of no musician whose Bach playing on any instrument is of greater subtlety, beauty of tone, persuasiveness of judgement or instrumental command”  - BBC Music Magazine

Tom Hicks, Artistic Director of the series, Director of Piano at the College of Charleston, and a decorated International Yamaha Artist, presents a captivating program titled “Fantasies and Dreams.” Praised for his imaginative and creative playing, Hicks explores fantasies and nocturnes, two of music’s most inventive and evocative genres. Alongside the sweeping passion of Robert Schumann’s Fantasy in C major, Hicks will perform the poetic final nocturnes of Frédéric Chopin, works he recently recorded to widespread critical acclaim. The recital also features the Charleston premiere of A Lunar Suite by Edward Hart, a set of evocative miniatures inspired by the phases of the moon and accompanied by specially commissioned artwork by local artist, Kyle Brown Jr.. Experience an evening of imagination and atmosphere in the perfect historic setting of the Sottile Theatre.

“Hicks creates a miniature universe of colouristic wonder”  - Piano Journal 

“immensely imaginative, incredibly fresh, and spontaneous”  - Pizzicato

Season tickets will go on sale on July 28, 2026.
Individual tickets will go on sale on September 1, 2026.

Complimentary season tickets will be reserved before these dates for eligible donors (those giving at the Etude level - $500 or above - to support IPS and its public and student facing work). Please see Patron Info below.

Need help? The George Street Box Office is open (Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) to help you navigate the online system or to take your order by phone 843.953.GSBO (4726) or in person at the Sottile Theatre (44 George St.)

Each year, the International Piano Series brings world-renowned pianists to Charleston to perform in the historic Sottile Theatre and to mentor the next generation of musicians. These artists don’t just perform — they teach, inspire, and challenge our students in masterclasses that are also open to the public.

Your support keeps this extraordinary program alive. Because the series is funded solely through donations and ticket sales, every gift helps sustain world-class performances and creates transformative learning experiences for our students. 

How to support us:

• Credit Card: Make your gift here 
  
  
• Mail your check made out to International Piano Series:
  
  via U.S. Postal Service to:
  • Attn: Tom Hicks
    Music Department
    College of Charleston
    66 George St.
    Charleston, SC 29424
• via FedEx or UPS to:
  • Attn: Tom Hicks
    College of Charleston Music Dept
    Cato Center - Room 201
    161 Calhoun St.
    Charleston, SC 29401

INTERNATIONAL PIANO SERIES PATRON LEVELS

Concerto: $10,000 and above
· All benefits of sonata, plus
· Opportunity to sponsor a specific concert or artist

Sonata: $5,000-$9,999
· All benefits of Ballade, plus
· Invitation to a private dinner with the Director of IPS and Chair of the Music Department

Ballade: $2,500-$4,999
· All benefits of Waltz, plusInvitation to a private dinner with the Director of IPS

Nocturne: $1,000-$2,499
· All benefits of Etude, plus two extra complimentary season tickets

Etude: $500-$999
· All benefits of Prelude, plus
· Invitation to special season preview in spring and to post-concert receptions with faculty and artists
· Two complimentary season tickets

Prelude: $200-$499
· Recognition on the International Piano Series website and in the program
 

CORPORATE LEVELS

Platinum: $10,000 and above
· All benefits of Gold, plus
· Full-page advertisement in all four concert booklets
· 5 additional (20) complimentary tickets for your team or clients to each concert

Diamond: $7,500 and above
· All benefits of Gold, plus
· Half-page advertisement in all four concert booklets
· 5 additional (15) complimentary tickets for your team or clients to each concert

Gold: $5,000 and above
· All benefits of Silver, plus
· Opportunity to sponsor a specific concert or artist
· Verbal acknowledgement during the sponsored concert
· 4 additional (10) complimentary tickets for your team or clients to each concert

Silver: $2,500 and above
· All benefits of Bronze, plus
· Logo included in the program booklet at all four concerts
· 2 additional (6) complimentary tickets for your team or clients to each concert

Bronze: $1,000 and above
· Recognition on the International Piano Series website and in the program
· 4 complimentary tickets for your team or clients to each concert

CURRENT PATRON SUPPORTERS

Legacy Gift:
William Tate

Sonata:
Janice and Jay Messeroff
Carol H. Fishman
Herzman-Fishman Fund
Remington Master Artist Fund

Ballade:
Dr. Robert Moya-Mendez in memory of Dr. Anthony Laneve
Jeffrey Adams & Susan Hunter
Polly and George Kosko

Nocturne:
Mary Anne and Robert Grenfell
The John M. Rivers, Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Paul and Sims Dolittle
Anne F. Lewis
Carol A. Mysel
Bettsy and Thomas Mosimann
Kristin R. Wise

Etude:
Evelynn U. Putnam
Susan and Michael Master
Barbara and Jeremy Gilbert
Ying Mei
Valerie B. Morris
Georgia C. Bell
John D. Labriola
Ann Reynolds
David M. Savard

Prelude:
Tina M. Rogonia