Jazz Pianist Isaiah J. Thompson Performs Inaugural Steinway Grand Concert at AMP Center

On Sunday, January 28, we hosted a packed house for the inaugural concert of our Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano. Jazz pianist and Steinway artist Isaiah J. Thompson and his trio spent the afternoon with us, leading a mentorship session, performing with our students, and enchanting our attendees with in a full concert set of their own.

We invited our community of donors, board members, supporters, parents, and students to celebrate with us for the special occasion. We were also honored to have Steinway & Sons commemorate the event with a plaque officially naming AMP a “Steinway Select School.”

It was most memorable evening for our community that underscored our goal of providing world-class music training and performance opportunities supporting youth growth and development.

Scroll down below for a beautiful photo essay of the event with photography by Qu West Photography.

The AMP Senior Youth Choir performed with a rendition of All The Pretty Little Horses with Isaiah J. Thompson Trio. Conducted by AMP Voice Teaching Artist Keeyen Martin.

AMP Co-Founder and CEO Dantes Rameau moderated a panel discussion during a student mentorship session with The Isaiah J. Thompson Trio. Students were brimming with questions for the trio about their musical influences, experience at conservatory, and how they make a living as jazz musicians in New York City.

The Isaiah J. Thompson Trio. From left to right: double bassist Lex Warshawsky, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, and drummer Matt Lee).

Isaiah J. Thompson performing with his trio on AMP's new Steinway Model B Grand Piano. Isaiah and fellow band members Matt Lee and Lex Warshawsky were all alumni of Jazz House Kids, a music-education organization founded by jazz bassist Christian McBride and jazz vocalist Melissa Walker.

AMP Junior Choir student Chloe Collier poses a question during the student mentorship session. Chloe was interested in learning more about Isaiah’s jazz philosophy of “intelligence.”

AMP student trombonist Joel Patrick performed a solo at the event. In addition to the Steinway Grand, AMP purchased four Boston Pianos, designed by Steinway & Sons. This was the first opportunity for our attendees to hear the Bostons in a live performance.

Logan Souther, AMP Senior Youth Orchestra Conductor, posing on the carpet with AMP Senior Youth Orchestra cellist and Choir students Sage and Yahsia.

AMP clarinet student Samuel Lemiyu in conversation with AMP donors at Sunday's event, after his solo accompanied by piano. In addition to the Steinway Grand, AMP purchased four Boston Pianos, designed by Steinway & Sons. This was the first opportunity for our attendees to hear the Bostons in a live performance.

The Isaiah J. Thompson led a panel discussion as part of a student mentorship session. Students were brimming with questions for the trio about their musical influences, experience at different types of music schools, and how they make a living as jazz musicians in New York City.

Steinway & Sons Institutional Director Alice Tillman & Retail Director Tim Stephensen posing with Co-Founder Dantes Rameau.

AMP Senior Youth Orchestra and Choir students (and siblings) Chloe and Jacob Collier posing for a photo with Isaiah J. Thompson.

Isaiah J. Thompson in his element, performing with this trio on AMP’s new Steinway Model B Grand Piano. Mr. Thompson did mention during the show that the piano was a “beautiful instrument.” 🤩