Pianist Derek Kealii Polischuk releases new album celebrating women composers

USC Thornton alumnus Derek Kealii Polischuk (’01, MM ’04, DMA ’06) has released the album Many Hands via Blue Griffin, celebrating piano works by women composers. The recording is a collaboration between Polischuk and his piano students Sungyeon Ahn, Chang Li, Euyjong Choi and Jiwoon Sim. Many Hands features music by Cécile Chaminade, Joan Trimble, Amy Beach and Marie Jaëll. The album serves as a tribute to the women in his life, specifically his wife and daughter.

“The composers on this recording are amongst the most exceptional in the history of Western music, yet their music is seldomly performed or recorded,” he said. “There is no good reason for this, and I hope that this project will make a small impact on this big problem.”

He also emphasized the spirit of teamwork behind the project, which was a valuable professional experience for the students involved.

“Those who weren’t playing when a particular piece was being recorded were there to make suggestions, listen carefully, and generally provide support and camaraderie – and snacks.”

Derek Kealii Polischuk is a professor of piano and the director of piano pedagogy at the Michigan State University College of Music. His new album Many Hands is available on all streaming platforms.

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Photo courtesy of MSU College of Music.