Phyllis Rappeport Piano Legacy Series 2026
Phyllis Rappeport Piano Legacy Series
February 20-21, 2026
The Phyllis Rappeport Legacy Series is dedicated to upholding the values of the late Phyllis Rappeport, distinguished Emeritus Professor of Piano at WMU, who ardently and lovingly proffered to hundreds of students throughout her lifetime. Phyllis had no limits to her generosity. She was charitable with her time, she consistently supported the Arts and art education in subtle and more substantial ways, and she was enthusiastically forthcoming in sharing her vast experience and knowledge. Though she dedicated herself to elite ideals, Phyllis was not elitist: she excluded no one in the exchange of musical ideas and the opportunity to experience artistic impact. In her honor, we strive to avail opportunities to support and educate students, teachers, and the community.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Guest Pianist, Jihye Chang
Time:
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Location:
Recital Hall Dalton Center
Kalamazoo, MI 49008 US
Tickets:
$18 regular, $14 seniors, $6 faculty/staff/students. All tickets are general admission.
Dr. Jihye Chang Sung enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, collaborator, educator, scholar, and advocate for new music in the United States and abroad. Her performances focus on the creative process of collaborating with living composers, curating programs that connect to various audiences, and giving context to contemporary works.
She is a recipient of the first prize of the Mikhashoff International Pianist-Composer Competition, the Henry Kohn Award from the Tanglewood Music Center, an Honorary Fellowship from the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, and the Aaron Copland Recording Grant. She has appeared as a soloist with the Brevard Music Center Sinfonietta, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Wonjoo Philharmonic Orchestra (South Korea), Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, and Virtuosi of Festival Internacionale de Musica in Recife (Brazil), among others.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
The 2026 PRLS day will include both the Young Artists Exposition and guest pianist/lecturer, Dr. Jihye Chang.
Time:
9 am-2 pm
Where:
Dalton Center Recital Hall
Irving S. Gilmore School of Music
Western Michigan University
Schedule:
9am-12pm: Young Artist Exposition
12 pm - 1 pm: Award Reception Lunch sponsored by MTNA at WMU
1 pm - 2 pm: Guest Lecture/ Presentation Jihye Chang
Application deadline: February 14, 2026
Application fee: $15
THREE prizes which include $200 from Western Michigan University Piano Area, $200 from The Kalamazoo Area Piano Teachers Association and ticket vouchers for the upcoming Gilmore International Keyboard Festival provided by the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.
· Jonathan Cook Prize in memory of Jonathan Cook: $100 Cash Award sponsored by Laurie M. Marshall for a self-composed work and/or best performance of a work written after 1945.:
Up to $3000 in scholarship money towards studies at the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music for an incoming student during the 2026/2027 academic year
THREE prizes which include $200 from Western Michigan University Piano Area, $200 from The Kalamazoo Area Piano Teachers Association, and ticket vouchers for the upcoming Gilmore International Keyboard Festival provided by the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.
- Jonathan Cook Prize in memory of Jonathan Cook: $100 Cash Award sponsored by Laurie M. Marshall for a self-composed work and/or best performance of a work written after 1945.
Eligibility:
The competition is open to all pre-college students, ages 12-18 as of February 17, 2026.
Rules and Regulations:
Contestants are to perform two pieces from the following time periods:
One Classical Sonata or Sonatina movement, composed between 1770-1815
Any piece of contrasting style, i.e. Baroque, Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary.
Works should be performed from memory, unless written after 1945, in which a score may be used.
Only complete, unabridged solo piano works in the original form and key will be accepted. No concertos or arrangements may be used.
Need ideas for post-1945 repertoire? Want to connect your students with someone to help them with a composition? Please feel free to email Lori Sims at lori.sims@wmich.edu