Sibling Pianists Invigorating Classics

The five siblings who make up a Utah classical pianist quintet say their musical efforts are meant to revitalize the classical music tunes they play.

Deondra Brown, 28, says she and her siblings Desirae, 29; Greg, 25; Melody, 24; and Ryan, 22, all openly talk with the audience and shorten longer classical tunes to make the genre more appealing to the masses, the Deseret Morning News reported Sunday.

“It’s supposed to be entertaining,” Deondra said of the group’s classical style. “It’s not a funeral.”

Melody says the family’s musical offerings, which include three popular albums and worldwide tours, are also meant to make classical music more accessible to younger listeners.

“We market it like a pop album, but the music is classical,” Melody told the Morning News. “A lot of older people say, ‘We’ve never seen so many young people at a classical concert; this gives me hope for your generation.”‘

The Utah newspaper said the five siblings are busy with tour dates booked through 2009. They average 80 to 120 performances a year.