Janice Carissa, evolution of an artist

 

When 24-year-old Pianist Janice Carissa was younger, her instructors cautioned her not to “play faster than the music.” She took their advice to heart, as students do, but never really understood what they meant until recently. After studying music for almost two decades and learning countless pieces for performances and recitals around the world, she’s letting go and listening to her heart.

“I’m letting go of expectations and seeing what happens on stage, while still staying grounded,” Carissa said. “Sometimes when you’re playing, the heart will feel a different way, and if you are in-tune you’ll catch that. It happens when you open your heart and your ears and close your eyes.”

Carissa will be performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17. with the Battle Creek Symphony on May 6, in the WK Kellogg Auditorium. The performance includes Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, and the entire concert is reflection of airy springtime optimism.

Mozart is one of Carissa’s favorite composers, and his Piano Concerto No. 17 is one of her favorite pieces. It matches her personality – sunny and joyful – but there’s more to both Mozart and Carissa than first meet the eye.

Carissa, born in Indonesia, came to the U.S. to study music at Curtis in Philadelphia when she was 15. She remembers that audition well – Bach, Chopin, Mozart – they were all pieces she knew by heart. Now when she visits those same compositions, she sees something different. She’s grown in her appreciation and gained perspective that only comes with maturity.

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 is one piece that’s evolved with Carissa. She loved it as a teen as she confidently and freely let loose on the keys. Now, she’s more reflective, less hurried, and more curious than ever. She can’t help but think of Mozart’s ability to capture human emotion, even as he dealt with life’s challenges.

“With Mozart there’s always an underlying sadness, especially with his music at the end of his life,” Carissa said. “It makes it interesting to play.”

Now, Carissa is at Julliard School of Music pursuing a graduate degree, which she will receive in 2024. She’s earned a reputation as an up-and-coming virtuoso, and Carissa was chosen as one of two pianists to be honored as a 2022 Gilmore Young Artist. She already has a busy touring schedule, and in her practice, she’s digging deeper than ever and finding her voice.

“I want to tell a more vivid story and really become a poet on the piano,” she said.

Whether Carissa is practicing or performing, she plays to capture the heart of the audience. It is the audience that informs her music and interpretation of each piece. The people in attendance become part of the music.

“A story is not a story if there’s no one there to listen,” she said.

Carissa’s mother was a music teacher, and classical music was the soundtrack of her childhood. From her earliest memories, she wanted to play the piano, and remembers her first piano lesson with her mother at 5 years old. On most days, Carissa’s mother didn’t stop teaching until 8 pm, so Carissa often practiced late into the night.

“It never felt like a chore,” she remembers. “There was always space for making music in my family.”

At age 9, she won the IBLA International Competition, which took her to the U.S. to perform. She felt like a world traveler, and indeed, she was.

“I decided after that, that I wanted to pursue music full time,” Carissa said. “Now, I just can’t imagine life without it.”

Carissa knows she’s the exception. Most children are not exposed to classical music, and even adults without an appreciation for classical music often don’t know what they are missing. It’s a barrier that Carissa hopes to break down one classical recital at a time.

“Attending classical concerts is like going to a museum,” Carissa said. “You have to go with an open mind and let the art tell the story – not what you think the story should be.”

“There’s always something for everyone,” she added.

Carissa was chosen as one of two pianists to be honored as a 2022 Gilmore Young Artist, and is appreciative of the Gilmore Foundation, which provides opportunities for young musicians to pursue their studies.

A Gilmore Concert Bonus will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the WK Kellogg Auditorium.

Click here for more information on the concert.

 

 

Janice Carissa, Gilmore Young Artist

Get to Know our Guest Artist

March 19, 2023

When 24-year-old Pianist Janice Carissa was younger, her instructors cautioned her not to “play faster than the music.” She took their advice to heart, as students do, but never really understood what they meant until recently. After studying music for almost two decades and learning countless pieces for performances and recitals around the world, she’s letting go and listening to her heart.

liv morrow doing aerial hoop

Get to Know our Guest Artists

January 26, 2023

Ron Oppenheimer defies gravity. With grace and precision, he deftly climbs and descends a pole, suspended from above. His body creates one abstract form after another in a passionate performance made only more powerful by the music that accompanies his every move.

Oppenheimer is one of seven cirque – as in Cirque de Soleil – performers who will be joining the Battle Creek Symphony in a first-of-its-kind show that combines the music of the full orchestra with performance art. The Magic of Cirque and Symphony will debut Saturday at 7:30 on March 4 at the WK Kellogg Auditorium.

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July 5, 2022

The Battle Creek Symphony is partnering with Kellogg Community College this month to present a free community forum event focused on a musical response to social unrest and the Black experience that was performed in Battle Creek last spring.

The “Hold On, America, Hold On!” forum, presented by the Battle Creek Symphony in conjunction with KCC’s Music Program and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, in the auditorium of the College’s Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center, on campus at 450 North Ave. in Battle Creek.

Hold On, America, Hold On!

February 28, 2022

The music community illuminates issues facing African Americans today and explores Black history. On the morning after the murder of George Floyd, Anne Harrigan, the artistic director of the Music Center and conductor of the Battle Creek Symphony, decided to go out for a coffee in her Grand Rapids neighborhood only to find one of her favorite coffee shops boarded up. She knew protests were sweeping across the city, but the stark reality of those wooden windows stunned her.

Music Speaks Through the Battle Creek Symphony

October 28, 2021

In operation since 1899, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) represents the longest continuously performing orchestra in Michigan. With deep roots in Battle Creek and the surrounding area for the past 123 years, the BCSO has some of the highest quality symphonic traditions to be found.

Let’s take a look at the history of the BCSO, how it coped with the challenges of the past year, and what lies ahead for the 2021-2022 season.

Music and Mental Health

October 28, 2021

Music has the power to soothe, excite, calm and comfort us. Whether tied to a tender moment, the joy of playing an instrument, or the excitement of a concert—music often goes hand-in-hand with some of our most impactful memories. A group bonding experience or individually meditative moment spent with music can act as a bridge to better wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

Community Music School

Live, from Battle Creek!

August 10, 2021

Ever since the formation of The Music Center in 2000, we’ve been passionate about building community through music. The Music Center is a unique combination of music arts and programs created to enhance the lives of children and adults of all ages and talent levels. Although the past year and a half has been full of challenges, our mission remains the same. If anything, we’ve learned more about the incredible power of music to unite a community through unprecedented times.

We'd Love to hear from you!

Phone: 269.963.1911

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (COVID-19)

The Music Center is currently open and resuming all activities. We take the safety of our students and staff very seriously and follow the CDC and State of Michigan safety guidelines. While we understand some may wish to adhere to their own interpretation of protocols, you will be required you to comply with safety postings in our building in order to participate in our classes and lessons.

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