MIC Alumna Maddie Stephenson Premieres New Composition at the 2026 Chicago Duo Piano Festival
Q&A with the composer about returning to MIC, writing for duo piano, and the world premiere.
July 6th, 2026
After attending the Chicago Duo Piano Festival as a student, Music Institute of Chicago alumna Maddie Stephenson returns as the composer of a work receiving its world premiere. Inspired by memories of the festival and the mentors who shaped her , Through Time will be performed by MIC Piano Duo in Residence Claire Aebersold Neiweem and Ralph Neiweem at the 2026 festival. We spoke with Maddie about writing the piece, her time at MIC, and the lasting influence of duo piano.
Q: What inspired you to write Through Time, and what ideas or themes does the piece explore?
I was inspired by the collection of past experiences I’ve had both at duo fest and studying with Claire and Ralph at MIC. Returning to duo fest every year always felt like coming home, and I feel very nostalgic about it now. My goal was to channel that nostalgia into this piece, which ended up being quite reflective and stream-of-consciousness in its nature. I also explore the notion of the passage of time throughout the piece, both with recurring motifs that develop and become more complex as the piece progresses, and with some musical metaphors relating to time.
Q: Writing for two pianos offers unique creative possibilities. What drew you to this instrumentation, and what can audiences listen for in the piece?
When I was discussing writing this piece with Claire and Ralph, I was deciding between writing for four hands (two players on one piano) or for two pianos. My favorite duo pieces that I’ve played in the past have always been for two pianos - there’s something special about the players having the freedom and independence of their own piano, and yet having to rise to the extra challenges of balance and staying together. When it’s successful, a two piano ensemble is very special, and with a duo as incredible as Claire and Ralph, I knew this would be the right choice.
The piece begins with a melody that is shared between the two pianos, and there continues to be a series of these melodic ‘handoffs’ throughout. I’d love for the audience to listen for this collaborative nature and how it develops.
Q: Looking back, how did your experiences at the Music Institute of Chicago help shape your path as a composer and pianist?
I don’t think I’d be a composer today if it wasn’t for MIC! Studying privately with Claire was especially impactful; she has always had an emotional connection to the repertoire, and I think she passed that onto me. She also made a point to understand the composers’ intentions and the context behind each piece, which further developed my passion for writing. I was introduced to my favorite repertoire, which influenced my musical taste and therefore what I gravitated toward compositionally. I also took my very first music theory class at MIC (shoutout Dr. Hagle!), which of course is vital to understanding composition. I would not be where I am today without MIC, and am extremely grateful.
Q: Returning to the Chicago Duo Piano Festival as an alumna whose work is receiving its world premiere feels like a full-circle moment. What made the festival the right place for the world premiere of Through Time?
I’m so excited to come back to Duo Fest for this premiere! When I was a student attending the festival, I didn’t even realize I wanted to be a composer. I loved writing, but did not think I would be lucky enough to be able to do this full-time. This festival in a lot of ways is where my journey as a musician began, so it feels very fitting for the premiere to be here.
Q: Why do you think audiences should experience live duo piano performances, and what makes the Chicago Duo Piano Festival unique?
The piano is, more often than not, a solo instrument, and can sometimes feel isolated from the rest of the performance world. Duo piano is special because it not only helps combat that isolation, but it also provides community for pianists specifically. It’s the closest we get to that feeling of being part of an instrument section of an orchestra, or a choir. And for audiences, there is a whole world of sounds that can be unlocked with 176 keys - it’s very exciting to hear it in action. Chicago Duo Piano Festival is open to all ages and skill levels, and does an amazing job of encouraging students to work with new people and learn from a variety of faculty. It’s really a special place.
Be part of the first audience to experience Through Time at the 2026 Chicago Duo Piano Festival, alongside a full week of exceptional performances and events. The festival features concerts by MIC faculty, guest performances by EStrella Piano Duo, a public master class, and culminating student recital.