April 8, 2026
The 2026 Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival will feature the finest international pianists playing classical, jazz, and pop music. The piano will be center stage for Gilmore-commissioned world premieres, free community concerts, films, musical theatre and so much more.
This year, GRCC is participating in the festival for the first time. Kent Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO) will be on stage May 8 at St. Cecilia with Elliot Wuu, playing Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor.”
So what, you might ask, is Kent Philharmonic Orchestra, and how is it connected to GRCC?
“We are the best-kept 50 year old secret in Grand Rapids,” said Ed Millermaier, Board Chair of KPO and a viola player himself. “The orchestra operates through GRCC, which provides funding for the conductor, rehearsal space and support services. Our membership is made up of GRCC music students and community members who love music. Their enthusiasm is the reason we have lasted for so long.”
Growth of the Orchestra
The conductor is none other than the highly-acclaimed Dr. Libor Ondras, who sees the orchestra as an incubator for musicians and a place for continuous learning.
“This is a safe place in which to learn,” Ondras said. “We provide the instruction and rehearsal time for people to grow in their artistry and abilities while tackling an exciting repertoire. As a result, we have been able to play with distinguished soloists and help launch careers. For instance, Palo Dara, who won our concerto competition a few years ago, just made it into the Chicago Symphony. Elliott Wuu is another great example. He was a 2018 Gilmore Young Artist and now is an internationally-acclaimed pianist. Our musicians are reaching new heights they never thought they could attain.”
This growth did not happen overnight.
“It took a few years to build the momentum and excitement we needed in order to advance,” Ondras said. “I incorporate strategies that break the rehearsal process into incremental steps, while insisting on impeccable execution because that is what great music deserves. It validates not only our respect for the music, but equally the faith in our capacity to rise to that level. Our progress became crystal clear to me a few weeks ago, when we ran out of chairs for rehearsal!”
A Win-Win Collaboration
Although the Gilmore is an internationally-acclaimed organization, the performance side of the Festival has been firmly rooted in Kalamazoo. Recently, their board has been exploring opportunities to reach out, both in Michigan and beyond. When Millermaier moved from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, he saw the potential synergy between Gilmore and KPO.
“I called Pierre (executive and artistic director of the Festival) to pitch the collaboration idea,” Millermaier said. “KPO has the talent and the leadership to play with emerging artists. We perform at St. Cecilia, which is a coveted performance venue. The Gilmore wants to expand and develop audiences. This is a win-win for everyone.”
Millermaier extended the invitation for a Gilmore artist play with KPO last year and that sealed the deal. He hopes that this is the beginning of a long relationship.
“KPO is a place where students can learn to play full symphonic works while developing a musical network,” Millermaier said. “Libor has been a catalyst for affirmation and growth. We’ve seen a surge of young players joining the orchestra and everyone is excited about the potential. This is a wonderful way to elevate the quality of the GRCC music program while giving musicians a place to play repertoire they might not otherwise have the chance to experience.”
Dr. Ondras has intentionally cultivated the orchestra and its capabilities to reach this point.
“It’s a tremendous honor to play under the auspices of the Gilmore Festival,” he said. “That’s a challenge we are ready and eager to accept, because it is another rung in the ladder of growth. This year, our musicians are learning to accompany soloists playing concertos. We’re filling the gap between a college symphony and a professional symphony, providing quality experiences and training that are accessible. In the process, we are building a network of lasting relationships that showcases the role of KPO in the community.”
Tickets to KPO at the Gilmore Festival are available through GRCC Music’s event platform Ludus.
This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.