The Grand Piano Series, a seasonal wanderer that has moved from everywhere from Golden Gate Estates to a Bonita Springs church, has found a new, centrally located home this year: Artis—Naples.

Its arrival in the smaller venues of Artis—Naples is a chance for it to expand its own audiences, according to a statement by Artis—Naples’ CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen: “This collaboration enriches our year-round programming with exceptional piano-focused repertoire that complements our diverse offerings.”

There is still some movement involved, as the concerts are split between the Daniels Pavilion and the Ubben Signature Space at The Baker Museum. But the change brings the growing series to its most central location in Naples yet, just in time to show its continued expansion to piano-plus.

Eric Lu

A quintet, a trio and a duo are part of the season, although it returns to its piano roots with its headliner: Eric Lu, an Avery Fisher Career Grants recipient who has won the Leeds Competition in Britain and was among the top four laureates of the 2015 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Lu has performed with orchestras from the Chicago Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic to The Proms series in England, and toured with the Warsaw Philharmonic.

His concert was planned for last year, but scheduling conflicts caused him to bow out. This season the crowd will get the treat of him performing in an all-Chopin concert.

Lu’s return reaffirms the tenacity of series founder Milana Strezeva, who has made a habit of bringing in the stars she pursues. Tchaikovsky Competition winner Barry Douglas cancelled Naples appearances at both Artis—Naples and the Grand Piano Series over three years, but when he finally came, it was for a vivid, personal performance with the Grand Piano Series in 2023.

Since Classic Chamber Concerts Series dissolved, the Grand Piano Series has wrapped that mantle around its concerts, adding ensemble dates and, this season, a string star—Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient Sterling Elliott on cello. He performs with a returning Gilmore Young Artist winner, pianist Janice Carissa, on a program of Scriabin, Janáček and Brahms. (In fact, fans of the Romantic composer will be glad to hear Brahms shows up on three programs this season.)

Pavel Haas Quartet & Milana Strezeva

Later, the Czech-based Pavel Haas Quartet, five-time Gramophone winners, joins Grand Piano Series cofounder Strezeva for an all-Dvorak program.

One of its innovations is a themed program that makes its points: One coming up shortly is the “Water or Steel” piano program Aug. 22 that aims to open minds to divergent approaches to the instrument. 

Andrew Van Oeyen is the pianist for another themed concert this coming season, “Angels and Demons,” that runs the range from spiritual to sinful in its selections.

The Ubben Signature Space is small enough that performances there will be offered twice, in the afternoon and the evening. Artis—Naples is located at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.

Wednesday, Nov. 6: 7:30 p.m. (Daniels) Polina Osetinskaya plays Bach and Tchaikovsky

Wednesday, Dec. 4: 7:30 p.m. (Daniels) Sterling Elliott and Janice Carissa play Scriabin, Janáček and Brahms

Thursday, Jan. 23: 3 p.m. (Ubben) Trio Bohémo plays Haydn, Smetana, and Brahms

Friday, Jan. 24: 7:30 p.m. (Ubben) Trio Bohémo plays Haydn, Smetana, and Brahms

Thursday, Feb. 13: 7:30 p.m. (Daniels) Anna Geniushene plays Handel, Brahms, Liszt and Rachmaninoff

Thursday, Mar. 6: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Ubben) Pavel Haas Quartet with Milana Strezeva plays an all-Dvorak program

Wednesday, Mar. 26: 3 p.m. (Ubben) Andrew von Oeyen, “Angels and Demons”

Thursday, Mar. 27: 7:30 p.m. (Ubben) Andrew von Oeyen, “Angels and Demons”

Thursday, May 1: 7:30 p.m. (Daniels) Eric Lu plays Chopin

Ticket prices range from $50 to $59 and can be purchased at Artis—Naples box office or at grandpianoseries. org. For assistance, call 239.597.1900.

Those attending should keep in mind there are limits on bag sizes at Artis—Naples of 14x14x4 inches.