Five Browns Will Perform At Carolina Theatre

The classical music's first family of piano virtuosos begin the '07-08 season with their third CD released October 2: Browns In Blue. Their latest effort features atmospheric classical and jazz-inspired piano music, performed with the sublime virtuosity that propelled these twenty-something year old siblings, Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae, to the top of the nation's classical music charts.

THE 5 BROWNS are delivering on their dream to wake up classical music by introducing it to the widest, largest and most excited audience they can find. Concerts for the '07-'08 season include a tour of Asia, as well as performances throughout the length and breadth of the USA. Whether performing individually or together in various combinations from duo to complex five-piano arrangements, the 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound.

The quintet enjoyed their first wave of critical attention in February 2002 when People magazine dubbed them the "Fab Five" and at about the same time they were featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes. Soon thereafter, the 5 Browns signed with SONY BMG Masterworks and their success grew with the 2005 release of their debut album on RCA Red Seal, simply titled The 5 Browns." By the end of 2005, The Five Browns were one of the top classical artists of the year.

All through the quintet's career, the 5 Browns have been astounded by the audiences' enthusiastic responses to their performances in a variety of venues far away from the revered walls of Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center. Playing in schools and civic auditoriums, where the tickets are affordable and families can attend together (often three generations at once), their concerts have sold out and – to everyone's delight – the Browns have tapped a new audience. With young fans waiting patiently as long as an hour after performances to get The Five Browns' autographs, greeting the fans in the lobby after each of concert is especially important and rewarding to the quintet.

"How could a classical musician ever imagine walking out on a stage with a sea of university students roaring as if we were the latest band!" Melody Brown has said. "Never before could I have thought that I'd be performing works by Debussy or Rachmaninoff for so many people my age and find they actually really enjoyed what they heard! It just shows you that classical music is not only meant for those who have grown up around it. It can be placed in a concert hall, stadium, or living room, and it has the same effect, this music can transcend everything!" The 5 Browns are exclusive Steinway Artists. -- www.carolinatheatre.com