Elmhurst Twins Are National Finalists As Piano Players

ELMHURST, IL – Joseph and Kenneth Gallwas, 16-year-old twins in Elmhurst, Illinois are heading to Atlanta in March to compete as a National Finalist Duo in the MTNA Senior Piano Competition. They attend York High School as Sophomores and also play on the Junior Varsity Hockey Team.

The Gallwas Twins earned this opportunity after winning the State and East Central Division of the Senior Duo Piano Competition. Sophomores at York Community High School, Kenneth and Joseph Gallwas have been studying piano for 10 years and are currently students of Mary Sauer and Jeff Panko.

The Gallwas Twins, who made their stunning debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of nine as winners of the American Protege Talent Competition, have reunited in the summer of 2023 for an impressive musical journey. Inspired by the Dutch pianists Lucas and Arthur Jussen, they embarked on mastering Mozart's Sonata for 4 hands K381, performed at the Grand Park Festival as part of Joyce Yang's "play with masters" event, and swiftly added Mendelssohn's Op.92 and Piazzolla's Libertango to their repertoire.

As twins, Joseph and Kenneth share an unparalleled connection that enhances their performances, earning them first place in the Senior Duet Division of the ISMTA competition in October 2023. Their harmonious partnership is a testament to their exceptional talent and unique advantage as a twin duo, captivating audiences, and fellow musicians alike.

The national winner of this competition receives a cash prize and will perform in a Winners Concert during the MTNA National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

The three-tiered MTNA competitions begin at the state level. Winners of each State Competition advance to the video-only division competition. Division winners then proceed to the National Competition Finals.