Presto

About Presto

Presto was founded in 2007 by a group of pianists in San Diego seeking to improve their playing through regular performances for one another. Since then, it has expanded to include additional chapters in Chapel Hill, NC (2011) and Raleigh, NC (2015). Presto now offers both public recitals and masterclasses alongside its original private recitals.

Despite this growth, Presto remains committed to its founding mission: Helping pianists of all levels improve through regular performance opportunities.

Presto by the Numbers

Most Commonly Played Pieces

  1. Schubert: Four Impromptus, D. 899/Op. 90 in G-flat major — No. 3. Andante — 56 performances
  2. Debussy: Suite Bergamasque, L 75/CD 82 in D-flat major — No. 3. Clair de lune (Andante très expressif) — 52 performances
  3. Brahms: 6 Pieces for Piano, Op. 118 in A major — No. 2. Intermezzo — 39 performances
  4. Schubert: Four Impromptus, D. 899/Op. 90 in E-flat major — No. 2. Allegro — 35 performances
  5. Chopin: Nocturnes, Op. 9 in E-flat major — No. 2. Andante — 33 performances
  6. Schubert: Fantasia, Op. 103 — No. 1. Allegro molto moderato — 32 performances
  7. Debussy: Deux Arabesques, L 66 in E major — No. 1. Première Arabesque — 31 performances
  8. Brahms: 3 Intermezzi, Op. 117 in E-flat major — No. 1. Intermezzo. Andante moderato — 30 performances
  9. Chopin: Waltzes, Op. 64 in C-sharp minor — No. 2. Tempo giusto — 30 performances
  10. Rachmaninov: Preludes, Op. 23 in D major — No. 4. Andante cantabile — 30 performances

Most Commonly Played Composers

  1. Chopin, Frédéric — 1053 performances
  2. Bach, Johann Sebastian — 606 performances
  3. Beethoven, Ludwig van — 399 performances
  4. Debussy, Claude — 395 performances
  5. Brahms, Johannes — 395 performances
  6. Schumann, Robert — 335 performances
  7. Schubert, Franz — 311 performances
  8. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus — 280 performances
  9. Rachmaninov, Sergei — 249 performances
  10. Liszt, Franz — 196 performances

How It Works

Recitals – Chapters schedule recitals approximately once a month. Members are free to perform or simply come and listen, and may bring guests if space allows. Anyone planning to attend or perform must sign up in advance, and performers are asked to indicate their program on the website. Recitals are typically held in a member's home on a well-maintained grand piano, though they're occasionally held in larger public venues such as a recital hall.

Recordings – All performances are recorded and made available on the Presto website after the recital for the member to review. Members can choose whether to share their recordings with other Presto members, with the public, or keep them private.

Socializing – Most recitals also include time afterward for socializing (and eating), where the conversation invariably turns to music.

Joining/Dues – Each chapter has a limit on the number of active members. In addition, chapters ask for an annual dues payment to support the website and the fees associated with outside venues.

Ready to Join?

We ask potential members to attend at least one recital as a guest prior to joining Presto. If you are interested, please sign up here and someone will be in contact with you about arranging a visit to one of our upcoming recitals.