8 hands, 2 pianos: What could be better?

What could be better than two hands on one piano? Eight hands on two pianos! An ensemble of local pianists will perform a pair of concerts, Piano-Stachio!, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, in Ohl Concert Hall.

The eight hands of Piano-Stachio! belong to Char Pope, Vicki Ohl, Sally McDonald and Mimi Lange Johnston. They will perform a holiday-themed concert with some classical selections and American classics.

COVID gets credit for the formation of Piano-Stachio! When cellist Yo-Yo Ma challenged others to post songs of comfort during the early days of the pandemic, Char began offering piano solos or collaborations online every day for three months until June 2020. After she found an excellent 8-hand arrangement of “Stars and Stripes Forever” to post on July 4 and three willing and talented partners, the group was established.

“None of us had any idea how much fun we would have, or that we would still be playing together and posting recordings four years later,” Vicki said. Char added, “Playing music with these friends is a highlight of my life.”

The concerts will benefit Berg Bravo! Friends of Heidelberg Music & Theatre.

The repertoire is highlighted by published arrangements of pieces by Schumann, Bach and Bizet, along with patriotic and holiday favorites including “America the Beautiful” and “Drummer Boy”/ “Peace on Earth.” Several other popular and traditional songs have been arranged by Vicki and Char.

The members of Piano-Stachio! have a history in service and education locally, and often incorporate their musical talent into their community-building efforts.

Mimi Lange Johnston has a notable musical career which has included working with major artists across the country. She has written, produced and sung award-winning jingles. Locally, she is the coordinator for the LIFE@TU program and directs the Off Our Rockers senior chorus. She will musical direct “Cabaret” at the Ritz Theatre in February 2025.

Sally McDonald, a retired special education teacher for the Tiffin City Schools, was an organist at St. Paul’s Methodist Church for 10 years and previously shared organist duties at St. John’s United Church of Christ. As a pianist, she accompanied the Heidelberg Community Chorus for many years and was the accompanist for three musical productions at the Ritz Theatre.

Vicki Ohl retired in 2019 from her career as a professor of piano and music theory and later an administrator in Academic Affairs at Heidelberg. She fondly recalls playing two-piano recitals with her late mother, Dorothy Ohl, and arranging popular music for Heidelberg’s show choir. She is now the choir director at Trinity United Church of Christ.

Char Pope was an educator in the Tiffin City Schools for 26 years, later focusing on teaching teachers across the U.S. how to integrate technology into their classrooms. Always passionate about piano, she has played in church and in the community for over 45 years.  She has self-published two albums of original pieces and arrangements.

Tickets can be purchased online at heidelbergtheatre.org or at the door. General admission is $10. Students can attend free of charge.