The 5 Browns, classical music’s first family of piano virtuosos, will take
the Leach Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at Leach Theatre at
Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The Julliard-trained Brown siblings, Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and
Desirae, are out to prove that classical is cool. Ranging in age from 20 to 27,
the 5 Browns are sure to delight Rolla audiences with their mastery of the
classical genre played on five grand Steinway pianos.

Performing individually and together in various combinations from duo to
complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns aim to bring the works of
classical composers such as Brahms, Chopin and Debussy to the widest audiences
they can find.

“These are five really energetic young people,” says John Woodfin, interim
assistant managing director of Leach Theatre, says. “It’s going to be an
awesome performance.”

The 5 Browns have been topping the nation’s classical music charts since
2005 when their self-titled debut album spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the
Billboard Classical Chart, and No Boundaries, released in 2006, stayed at No. 1
on the Billboard Classical Chart for 21 weeks.

The 5 Browns’ latest release, “Browns in Blue,” features classical music and
the jazz-influenced contemporary masterpieces of Gershwin.

“We really wanted The 5 Browns because they’ve become a sensation within the
classical music world,” Woodfin says. “They’ve made quit a name for
themselves.”

Hailing from Utah, each of the Brown siblings showed a passion and talent
for piano around the age of 3. By age 9, each had made their debut with a major
symphony orchestra.

The 5 Browns have appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The View,”
“Oprah” and “60 Minutes.” They also have been featured in numerous publications
including People magazine, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.

The 5 Browns now will have the chance to show Rolla audiences that classical
music can be energetic, fresh and even awe-inspiring.

This Campus Performing Arts Series event is sponsored in part by Forum
Dental and the James and Vera Olson fund for the Arts.

Tickets to see The 5 Browns at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in Leach Theatre
of Castleman Hall are $38 for adults, $26 for youth and free for Missouri
S&T students with valid student identification. Tickets are now on sale and
can be purchased in the Leach Theatre Box Office inside Castleman Hall at 10th
and Main Streets, or by calling 573-341-4219.