Announcing The World Premiere of Jeff Beal's New York Études, Vol. II

My Glorious Gothic Under-Groundlings,

We are deeply honored to announce the world premiere performances of New York Études, Vol. II, written and performed by five-time EMMY® winning composer Jeff Beal, March 26 and 27 in the Crypt under the Church of the Intercession. Beal's deeply personal new solo piano work was inspired by his experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, and these premiere performances take place during MS Awareness Month and coincide with the release of the recording on the Platoon label, out March 27.

‍New York Études, Vol. II was born from daily practice in the face of uncertainty. Following his diagnosis, Beal began examining how piano playing engages concentration, coordination, memory, and what emerged was a cycle of musical meditations shaped by attention, fragility, discipline, and resolve. Each Étude captures a fleeting state of being, whether it is the turning of a season, fatigue that arrives without warning, or the discipline required to persist. There is also the quiet, daily choice to meet uncertainty with gratitude rather than despair. Together, these pieces form music of restrained intensity that reflects not only Beal’s personal journey, but a shared human search for expression, strength, and hope in moments of vulnerability.

These concerts carry a deep personal meaning for me. I founded Death of Classical as a way to honor the memory of my late mother, who lived for decades with the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis. Watching how MS shaped her days - what it took from her, and the quiet strength it demanded - left a permanent mark on me. Jeff Beal’s New York Études speak to that lived reality with extraordinary honesty, grace, tenderness, and clarity. To present the World Premiere of Volume II during MS Awareness Month, in the intimate and vulnerable setting of the Crypt, feels like a moment of remembrance and gratitude - holding pain, resilience, and beauty together in the same space.

These special performances will sell out quickly, so please don't wait to get tix HERE if you want to attend! And stay tuned for more exciting announcement ahead...

As always, with gratitude,
‍
Andrew Ousley