Earlier this year some classically minded friends of mine responded to the trend of classical musicians embracing contemporary music trends, most notably in the indie, or “hipster” circuit. Anderson & Roe are anything but stereotypically hipster, but the class they display and the unique, high energy spins they put on modern classics by arranging them for piano duets make them stand out from other prolific pianists.

When do classical musicians appear on MTV? They have, on TRL (when it still aired). Who can perform Vivaldi with as much prowress as Radiohead? They can.

How did this website stumble on this duo? The founder’s alma mater, Wheaton College has booked them as part of their Artist Series. Tony Payne, program director at the renowned Wheaton College Conservatory (who follows this blog, by the way) has long had a reputation for staying cutting edge when it comes to booking acts for the annual series, which in the past has included Bobby McFerrin, The King’s Singers, and several international orchestras.

Wheaton’s history of being in tune with classical musicians on the cutting edge and the unique performance and arrangement abilities are why I AM TUNED UP is pegging Anderson & Roe as a name to remember.

Official Website

A cool arrangement of “Billie Jean” – two sets of hands on one piano:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioMN-meE0o]

A cool extended arrangement of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android”:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGsBwX-CUFs]