OREM, Utah — The 5 Browns, the critically acclaimed and award-winning sibling piano
ensemble, will give the keynote address at Utah Valley University’s 78th commencement
exercises on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in the UCCU Center. Convocations for the university’s
colleges and schools will be held the next day, Friday, May 3, at various venues on
campus.
"The talent, passion, and grit of the 5 Browns have brought hope and inspiration to
people around the world,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, president of Utah Valley University.
“We are delighted to share with UVU’s graduates the moving story of their great success,
and the remarkable ability of these siblings to also recover from great setbacks.
We hope that UVU’s graduates will think of the 5 Browns’ brilliance and resilience
as they prepare to embark on career, family, and other endeavors.”
UVU will award honorary doctorates at commencement to The 5 Browns collectively; as
well as to Jeanette Bennett, editor of Utah Valley Magazine; and K. Newell Dayley,
former dean for the School of the Arts at Utah Valley University and former dean of
the College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University.
The 5 Browns — Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra, and Desirae — all attended New York's
Juilliard School. They are the only family of five siblings ever accepted by the prestigious
school. The quintet enjoyed their first wave of critical acclaim in Feb. 2002 when
People magazine dubbed them the "Fab Five" at about the same time they were featured
on “Oprah” and “60 Minutes.”
Of the 5 Browns, the New York Post stated in a review: "One family, five pianos, and
50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years… When these kids
do Rachmaninoff, they'll make you forget about Marshall amps." The 5 Browns have released
six albums, which have cumulatively spent over 30 weeks at no. 1 on Billboard magazine's
Classical Album Chart.
The quintet has garnered extensive coverage from media outlets, including “The Tonight
Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” and many other national and international
outlets.
All five siblings were born in Houston, Texas, where each began piano study at age
3. In 1991, the family moved to Utah, and the children were homeschooledand continued
private study.
“We are fortunate that on the day of UVU’s commencement, the 5 Browns will also be
celebrating their 15th anniversary as a performing quintet,” said Tuminez. “We invite
all UVU graduates, their families, and the community to join us for an unforgettable
celebration.”
The siblings have said they have a desire to “deliver on our dream to wake up classical
music by introducing it to the widest, largest, and most excited audiences” they can
find. Reviewers have stated, whether performing individually or together in various
combinations, that they bring a fresh energy and character to the color and spectrum
of their sound.
Working beyond their music, in late 2011 Desirae and Deondra Brown formed The Foundation
for Survivors of Abuse, a nonprofit organization through which they advocate for victims'
rights. They have addressed many groups and state legislatures in this venture.
