As John Contiguglia sat and listened to a classical piano concert performed at Emerson Park in 1970, he felt something he had never felt before. As he watched the performer strike the keys with perfect rhythm, and listened to the powerful music envelop the lake front pavilion, the beating of his heart grew steadier, and the chills up his spine grew stronger.

"I was feeling inspiration," explained Contiguglia.

As a teenager, Auburn was the place where Contiguglia would become familiar with that feeling.

"Oh, Auburn was wonderful then," said Contiguglia, now in his late 60s and living in New York City.

"We would take class trips up to Emerson Park every year to hear piano recitals. It was routine, but it was a different time then, our society wasn't overflowing with pop-culture, people had more of an exposure and appreciation for classical music," he said.

Over time, the piano recitals stopped at Emerson Park in Auburn, and like so many other smaller communities throughout the country, so did the exposure to classical piano music.

From the moment the wave of inspiration hit Contiguglia that warm summer afternoon some 30 years ago, he, as well as his brother Richard have devoted their lives to playing the piano.

John admits that had it not been for those recitals at the park, his love for the piano may have never been discovered, and his life could have been forever changed.

"I was truly inspired by those recitals. I would hate to think what might have been, if I never had the chance to experience them," he said.

That is a thought that has bothered Contigulgia and his brother Richard for quite some time. Through their lifetime, they have seen more and more residents of smaller communities like Auburn, be forced to travel to metropolitan areas to simply enjoy an evening of classical music. Together, they have always dreamed of changing that, of bringing back the culture of classical piano music to small communities along with affordable prices, and during a Yale class reunion three years ago, this big dream no longer seemed so lofty.

I met Steven Adams, founder of the Adams Foundation, during our class reunion three years ago," said John Contiguglia.

"He has always had a love for classical music, and through philanthropic contributions of the Adams Foundation, he has made a significant impact on the arts in smaller communities.

"He simply asked me, 'what can a guy like me, do for a guy like you?' and I told him," said Contiguglia.

Contiguglia expressed his desire to rekindle the relationships between classical piano music and small communities, and from there, the Adams Foundation Piano Series was born. The series, which began three years ago in Auburn with John and Richard Contiguglia performing, includes a roster of the finest American pianists and offers smaller communities throughout the country the chance to experience what have become "big city" events at "small town" prices.

Steven Mayer, who has been credited by the New York Times with "piano playing at its most awesome," is on the roster for the first in a series that will be performed at Westminster Presbyterian Church beginning March 28. Mayer performs the jazz repertoire of Art Tatem, along with some less known classical pieces. He finds comfort in smaller communities, and is thrilled to be performing in Auburn.

"I feel more satisfied when I play at smaller venues, I don#'t seek to overwhelm with brute force or high tech gloss. It's really nice to escape the hum-drum of huge concert halls and busy airport terminals, playing in these smaller venues takes me away from that."

Adams Foundation Piano Series volunteer, Tom Hussey explained that all of the performers who participate in the series, share the same sentiment as Mayer.

"Well, the acoustics such as those at Westminster are really tremendous, and I think the performers really recognize and appreciate that. Plus, it's much more informal than a huge concert, the performers get to stay and talk with members of the audience, they really enjoy that close setting," said Hussey of Auburn.

John Contiguglia expressed that only the best performers in the country are welcomed to perform during the series, that's why Steven Mayer and internationally recognized pianists Jon Nakamatsu have been asked to perform in Auburn.

"We wanted to bring the best to Auburn, Jon was the winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano contest in 1997, and Steven is just genius. I am proud of Auburn, and I want Auburn to be proud of what I bring home," said Contiguglia.

People in smaller communities, from Washington State to North Carolina, have been thanking the Adam's Foundation for bringing the experience to their doorsteps.

"People are so thrilled to have this symphony experience in their small town, especially the senior citizens. These are folks that used to experience this sort of thing on a regular basis, it is a delight to see their faces light up and to hear how truly grateful they are," said Contiguglia.

According to Steven Mayer, carrying out the vision of John and Richard Contiguglia has been rewarding, and watching their dream to inspire come true has been invigorating.

"I strive for deeper musical values, like creativity and integrity, which is what the Contiguglias encourage. When I perform, I want people to not just feel the letter of the music, but the spirit of the music. You truly get a sense of that with smaller venues. People become alive and inspired, it#'s amazing, and I am proud to be a part of it."

The Adams Foundation Piano Series begins March 28th with a performance by Steven Mayer at 2 p.m. Jon Nakamatsu will end the series with a performance Sunday, April 25, also at 2 p.m. The Cayuga County Arts Council and the Westminster Presbyterian Church are sponsoring the event. Tickets remain at $15 for individual performances, $20 for both, and students can buy tickets for $5.

"As a student I was inspired, and I want the students and people of Auburn to become as inspired as I did so many years ago, I know I can bank on this community for that," said Contiguglia.