Mercy Olson - Pianist

For events, I prioritize communicating with clients to select music appropriate for the occasion, understand the venue, and the details of the event and how the music fits in it. I assemble a collection of music for each event that is enjoyable to listen to but also focuses attendees on the happenings of the event whether a wedding, an special luncheon, or commencement ceremony. I ensure that the texture and volume of my music does not compete with the ability of the attendees to converse with one another.

When working with other musicians for a performance, I also prioritize communication with them for scheduling rehearsals, musical decisions, and making sure that all of the little details are taken care of that allow us to focus on the music.

Pianist Mercy Olson pursues creating meaningful connections between listeners, performers, and the music they play. A Southeast Michigan native, Mercy earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Toledo and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Ohio University. As the Opera Theater at OU pianist, she performed impactful works such as Jake Heggie’s Farewell, Auschwitz; Pieces of 9/11; and cabaret songs by Kurt Weill. While the Singing Men of Ohio pianist, Mercy shared choral works in Chicago, Nashville, and Cleveland during their 2020 spring break tour. Mercy has collaborated for performances such as student honors recitals at the Toledo Museum of Art; NATS vocal competitions; and Toledo Symphony Young Artist, OU, and UT concerto competitions. Mercy was selected to participate in the 2021 Collaborative Piano Institute. She joined the Toledo Opera resident artist program for their (phone number hidden)2 season and brought live opera to the community through Opera Outdoors performances and the Opera on Wheels school shows. Mercy is the pianist for the Agora Chorale, the Clarence Smith Community Chorus, and an instructor with the Toledo Symphony School of Music.

Besides performing standard piano and collaborative repertoire, Mercy seeks to connect audiences to the works of current composers. In 2018, she performed David Maslanka’s Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Wind Ensemble for the University of Toledo New Music Festival. Additionally, she has premiered new chamber works for the West Fork New Music Festival and sOUndings concerts.

Mercy regularly collaborate with students of various levels and experiences. She has collaborated with middle school and high school students for solo ensemble performances, student showcases, and musicals. Mercy has performed for undergraduate and graduate student recitals and lessons at the collegiate level. Additionally, she has been an active church musician throughout her career and studies.