Read feedback and comments about our program!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Review link - Young pianists thrill Kennedy Center audience
Their keystrokes and music coming from the Steinway on the Millennium Stage Tuesday evening left audience members star struck by talents displayed by those so young. Unless you were there, it is almost impossible to believe, but the large screen up above the stage on the heavy curtain displayed close-ups of nimble fingers and focused eyes, and we realized we were witnesses to distinction.
The performers are the world’s best pianists for their age groups, as selected in the 28th International Young Artist Piano Competition, and three of the five are area residents.
First up on the stage was seven-year-old Tyler Fengya who began his piano lessons at age three and won his first competition a year later. A school student in Clifton, N. J., Tyler played Claude Debussy’s “Clare de Lune” and “Chinatown Rag” composed by Li-Ly Chang who founded the competition in 1986.
Promoting Chinese composers and strengthening ties between the East and West are two goals of the contest which requires participants to play selections by Chinese and western composers.
Tyler was not the only pianist to play a piece written by the competition’s founder. Mihyun Lee, the prize winner for the Young Professional group ages 19 through 28, chose Ms. Chang’s “Taking Shapes” and, also, Maurice Ravel’s “La Valse.”
A Korean native who is a Ph.D. student in musical arts at Ohio State University, Ms. Lee has a solo recital coming up later this year at Carnegie Hall.
Gloria Cai, age 10, a school student in Ellicott City, Maryland, came to the stage after Tyler. She began her training at age 4 at the knee of her grandmother, Yuhua Gu. When Gloria was seven, she won her age category in the international contest. For Tuesday’s show Gloria played “Flower Drum Song” by He Hsao Yin and Frederic Chopin’s Etude, Op. 10, No. 5.
Next on the bench was Ethan Hsiao, 11, who began his piano lessons at age six. A school student in McLean, Virginia, Ethan played Aaron Copland’s “The Cat and the Mouse.”
Vivien Zhu, 14, attends high school in Rockville, Maryland, and she started musical training at six. Her selection was Enrique Granados’s Allegro de Concierto, Op. 46.
Matthew Eng, 15, a student in Moorestown, New Jersey, began studying piano at age seven, and his selections were Quan Jihao’s “Combination of Long and Short” and Alexander Scriabin’s Sonata No. 9, Op. 68 “Black Mass.”
The winners of numerous awards, prizes, and scholarships, the young medalists have performed on television and at top venues across the U.S., including, in Ms. Lee’s case, Korea.
Without question those of us who hold classical music dear have many hours of listening pleasure to anticipate from these remarkable musicians.Washington Speaks
"The International Young Artist Piano Competition is an amazing event for all who participate. It is unique in its requirements and I am honored to serve on the International Advisory Board. May the influence of this competition continue to grow world-wide. It is a superb musical experience in any young person's life that is not duplicated in any other piano competition. "
Maurice Hinson
"It was a wonderful experience for me to be a jury member of the 2012 competition. I had a privilege to hear so many talented young musicians and enjoy highly professional work of their teachers. I think this competition is a great event, and I wish it all the best in the future! "Larissa Dedova
"I really enjoyed the wonderful Millennium Stage presentation by the young winners of the International Young Artist Piano Competition. The pianists, ranging in age from eight to twenty years old are already playing with artistry, and amazing ability. I can't wait to see and hear next year's winners!"Audience
"9 young musicians from the International Young Artist Piano Competition (IYAPC) ranging in age from 8 to 20 years old performed in the Winners concert.. The students had great stage presence playing with maturity to an enthusiastic audience. The music connected culture, tradition and friendship. Such a special experience and treat for us all."
Audience
Copyright 2009 Musical Arts International Inc. All rights reserved.