Borderland Chopin Festival 2023
Concerts, Masterclasses, Competition, Lectures, Community Engagement - Free and open to the public
Friday, March 3rd, 1:30 p.m.
Masterclass. UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Friday, March 3rd, 5:30 p.m.
Chopin: Poetry and Art. UTEP Geology Reading Room
Saturday, March 4th, 10:30 a.m.
Masterclass. UTEP Fox Fine Arts Room #340
Saturday, March 4th, 6:30 p.m.
Pre-Concert Lecture: Chopin and his Time. UTEP Fox Fine Recital Hall
Saturday, March 4th, 7:30 p.m.
Concert:
Magdalena Baczewska, piano. UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Sunday, March 5th, 2:30 p.m.
Concert and awards ceremony. UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Saturday, March 25th, 7:30 p.m.
Concert:
Prof.Andrzej Pikul (Poland). UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Sponsored by The Bonnie Brooks Endowment in Piano Pedagogy Fund Dr. Oscar Macchioni Artistic DirectorThe Borderland Chopin Festival was created by Steinway Artist and UTEP piano professor Dr. Oscar Macchioni to promote the music of beloved Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, as well as other composers from unrepresented groups, in the Borderland region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico). Dr. Macchioni's vision includes annual concerts, masterclasses, lectures, community outreach, and a piano competition for students from the Borderland region.
MISSION STATEMENT
•To promote Chopin's music in the Borderland region, including West Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico.
•To bring world-renown Chopin experts to perform, teach, and engage with the Borderland community.
•To engage local students of all levels in learning and performing Chopin's music.
•To promote works by unknown and underrepresented composers.
•To promote healthy competition among students by awarding prizes for the best performance of a Chopin’s work: Mazurka, Waltz, Nocturne, Prelude, and major works (Scherzo, Ballades, Sonatas, Impromptus, and chamber music), among others.
•To engage music students, whose instruments are other than piano, in arranging and performing Chopin's music.
•To provide presentations on Chopin and other composers’ life, including art, literature, politics, and music.
•To engage students, faculty, and artists in providing recitals and presentations to underserved communities such as schools, shelters, prisons, community centers, etc.
Dr. Oscar Macchioni, Founder, Artistic and Executive Director Sponsors
PIANO COMPETITION AND MASTERCLASSES:
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Dr. Oscar Macchioni, UTEP
Dr. Lindsey Macchiarella, UTEP
Dr. Brian Jarvis, UTEP
Mrs. Anna Habicht
Mrs. Joanna Ruszczyk
Mrs. Joanna Sikorski
Mr. Adam Baginski
Mr. Mark Watts
Mr. Joe Lecher
FESTIVAL GUESTS
Dr. Magdalena Baczewska, Columbia University
Dr. Luis Sanchez, Texas A&M Commerce
Dr. Daniel Linder, The University of Arizona
Dr. Lindsey Macchiarella, UTEP
Dr. Leslie Waters, UTEP
Dr. Melissa Warak, UTEP
Prof. Andrzej Pikul, Cracow Academy of Music
The Borderland Chopin Festival (BCF), Piano Competition, Masterclasses, Lectures, and Community Engagement activities, is an annual festival honoring the life and works of Frédéric Chopin and other composers.
All events are free and open to the public.
In addition to cash awards, winners of the 1st Prize in each category will participate in a masterclass by our guest artist Magdalena Baczewska on Friday, March 3rd at 1:30 p.m., and perform at the Winner’s Recital on Sunday, March 5th, at 2:30 p.m. Both events will be held at UTEP's Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall.
Winners of the 2nd and 3rd Prizes in each category will participate in a masterclass by UTEP piano professor Dr. Oscar Macchioni on Saturday, March 4th, 10:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. This event will take place at UTEP's Fox Fine Arts Music Room 340.
APPLICATION AND VIDEO SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
February 13, 2023, 11:59 p.m. MST.
Application Fee: $25 USD Non-refundable. Look for Piano Competition icon under Products in the bottom of the page.
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to all talented pianists currently studying in El Paso, Texas, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico. UTEP and the BCF are not responsible for participants’ visas, travel and lodging.
PRIZES:
All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
All prize winners will receive the opportunity to participate in a masterclass.
Categories A, B, and C cash prizes are generously sponsored by El Paso Music Teachers Association (EPMTA).
Category A Awards: 1st Prize $150; 2nd Prize $100; 3rd Prize $75
Category B Awards: 1st Prize $200; 2nd Prize $150; 3rd Prize $100
Category C Awards: 1st Prize $250; 2nd Prize $200; 3rd Prize $150.
Category D Awards: 1st Prize $300; 2nd Prize $250 3rd Prize $200.
Special Prize for a UTEP piano student: paid Summer Session at the Academy of Music of Krakow, Poland (August 2023), Registration, Tuition, Room Board and airfare.
Additional Prizes: $50 for the Best Performance of a Chopin's Prelude, Mazurka, Nocturne, Waltz, or Major Work (Sonatas, Scherzos, Ballades, Impromptus, Barcarole, etc.). Generously sponsored by Mr. Joseph Lecher.
CATEGORIES:
Category A: 5th Grade and Under.
Category B: 6th-8th Grade.
Category C: 9th-12th Grade.
Category D: College Level.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The decisions by the judges are final.
Piano Competition Winners
Category A: 5th Grade and Under
Category
1st Prize: Sophia Cao
2nd Prize: William Liang
3rd Prize: Bradly Yoshawirja
Category B: 6th to 8th Grade
1st Prize: Noah Hsieh Best Performance of a Polonaise
2nd Prize: Anna Dang
3rd Prize: Noah Wang
Honorable Mention: JoCheved Winquist
C: 9th to 12th Grade
1st Prize: Yael Romero Best Performance of a Major Work
2nd Prize: Kathryn Haluschak Best Performance of an Etude
3rd Prize: Judy Caranto
Honorable Mention: Orlando III Baca
Honorable Mention: Ittai Schwieger
Category D: College
1st Prize: Joanne Caranto
2nd Prize: Ricardo Castellano UTEP Piano Prize Paid Summer Course at the Cracow Academy of Music
3rd Prize: Sandra Acero Terrazas
Piano Competition Participants
Category A: 5th Grade and Under
Cindy Chen
Sophia Li Rebekah Li
Oliver Su
Sabrina Sun
Category B: 6th to 8th Grade
Veronika Alieksieieva
Alex Lin
Jianna Winquist
Category C: 9th to 12th Grade
Erik Chico
David Diau
Daniel Herrera
Charlotte Jackson
Angelicka Jimenez
Carolina Maldonado
Sarah Molina
Samantha Molina
Rebecca Sias
Ashley Tang
Isabella Tosado-Diaz
Borderland Chopin Festival 2023
Winners Concert & Awards Ceremony
Celebratory Chopin Cake
Receptio, playing memory game brought by General Polish Counsul in Houston
UTEP DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PRESENTS
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PRESENTS
Borderland Chopin Festival 2023
Community outreach, masterclasses, lectures
UTEP
The Borderland Chopin Festival was created by Steinway Artist and UTEP piano professor Dr. Oscar Macchioni to promote the music of beloved Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, as well as other composers from unrepresented groups, in the Borderland region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico). This festival includes annual concerts, masterclasses, lectures, community outreach, and a piano competition for students from the Borderland region.
Committee Members
Dr. Oscar Macchioni, UTEP, Dr. Lindsey Macchiarella, UTEP, Dr. Brian Jarvis, UTEP, Mrs. Anna Habicht, Mrs. Joanna Ruszczyk, Mrs. Joanna Sikorski, Mr. Adam Baginski, Mr. Mark Watts, Mr. Joe Lecher
Sponsors
Bonnie Brooks Endowment in Piano Pedagogy
Brooks Family Foundation Trust
The University of Texas at El Paso Department of Music
El Paso Music Teachers Association
General Casimir Pulaski Polish American Society
Dr. Alina Vazquez and Mr. Joseph Lecher
3-5 & 25, 2023
Concerts, Lectures, Community Outreach, Competition
Free and open to the public
Borderland Chopin Festival March
Dr. Oscar Macchioni Founder, Artisitc and Executive Director
Friday, March 3
11:15 a.m. Outreach, Parkland High School
Piano Class of Mrs. Eun-mee Garza
1:30 p.m. Masterclass, Dr. Magdalena Baczewska
UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Competition First Prize Winners
5:30 p.m. Lecture: Chopin: Poetry and Art
UTEP Geology Reading Room
Dr. Lindsey Macchiarella, Music
Dr. Melissa Warak, Art History
Dr. Leslie Waters, History
Noah Wang is a 13-year-old middle school student from El Paso, TX. He has been playing piano for about 6 years and continues to take private piano and music theory lessons from Mrs. Marian Lumpkin. He is passionate about music and looking forward to competing in this piano contest.
JoCheved Winquist studied piano for three years. She is a homeschool 8th grader.
Jianna Winquist studied piano for 4 years and is a homeschool student in 7th grade.
Bradley Yoshawirja is an active 3rd grader enrolled in Polk Elementary’s dual language program. He enjoys playing golf and tennis. With numerous ballet dancers and musicians in his family, Bradley naturally found his musical home at the piano at age five. He especially enjoys playing pieces with interesting rhythms
In memory of Bonnie Brook, a dear friend and philanthropist
Saturday, March 4
10:30 a.m. Masterclass, Dr. Oscar Macchioni
Second and Third Prize Competition Winners & Students from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua
Department of Music Room M340
6:30 p.m. Pre-Concert Lecture
UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Dr. Lindsey Macchiarella
This festival was made possible by the generous contribution of Mr. Lewis Peeples, through his late wife Dr. Bonnie Brooks’ Family Foundation. We recently received a $2,000,000 to organize an international piano festival and competition starting in 2024. Stay tuned!
Competition Participants
Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Veronika Alieksieieva began taking vocal/piano lessons at age 5 at
5 (School of the Arts, No.5). Veronika moved to El Paso, Texas in April 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. She continues to share her love of music with others everywhere she goes.
Orlando Baca began piano lessons in 2010 at the age of 3 years. He enjoys playing music and recently participated in UIL piano solo competition where he received a 1C rating and will participate in State UIL this coming May.
Sophia Cao. A smart, book-loving 11 year old who has played piano for 5 1/2 years. She has participated in lots of piano competitions and recitals.
I am Joanne Caranto, a sophomore studying civil engineering at UTEP. Though I am not currently majoring in piano, it has always played an important role in my life. Playing and performing the piano is an outlet for me to express a range of emotions.
Judy Caranto is 15 years old and a homeschooled sophomore. She has been playing piano for 7 years. Besides piano, she enjoys spending time with her sisters and family, reading, baking, and eating Filipino foods.
Ricardo Castellano, Commercial Music major, University of Texas at El Paso, began studying piano at the age of 12; lived in El Paso, Texas for his entire life; former performer for the El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble; is currently the pianist for the UTEP Jazz 1 Ensemble.
My name is Cindy Chen. I have been learning piano for about 3 years and love it. This is my first time doing the Chopin festival. Hope you will like it.
Eric Chico, I have been playing the piano for 5 years and am very dedicated, and I plan on pursuing piano as a career. I participate in everything I can for the piano and always try to play best to my abilities.
Anna Dang is a twelve-year-old pianist who has been practicing the art of music since age 5.She has a supportive teacher who always pushed her to her limits, and helped her learn how to enjoy music and achieve all she has accomplished.
My name is David Diau, I am currently in 9th grade and have been playing piano for around six years. My favorite hobbies are swimming and drawing. My favorite subject in school is math.
Competition Participants
Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Veronika Alieksieieva began taking vocal/piano lessons at age 5 at Школа мистецтв 5 (School of the Arts, No.5). Veronika moved to El Paso, Texas in April 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. She continues to share her love of music with others everywhere she goes.
Orlando Baca began piano lessons in 2010 at the age of 3 years. He enjoys playing music and recently participated in UIL piano solo competition where he received a 1C rating and will participate in State UIL this coming May.
Sophia Cao. A smart, book-loving 11 year old who has played piano for 5 1/2 years. She has participated in lots of piano competitions and recitals.
I am Joanne Caranto, a sophomore studying civil engineering at UTEP. Though I am not currently majoring in piano, it has always played an important role in my life. Playing and performing the piano is an outlet for me to express a range of emotions.
Judy Caranto is 15 years old and a homeschooled sophomore. She has been playing piano for 7 years. Besides piano, she enjoys spending time with her sisters and family, reading, baking, and eating Filipino foods.
Ricardo Castellano, Commercial Music major, University of Texas at El Paso, began studying piano at the age of 12; lived in El Paso, Texas for his entire life; former performer for the El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble; is currently the pianist for the UTEP Jazz 1 Ensemble.
My name is Cindy Chen. I have been learning piano for about 3 years and love it. This is my first time doing the Chopin festival. Hope you will like it.
Eric Chico, I have been playing the piano for 5 years and am very dedicated, and I plan on pursuing piano as a career. I participate in everything I can for the piano and always try to play best to my abilities.
Anna Dang is a twelve-year-old pianist who has been practicing the art of music since age 5.She has a supportive teacher who always pushed her to her limits, and helped her learn how to enjoy music and achieve all she has accomplished.
My name is David Diau, I am currently in 9th grade and have been playing piano for around six years. My favorite hobbies are swimming and drawing. My favorite subject in school is math.
мистецтв
Школа
Magdalena Baczewska
Hailed by the press as “One of the most innovative, even radical classical keyboardists in the U.S.” and described as “Columbia University professor by day, musical sorceress by night,” pianist and harpsichordist Magdalena Baczewska [pronounced ba-CHEV-ska] enjoys a versatile career as a concert artist, educator, speaker, and administrator. Having debuted as a soloist with the Silesian Philharmonic at age 12 in her native Poland, Baczewska performed internationally with the world’s leading orchestras: Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, China National Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, among others.
Baczewska has appeared in Performance with Grammy and Oscar-winning artists, including violinist Joshua Bell, composer Charles Fox (the author of the Grammy-winning hit song “Killing Me Softly with His Song”), and composer Tan Dun, with whom she has toured extensively throughout China and the U.S. Baczewska has performed Tan Dun’s music in such venues as the Tanglewood Music Festival, Guangzhou Opera House, Beijing National Center for Performing Arts, Davies Symphony Hall, and Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. At the invitation of the composer, Baczewska also recorded Tan Dun’s chamber music and the Piano Sonata in Shanghai’s Water Heavens Hall.
Baczewska is the Director of the Music Performance Program at Lecturer in Music at Columbia University. She has given master classes and lectures around the world (Beijing Central Conservatory, New York University, International Keyboard Institute, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Manhattan School of Music). At Columbia, she enjoys a busy academic life, mentoring and providing performance opportunities for the student musicians, teaching Music Humanities (a part of Columbia’s famed Core Curriculum), and working with the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange students in Performance Seminar. As an avid advocate of equal access to music education, Baczewska is actively involved in outreach, bringing music to non-specialist audiences of all age groups, from public school children, to homebound seniors. She is the author and producer of “Bach@Home,” a series of publicfacing lecture performances. She is a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage for promoting Polish culture abroad. Baczewska is a Yamaha Artist. MagdalenaNYC.com
Isabella Tosado-Diaz’s love for piano began early, but lessons began 5 years ago. She was diagnosed epileptic at 3, lost mobility, and wasn’t expected to resume a normal life, but God had other plans, and piano helped carry her through. Now, she aspires to continue growing in both faith and music.
Kathryn Haluschak, a high school senior, has enjoyed studying the piano for about thirteen years. She loves the music of Frederic Chopin, especially his etudes.
Daniel Herrera is a Hispanic high school student who, along with playing the piano, loves to learn about fields such as computer science, mathematics, physics, and music theory. After graduating from high school, Daniel plans to study computer science in college.
Noah Hsieh, listening to music is part of my daily life. I start creating my own music, and hopefully it’ll be good enough to show people someday. I also enjoy playing basketball!
My name is Charlotte Jackson, I am a ninth grader at Coronado, and I love music and playing the piano and violin.
Hello! My name is Angelicka Jimenez, and piano I have been in love with piano since I started. During school, I’m also part of the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) as well as the executive board for Student Council. During my free time, I like to spend time with my family or make food.
Rebekah Li has been taking piano lessons with Mrs. Anna Habicht since 2019. Sophia Li, 11 years old, is a 5th grader in Lundy Elementary school. She started to learn piano 4 years ago and received the Irma Kluck Baroque competition 1st place award previously. She is fond of piano and swimming.
My name is William Liang, I have been playing the piano for 5 years. I like swimming, basketball, and soccer. My favorite things to do in my free time is to read and build with Legos.
Alex Lin was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 3, 2010. I have been playing the piano since I was six.
My name is Carolina Maldonado. I am in 10th grade, and I attend Andress high school. Music has always been an important part of my life. I have been playing piano since before I could read.
My name is Samantha Molina . I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. I have been playing piano since I was 5 years old and hope to continue to do so far into the future. I enjoyed learning these pieces and hope you enjoy listening.
My name is Sarah Molina , and I am fifteen years old. I have been playing the piano since I was four years old and still enjoy playing today. Chopin is one of my favorite composers, and I have enjoyed playing these pieces.
My name is Yael Romero, I study at Tec de Monterrey in Ciudad Juarez and am currently in 12th grade. I have studied piano since I was 5, and now, my teacher is Claudia Luna, an UTEP alumni.
Ittai Schwieger enjoyed playing piano for several years and has participated in several competitions and festivals. He also plays with a church ensemble most Sunday mornings. He enjoys gardening and has served at Jardin de Milagros, which supplies fresh produce to the local food pantry.
Rebecca Sias is a Senior at Coronado High School. She has studied piano since the age of 5 and has participated in events such as the Summer Music Festival and the El Paso Performance Competition. She looks forward to maintaining her enjoyment of music in college and beyond.
I am Oliver Su, I played piano for 5 years. I like Mozart and Beethoven since they made so many great music. Although sometimes practicing piano is boring, and the road is full of challenges and difficulties, I hope I can never give up.
Sabrina Sun started her piano lesson in fall 2019 with Ms Anna Habicht. She likes music, art and math. She is currently a 3rd grader at Lundy Elementary School.
Hello! My name is Ashley Tang , I am a freshman at Coronado High School and a part of the swim team. I started playing the piano when I was 5 years old. During my leisure time, I love playing the piano, swimming and hanging out with my friends and family. I often volunteer for my swim team and help coach young swimmers. Not only helping swim, I also help my El Paso community as well, for example, helping at animal shelters (I love pets!).
Sandra Acero Terrazas is a student at The Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juarez. She participated in recitals and as a soloist. She teaches visually impaired students in Juarez.
Saturday, March 4
7:30 p.m. Guest Artist Recital. Magdalena Baczewska
UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Program
Preludes op. 1, No. 1, 5, 7 Karol Szymanowski
Nocturnes op. 9 Fryderyk Chopin
I. Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1
II.Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2
III.Nocturne in B major, Op. 9, No. 3
Battle of Manassas Thomas ‘Blind Tom’ Wiggins
Intermission
Troubled Water Margaret Bonds
Fantaisie impromptu, op. 66 Fryderyk Chopin
Fantaisie nègre No. 1 Florence Price
Polonaise, op. 40 no. 1 Fryderyk Chopin
Sunday, March 5
2:30 p.m. Winners Concert and Award Ceremony
UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Saturday, March 25
7:30 p.m. Guest Artist Recital. Prof. Andrzej Pikul (Poland)
UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
