SFIPC Piano Competition

Artciál

International Piano Competition & Festival

WELCOME

fromthepresident&director

On behalf of The Articál Music Foundation, it is with immense pleasure and excitement that we welcome you to the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition! This year marks a significant milestone as we bring the competition back to life, stronger than ever, at Herbst Theatre, in the beautiful city of San Francisco

Established in 2020, The Articál Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization driven by the noble mission of providing outstanding performance and learning opportunities to musicians from diverse cultures and ages, irrespective of their financial situation We believe that music knows no boundaries and can bridge gaps between cultures, enriching our lives and promoting understanding and harmony among all

The goal of this competition is to bring together pianists from different walks of life, exploring and promoting the remarkable talents of promising musicians while offering them invaluable opportunities for further development After the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic in the past years, we have eagerly awaited the moment to gather once again and celebrate the beauty and power of music.

We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded to five live regional competitions, taking place in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Houston, and, of course, San Francisco Additionally, we are proud to host a Global Online division. Overall, we have received over 400 applications from more than 21 countries! Our distinguished panel of judges worked tirelessly to select the top 18% of these exceptional talents, who have made it into the final round of the competition

As we come together to witness and experience the brilliance of these gifted pianists, we are reminded of the transcendent nature of music, capable of uniting hearts and minds across borders Each performance represents a unique story, a blend of cultures, and a testament to the power of dedication and passion

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, teachers, supporters, and volunteers whose contributions have made this competition possible Your unwavering commitment to music and nurturing the arts is invaluable and deeply appreciated

Let us embrace the magic of music as it unfolds before us We hope this competition will not only showcase outstanding talent but also serve as an enriching experience for all, leaving a lasting impression on our souls

Thank you for joining us on this Together, let's celebrate the univers create memories that will resonate w

Sincerely with gratitude,

Sarah Jingze Gao

Sarah Jingze Gao President & Executive Director

Mission Statement

In 2020, The Articál Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization, established the mission of providing outstanding performance and learning opportunities regardless of their financial situation to musicians from a variety of cultures and ages

The goal of the competition is to bring together pianists of different cultures and ages, to explore and promote talented and promising musicians, and to provide them with opportunities for further development

Live Sreaming

Welcome to the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition, an event where piano talents from around the world come together to showcase their skills Through the medium of live streaming, participants are afforded the unique opportunity to perform on an international platform, captivating an expansive and diverse audience, thereby holding paramount significance in advancing their musical careers This year ' s edition has garnered applications from a remarkable 27 nations, underscoring its truly global nature and exciting prospects

The grand finale, replete with prize-winning performances, will be made accessible to enthusiasts worldwide through live streaming, fostering active engagement and participation

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Even if unable to be physically present, patrons, supporters, and well-wishers can revel in the exhilaration of witnessing these exceptional renditions unfold in real time

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The advantages of live streaming are not confined solely to the international audience; our local attendees and valued sponsors also stand to gain from this technological endeavor The live broadcast offers them the chance to relish a comprehensive experience of the competition, surpassing the confines of physical attendance

To those unable to grace us with their presence this week, we wholeheartedly encourage partaking in the event through live streaming. This contemporary and user-friendly medium promises to bestow gratifying enjoyment

Additionally, the prospect of impressing younger generations, our cherished grandchildren, with this marvel of modernity, is certainly an enticing incentive

Final Round of the Competition Schedule

• Free admission for 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition Finalists

• $10 donation at the door for general public

Lecture with Dr Hanbo Ma

Masterclass with Mr Zhen Chen

Artciál

2023 Internatioanl Piano Festival

The Artciál International Piano Festival will provide a platform for international music exchange, firmly believing that music is an art form that transcends boundaries from July 30 to August 5

In its 3rd season, Artciál continues its commitment to providing a diverse range of opportunities for growth and enrichment Participants can look forward to engaging in private lessons, masterclasses, lectures, piano forums, and student performances, complemented by the exciting addition of special conducting classes. These activities are thoughtfully curated to fit within a condensed yet dynamic oneweek schedule, featuring the expertise of ten extraordinary faculty members.

We are thrilled to welcome thirty young artists from around the world, representing different schools and countries, to participate in this invaluable learning opportunity that is both motivating and inspiring Throughout the one-week program, all students will have the chance to engage in all artistic events It is my sincere wish that the festival's events will enhance your musical understanding and expand your network within the music community

As we continue to expand our reach within the global music community, my gratitude knows no bounds towards SFCM, Steinway & Sons, the esteemed AIPCF faculty and staff, our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and countless others who have made the AIPCF a reality year after year Your unwavering support holds immense significance for us and paves the way for a promising future.

May this festival be a source of inspiration, joy, and unforgettable memories that will resonate within all participants for years to come.

Calendar of events & class

9:30 - 10:30 am

Students/ FacultiesArrival

4:30pm

Orientation

9:00-2:00pm

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA)

6:00-7:00pm

OpeningCeremony (BOR)

2:10-4:10pm

Masterclass: AlexanderKorsantia (NewEngland ConservatoryofMusic) (CHA)

10:00-12:30pm

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA) 10:00-12:30pm

Lecture: Sharon Mann –Baroque Technique （RH)

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA) 9:00-2:00pm

10:30 - 12:20 pm

Masterclass: Sharon Mann (San Francisco Conservatory of Music) （RH)

2:10 - 4:10 pm

2:10-4:10pm

Masterclass: YoshikazuNagai (SanFrancisco ConservatoryofMusic) (CHA)

Masterclass: Alan Chow (Eastman School of Music) (CHA)

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Masterclass: Jerome Lowenthal (The Juilliard School) (BCB1) Online

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA)

10:00-12:00pm

Masterclass: Rebecca Penneys (EastmanSchoolof Music) (BCB1) Online

2:00-3:30PM

StudentPerformance Showcase (CHA) 2:10-4:10pm

Masterclass: EstherJeeHaeAhn (WeberStateUniversity) (CHA) 2:00-5:00pm

FestivalYoung ArtistsRecital/ ClosingCeremony (BOR)

4:20-6:20pm

Masterclass: JeffreyCohen (ManhattanSchoolof Music) (CHA)

*BCB1=Bowes Center Basement

*CCM=Cha-Chi Ming Hall

4:20-6:20pm

PianoPerformance Forum (CHA) 4:20-6:20pm

Masterclass: HieYonChoi (PeabodyInstituteJohnsHopkinsUniversity) (CHA) 4:20-6:20pm

*RH=Sol Joseph Recital Hall

*BOR=Barbro Osher Recital Hall

PianoPerformance Forum (CHA) 4:15-5:15pm

Lecture: LarryLivingston (CHA) 7:00-9:30pm AIPC WinnersConcert (BOR)

Enjoy

Chairman of Jury

Yoshikazu Nagai

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO CHAIR OF THE PIANO DEPARTMENT

tics alike for his fresh interpretations and dramatic presentation style, Yoshikazu Nagai chamber musician throughout Asia, Europe and America in such venues as Beijing’s orming Arts, Shanghai Concert Hall in China, National Concert Hall and Recital Hall in Taiwan, Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall in Canada, Carnegie Recital Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York, Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre, The National Gallery and Phillips Collection in Washington D C , and Seattle’s Benaroya Hall His schedule in recent seasons includes recitals in Naples, Seoul, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, Cincinnati, Chicago, San Francisco, and in collaborations with the Ives Quartet, violinists Robert Mann, Anthony Marwood and with orchestras across the country.

Mr Nagai has appeared at many international music festivals, and his live performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today”, RAI Italian National TV, Hong Kong National Radio RTHK4, and on public radio stations in San Francisco, Houston, Cleveland, and Salt Lake City. Winner of numerous international piano competitions, including first prize at the 2002 Washington International Piano Competition Mr Nagai is also a major prize winner of the San Antonio, Missouri Southern, New Orleans, IBLA Grand Prize International Piano Competitions, and the Concert Artists Guild International Music Competition

Born in Germany and raised in the United States, Mr Nagai studied with John Perry at Rice University, Paul Schenly and Sergei Babayan at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he was awarded the Malvina Podis Prize in Piano upon graduation, and Duane Hulbert at the University of Puget Sound with whom he recorded the Glasunov Fantasie for two Pianos, Op 104 He has been recognized by the National Foundation for Advancements in the Arts for excellence in teaching and Mr Nagai’s students are top prize winners of national and international competitions including the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition in Australia, Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition, Music Teacher’s National Association Piano Competition, New York International Piano Competition, Hilton Head, Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists, Nina Wideman, International Russian Music, King Award, Missouri Southern, Corpus Christi, Lennox Young Artists, Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU, Heida Hermanns, International E-Piano Competitions, Gilmore Young Artists Award, and Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition

Mr. Nagai frequently gives master classes at universities and conservatories throughout the United States and Asia including recent classes at Seoul National University, Korean National University of the Arts, Hanyang University, Yonsei University and Seoul Arts School in South Korea, Shanghai Conservatory, Beijing’s Central Conservatory, Xinghai Conservatory, Shenzhen Arts School in China, Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei National University of the Arts, Peabody Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and Northwestern University He also regularly serves as adjudicator of international piano competitions and has served on the juries of the Seoul International Piano Competition, Gina Bachauer International Piano Competitions, World Piano Competition, and Alaska International Piano E- Competition amongst others

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Currently Professor of Piano and Chamber Music, he is chair of the piano department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Visiting Professor of Piano at the Peabody Conservatory Mr Nagai teaches regularly during the summers at the Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Italy, where he serves as chair of the piano faculty and “Art of Piano'' at Cincinnati Conservatory He has also been faculty at the Seoul National National University International Piano Academy in South Korea, Shanghai and Beijing International Piano Festivals in China, Maestro International Piano Festival in Taiwan, Brancaleoni Festival in Italy, Chautauqua, Summit Festivals in New York, Pianofest in the Hamptons, South Eastern Piano Festival in South Carolina, Colburn Academy, JPA Festival and Montecito International Music Festival in California, Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina, and RPPF in Florida

Mr Nagai is a former faculty member at the Interlochen Arts Academy and is Visiting Professor of Piano at the Shanghai Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China

Artists Category Judges

Alan Chow

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

PROFESSOR OF PIANO CHAIR OF THE PIANO DEPARTMENT

A Steinway Artist Alan Chow has performed to critical acclaim in recital and in concert in such major venues as New York’s Lincoln Center and Merkin Hall and Chicago’s Symphony Center and Ravinia and with orchestras in the United States and Asia, included concerto performances with the National, Pan Asian, Utah, Oakland, Kansas City, and Omaha Symphonies and the Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tulsa Philharmonics Chow won First Prize at the Concert Artists Guild International Competition and the Silver Medal and Audience Favorite Prize at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and was formerly a member of the artist faculty at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music

As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with the America Pacifica, and Miami String quartets and been a guest artist at numerous festivals Chow regularly tours Asia with performances in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and China, where he also presented master classes and lectures at major conservatories In addition, he appears in recital in the Cheng-Chow Trio with pianist Angela Cheng and his twin brother Alvin

Chow has given master classes throughout North America and Asia at conservatories universities and summer festivals and is active as a juror for many piano competitions He has served as a guest professor at the Central Conservatory in Beijing, honored visiting professor at the Shenyang Conservatory, and Visiting Associate Professor at Oberlin Conservatory His former and current students have been winners in international piano competitions

Chows awards also include First Prize in the UCLA and Palm Beach Invitational International piano competitions and he was a prizewinner in the William Kapell International Piano Competition

Hie Yon Choi

PEABODY INSTITUTE - JOHNS HOPSKINS UNIVERSITY

PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

One of the most sought-after pianists of her generation, South Korean pianist HieYon Choi first appeared on the international piano music scene when she won prizes at high-profile competitions such as Kapell Epinal, Busoni and Viotti HieYon Choi has been since performing with prestigious orchestras of Europe US and Korea such as das Rundfunkorchester Berlin the National Symphony Orchestra (Washington DC), the Northern Sinfonia the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Korean Broadcast Symphony Orchestra and appears as a soloist in festivals and concert series

Alongside the canon of the classical piano literature such as Beethoven Schubert Brahms and Debussy music of 20th & 21st forms another important part of Choi’s career A strong advocate of the new music, she was the inaugural Artist-in-Residence of Tong-Yeong International Music festival She performed works of Olivier Messiaen, György Kurtag Sofia Gubaidulina, York Höller, Unsuk Chin Suhki Kang a o with the Seoul Philharmonic HieYon is the founder of Ensemble Academy at Seoul National University where she led series of contemporary music projects such as <Sound of Universe>, <Liberation>, and <TripleX>, the latest a triple international exchange to overcome Covid pandemic

In 1999 Choi joined the piano faculty at the Seoul National University Since then she has been giving numerous master classes in Korea as well as abroad the Guildhall School in London Ecole normale in Paris, the Hochschule Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Düsseldorf in Germany, in Helsinki, in Hong-Kong, China, in New York, Cincinnati, Michigan, Illinois, Chicago and summer festivals in Italy Choi also serves as a jury member or the jury president at international competitions such as Ishikawa, Epinal, Orléans Pozzoli and Maj Lind

Since 2015 Choi has been recording with producer Martin Sauer all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas at Teldex Studio Berlin Her first Beethoven album was released in 2018 by Decca Korea and highly noted by the German piano magazine <Piano News> Her second album “The Great Sonatas” saw its release in 2021 and a year before did her Debussy Douze Etudes Her other recordings include F Liszt Six Grand Etudes on Paganini, Isang Yun 5 Stücke, Chopin Etudes Op 10 & Op 25 Choi has been appearing and performing in TV and radio channels in Korea US, Italy Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany

Jeffrey Cohen

MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

American pianist Jeffrey Cohen continues to draw international attention for the brilliance and artistry of his interpretations Mr Cohen has been praised by The New York Times for the “lucidity and poetry” of his playing

Both as soloist and chamber musician Mr Cohens performances have taken him to three different continents Recitals include appearances for The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall, Bargemusic, the Phillips Collection, Mostly Music Series of Chicago, the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing and the National Arts Center of Ottawa In the summers, Mr Cohen has been a faculty member or guest artist at major music festivals including Bowdoin, Waterloo, Musicorda, Orford, Summit, Texas Music Festival Seoul Summer Music Camp Shanghai International Piano Festival & Institute, and the Beijing International Music Festival He currently serves on the summer faculties of the MusicAlp International Academy of Music in France and the Bravo International Music Academy Mr Cohen’s debut recording a collection of French chamber music with his wife and duo partner violinist Lucie Robert received critical acclaim in Fanfare magazine He has performed for broadcasts on National Public Radios “Performance Today” the CBC Radio Network Radio Canada Radio France and WQXR

In addition to his concert activities, Mr Cohen’s teaching gifts have established him as a leading piano pedagogue of his generation His students have won prizes in major competitions and enjoy successful careers as performers and teachers For over twenty-five years Mr Cohen has been a piano professor and member of the artist faculty at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he currently serves as Coordinator of Piano Master Classes and Departmental Competitions He has given master classes at prestigious institutions such as the Jacobs School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Central Conservatory in Beijing Shanghai Conservatory of Music Seoul National University Boston University School of Music and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore

Sharon Mann

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

Sharon Mann, DM, is a Professor of Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music A respected soloist and ensembleist, Dr Mann is widely acclaimed for her penetrating interpretations of Bach’s keyboard music Her recording of the Six Partitas has recently been re-released by Cappella Records She is also an inspiring teacher and lecturer, presenting master classes widely in this country and abroad

Dr Mann has served on the faculties of the Itzhak Perlman Music Program, the Bowdoin International Music Festival the California Summer Music Festival St Olof College and Mills College Appointed by the Governor of Ohio she served as Artistic Director of a concert series held at the Governor’s Mansion She also co-produced Sommermusikwochen, an annual summer festival in Switzerland

An avid collaborator, Sharon Mann holds this countrys first doctorate in piano/chamber music and has performed with such artists as Alain Marion, Michael Grebanier, Elaine Skorodin-Fuhrmann and the Cavani String Quartet Dr Mann holds degrees from The Juilliard School, Stanford University, and Northwestern University She received her early training with Rudolph Ganz and Isador Buchhalter of Chicago and later at the Eastman School The Juilliard School Northwestern and Stanford University

Dr Mann taught in Birklehof, Germany in 2009 and performed and gave master classes at several conservatories in China in 2010 Her recent master classes were in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts Utah California, Greece and China In summer 2012, Mann taught at the Bowdoin International Music Festival and she joined the faculty of Siena Piano Festival in Siena, Italy, 2013

Young Artists Categories Judges

Esther JeeHae Ahn

Applauded for her interpretive coherence and graceful realization (Boston Musical Intelligencer), pianist Esther JeeHae Ahn enjoys performing and teaching wide-ranging repertoire from traditional works to music of our own time She has appeared in notable venues including Alice Tully Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Seoul Arts Center, Jordan Hall, Flynn Performing Arts Center, Kodak Hall, andIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Her awards include first prizes in the Junior Chopin Competition, Harvard Musical Association Competition, Boston Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, fellowship grants at International Mendelssohn-Academy Leipzig and Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice, Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award, Frances B Lanier Award from New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School, and Arnold C Taylor Award from Walnut Hill School for the Arts where she graduated summa cum laude She was a guest artist for South Korea’s launching of Steinway sales, its Ministry of National Defense, and US-Korea Conference

Her interest in new music has led to working closely with such distinguished composers as Peter Maxwell Davies, Unsuk Chin, and Rand Steiger; most recently, she gave the world premiere of Amy Dunker’s solo works written for the courageous people of Ukraine She holds degrees from New England Conservatory (BM and MM) and Eastman School of Music (DMA) with a minor in Accompanying and Chamber Music

Esther was on the piano faculty at Clarke University Currently, she serves as Assistant Professor of Piano at Weber State University where she is also the director of the WSU Piano Festival

Zhao Chen

Hailed for his “Apollonian virtuosity and sensitive tone,” multi-award winning pianist-composer Zhen Chen has performed as a soloist and chamber music artist at prominent music venues in USA, Europe and China, such as Stern Auditorium, Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall of Lincoln Center, Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center, and China National Centre for Performing Arts His live performances and recordings have been broadcasted by Chicago WFMT 987, Princeton WPRB 1033, WCNY Classic FM, and China Central Television, among others

Mr Chen has worked with prominent violinists Maxim Vengerov, Cho-Liang Lin, and outstanding instrumentalists of the New York Philharmonic and the Orchestra of Metropolitan Opera in concert and recording engagements He is a guest artist of New York Philharmonic Ensembles since 2018, official collaborative pianist of the Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition (SISIVC), and the International Music Competition Harbin (IMCH) His recording Brahms: The Complete Sonatas for Violin and Piano, in collaboration with Elmira Darvarova, former concertmaster of the Orchestra of Metropolitan Opera, has been recently released by German label Solo Musica and distributed by Sony Music and received plaudits from listeners and critics worldwide Spain classical music magazine RITMO praised this recording as an “exceptional expressive flight to the height of classic interpretations of this [Brahms’] music”

Mr Chen received a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing with Bo Tong and a master’s degree in piano performance under Dr Arkady Aronov at Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he also earned a master’s degree and professional studies certificate in collaborative piano and chamber music with Dr Heasook Rhee

Peter Chuangchuang Fang

Hailed “piano prodigy” by The Seattle Times and acclaimed for “immense and electric (performance)” by The Boston Music Intelligencer, Peter Fang is a pianist who relishes embracing the diverse masterpieces of the repertoire As a first-prize winner at the 2012 Steinway Piano Competition and a recipient of the Stephen & Denise Adams Fellowship and Chimei Artist Award, Peter has performed at many prestigious concert halls worldwide These include Lincoln Center in New York, Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall in Boston, Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Woolsey Hall in Connecticut, DeBartolo Performing Center in Indiana, AB Michelangeli Hall in Italy, Salzburger Barockmuseum and Universität Mozarteum in Austria, National Concert Hall in Taipei, and many others

The Boston Musical Intelligencer selected Peter’s solo concert tour as one of the critics’ favorites in 2019 His 2020-2021 virtual concert appearances at the United Nations and on several streaming platforms attracted over 50 thousand viewers As a sought-after concert pianist, Peter has performed with world-class artists Itzhak Perlman, Lev Klychkov, Feng Ning, Borromeo String Quartet, members of the New York Philharmonic and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and others As a new music enthusiast, Peter has premiered and recorded contemporary solo and chamber works by Kenji Bunch, Behzad Ranjbaran, and Victor Kong

Peter earned degrees from the New England Conservatory, The Juilliard School, and Yale University His mentors include renowned pianists Hung-Kuan Chen, Alexander Korsantia, Meng-Chieh Liu, Robert Levin, Boris Slutsky, Peter Serkin, and Jeffrey Kahane Peter is pursuing a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of Southern California

As an active educator, Peter formerly serves as a secondary piano instructor at Yale University Colleges and music institutions have invited him to give master classes and lecture concerts in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Taipei since 2018 Born in a musical family, Peter has over 15 years of music teaching experience His students have won top prizes at international piano competitions and are admitted to top colleges, including New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Yale University, and Boston University Peter is the artist director of the International Schimmel Piano Competition (USA) and a jury member at several international piano competitions

WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PRECOLLEGE FACULTY

2012 STEINWAY PIANO COMPETITION FIRST PRIZE WINNER

Baichao Lan

Baichao Lan is a graduate of The Juilliard School in New York under the tutelage of Mr Stephen Hough and Dr Yoheved Kaplinsky His debut album (Baichao Lan: Schumann and Prokofiev) released by the China Record Corporation has won him acclaim from around the world He is an artist of the New Juilliard Ensemble at Lincoln Center and a member of the Shanghai Musician Association He is the artistic director and judge of multiple international piano competitions and Steinway's Top Piano Teacher His performances and interviews have been broadcasted by Radio New Zealand

As a concert pianist, Baichao has been invited to give performances throughout the US, Europe, and Asia In 2017, he appeared as a soloist with the renowned National Philharmonic of Ukraine under Maestro Vitaliy Protasov He was also invited to play concerts at the 2020 Focus Festival in New York, the 2018/2019 Animato Association Concert Series in Paris, the 2016 Mendelssohn International Academy in Leipzig, the 2017 Piano Summer in New York, and the 2016 Shanghai International Piano Festival and Institute He has won over 20 national and international piano competitions Some of his recent accomplishments include First Prize and the Best Rachmaninoff Prize in the 2020 Paderewski International Piano Competition in the USA, Fourth Prize in the Kerikeri International Piano Competition in New Zealand, Fourth Prize and Animato Association Special Prize in the Senior Group at the 2017 XI Vladimir Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kyiv, Ukraine

Before earning a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree with Academic Honors from the New England Conservatory in Boston where he studied with Mr Alexander Korsantia He began his professional musical education at the Shanghai Conservatory with Professor Youzhe Lou and Professor Zhe Tang, where he received musical and academic awards and scholarships At the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, he regularly studied with the leading Chinese pianist Fou Ts’ong

Alexander Korsantia

G e o r g i a n

Dubbed “ a major artist” by the Miami Herald and a “quiet maverick” by the Daily Telegraph, pianist Alexander Korsantia has been praised for the “clarity of his technique, richly varied tone and dynamic phrasing” (Baltimore Sun), and a “piano technique where difficulties simply do not exist” (Calgary Sun)

In the current and coming seasons Mr Korsantia performs Prokofiev’s Third Concerto with Boston Philharmonic, Akron Symphony and Xiamen Philharmonic, Rachmaninoff’s Third with Israel Symphony, Prokofiev’s Second with Stuttgart Philharmoniker and Telavi Festival in Georgia, Beethoven’s Fourth with Israel Philharmonic and Haifa Symphony, Chopin Second with Jerusalem Symphony, Israel Chamber Orchestra and Ingolstadt Chamber Orchestra With The Far Cry chamber group he performed Galina Ustvolskaya’s Piano Concerto in Boston and Tbilisi, Georgia In addition, he plays recitals at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, National Concert Hall in Taipei, the Walnut Hill School, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greenfield Village (Michigan), Blaibach, Germany, Lodz (Poland), Jordan Hall in Boston, Cincinnati Conservatory, Shanghai Concert Hall, Gulangyu Concert Hall, Chengdu Conservatory Hall as well as extensive recital tours in Israel and Georgia He will perform Schostakovich’s First Concerto with New Orleans Philharmonic as well as Rachmaninoff’s Second with Edmonton Symphony He will record the latter with Stuttgart Philharmonic Dan Ettinger conducting

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Alexander Korsantia began his musical studies at an early age moving with his family to the United States in 1991 In 1999, he was awarded one of the most prestigious national awards, the Order of Honor, bestowed on him by then-President Eduard Shevardnadze He is a recipient of the Golden Wing award (2015) and Georgia’s National State Prize (1997) Korsantia resides in Boston where he is a Professor of Piano on the faculty of the New England Conservatory Mr Korsantia is the artistic adviser of the annual music festival “From Easter to Ascension” in Georgia

Hanbo Ma

Establishing herself as one of today's promising emerging artists, pianist Hanbo Ma has made appearances in solo recitals, as well as being featured with orchestras throughout Asia, Europe and North America Her career began with her performance of Islamey by Balakirev at Severence Hall in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 17, after which she received recognitions by winning the San Jose International Piano Competition, the St Andrews International Piano Competition, the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, as well as others, and was selected as the only recipient of the Cobos Piano Prize given by Eastman School of Music in 2015

An active pianist, Dr Ma not only performs solo recitals, but also enjoys performing with chamber groups and contemporary composers In 2013, she was invited to be one of the twelve scholars at Heartland Chamber Music Festival, where her chamber performance was live-streamed on Kansas Public Radio In 2017, Dr Ma collaborated with string quintet from University of Southern California to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 2 while conducting from the piano Dr Ma has premiered numbers of works, including a world premier of Ben Kwok’s Sounds From the Lung Fields, Dr Chih-long Hu’s Formosa Caprices and Elizabeth Baker’s Four Plane, which is a piece the composer dedicated to Dr Ma Dr Ma’s most recent project is in preparation of recording and premiering composer Michael Colina’s Piano Concerto with The Florida Symphony

Dr Ma received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California in Piano Performance with legendary pianist, winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition Daniel Pollack She also studied composition with National Medal of Art Recipient Dr Morten Lauridsen and orchestral conducting with former Vice President of the New England Conservatory Maestro Larry Livingston Dr Ma is currently on faculty of the Appalachian Music Festival and Concordia University Irvine Chamber Music Festival Dr Ma is a Steinway Top Piano Teacher and Educational Partner Her latest CD From Schumann, With Love is now available on all major streaming platforms

NEW JUILLIARD ENSEMBLE CONCERT PIANIST, ARTIST

First Round Judges

All Regionals & Categories

Esther Jeehae Ahn

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY

Yiyang Chen

OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

ERSITY OF KANSAS

Zhen Chen

CHAMBER MUSIC FACULTY

TAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PRE-COLLEGE

Peter ChuangChuang Fang

ST PRIZE WINNER OF NWAY PIANO COMPETITION

Hanbo ma

PIANO FACULTY

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Valery Goldes

ARTISTIST AND PIANIST

THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL

Jung-Eun Kim

F THE WIDEMAN

NO COMPETITION

Richard Marshall

ANO FACULTY - PIANO DEPARTMENT

ICE UNIVERSITY SHEPHERD SCHOOL

Feng Niu

ND CHAMBER MUSIC FACULTY

PIANO DEPARTMENT TIANJIN JUILLIARD SCHOOL

Mark Pakman

ND CHAMBER MUSIC FACULTY

HATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PRE-COLLEGE

Han Nah Son

PIANO FACULTY - PIANO DEPARTMENT BUNKER HILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Jia Shi

FOUNDER OF NEW ENGLAND

PIANO CULTURE EXCHANGE

You Zhao

SIC DIRECTOR OF MARY RAGLAND

EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM

Yibing Zhang

PRIZE WINNER OF 2018

FRANCES WALTON COMPETITION

Staff

Jingze Sarah Gao Founder/ Executive Director

The Music Murcia Regional News– “An unforgettable Performance of Schubert, the reencounter with an exquisite version of magnificent fantasy “the wanderer””

As a pianist, music educator, and arts administrator, Jingze Sarah Gao has extensive experience performing, teaching, and managing arts programs She has earned critical acclaim as a solo pianist, and chamber musician, as well as an orchestral pianist Gao was a top prize winner in numerous national and international piano competitions and also has been invited to WUSF Live Radio for interviews and performances as their young resident artist She has gained recognition from the media and music critics for her performance In the Murcia Regional News, they described her Schubert performance as "unforgettable" and praised her rendition of Schubert's "The Wanderer" as "exquisite" and "magnificent"

med recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the U S , Europe, and Asia ral pianist working with renowned conductors such as Ken-David Masur, Hugh estival performances include Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, Amalfi Music & usic Festival

Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, where she ted with Dean's List honors She also earned a Master of Music and Professional rom the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Garrick y, Gao is pursuing a highly sought-after Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the king with Jeffrey Kahane, with an academic major in music teaching and mental conducting, and arts leadership

In addition to her extensive academic background, Gao has demonstrated leadership potential in the music industry With experience in music education, Gao worked as a Program Assistant/Coordinator for the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival in Tampa, FL, and as a Piano Department Assistant at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Currently, she is the President of Artciál Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the Founder/Executive Director of Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival, where she creatively leads the festival

Gao is also an active piano teacher with experience teaching over 10 years Many of her students received international piano competitions awards, were selected by young d to the conservatories and universities such as San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her students are top prize winners of national and international compe national Piano Competition, Golden Classical Piano Competition, America Protég ic Competition Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for mus nts and fellow musicians to reach their full potential

Tsz Yan Chau Director of Design

Xiaoke Wang Competition Assistant

Yuanfang Zhang Competition Assistant

Competition Prizes

Artists Categories

FIRST PRIZE ($3000)

• $1000 Cash Prize

• Certificate Diploma

• San Francisco Winners Concert Invitation to 2023 Young Artist Series

• San Francisco Solo Recital invitation to perform in 2024 Young Artist Series

• Automatically Qualify and $2000 Scholarship to 2024 AIPF at SF (Include 4 masterclasses/lessons with world-renowned artists, and unlimited access to all events)

SECOND PRIZE ($1000)

• $500 Cash Prize

• Certificate Diploma

• San Francisco Winners Concert Invitation to 2023 Young Artist Series

• Automatically Qualify for the 2024 AIPF and $500 scholarship toward

Young Artists Categories

(Prodigy/Rising Star/Youth/Junior Artists/Young Artists)

GOLD PRIZE ($1250)

• $200 Cash Prize

• Certificate Diploma

• One Masterclass with Distinguished Artists/Judges ($300 Scholarship)

• San Francisco Winners Concert invitation to 2023 Young Artists Series

• Auditor Pass of 2024 AIPF (unlimited access to all events) at San Francisco Conservatory of Music ($750 Value)

SILVER PRIZE ($750)

• Certificate Diploma

• San Francisco Winners Concert invitation to 2023 Young Artists Series

• Auditor Pass of 2024 AIPF (unlimited access to all events) at San Francisco Conservatory of Music ($750 Value)

THIRD PRIZE ($500)

• $200 Cash Prize

• Certificate Diploma

• San Francisco Winners Recital Invitation to 2023 Young Artist Series

• Automatically Qualify for the 2024 AIPF and $300 scholarship toward

BRONZE PRIZE ($450)

• Certificate Diploma

• San Francisco Winners Concert invitation to 2023 Young Artists Series

Auditor Pass of 2024 AIPF (4 days access to all events) at San Francisco Conservatory ($450 Value)

Final Round Participants

Artists Categories

Aslan Aslanov

Age 29 - Russian

PROGRAM:

MAURICERAVEL-GASPARDDELANUIT,M 55,III SCARBO

FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEINCMINOR,OP.10,NO.12

SERGEIPROKOFIEV-PIANOSONATANO 6INAMAJOR,OP82,IV VIVACE

Aslan Aslanov is an energetic performer, who is forever seeking to grow, evolve, and expand his vibrant creativity across his personal and professional life Born into a snowy Siberian village, Aslan Aslanov, whose Azeri parents moved to Russia in 1991, discovered a keen passion for music when he took his first piano lesson at the age of 6 Three years after this musical origination, Aslan became the 3rd prize winner in a provincial competition in Tyumen When his parents decided to return to Azerbaijan, Aslan, determined to further develop his artistic talent, was accepted into the “Special Music School” for talented kids in Baku under the instruction of Dilara Mirzakuliyeva Baku provided Aslan a wealth of musical opportunities, whether that be making his orchestral debut in 2009 with the Academic Symphonic Orchestra of Azerbaijan, winning 2nd prize for the national music competition of Azerbaijan in 2010, or successfully performing in festivals all over the country

In 2011, Aslan began his undergraduate studies in Baku, expanding his competitive education internationally in music festivals across Ukraine, Poland, Italy, Finland, Greece, and Russia Being infected with a passion to learn and grow as a musician, Aslan was accepted with a scholarship into the Vancouver Academy of Music, successfully completing the Artist Diploma Program under the direction of Amanda Chan In 2019, aside from winning provincial and local competitions, where he was granted the honour to represent BC in the Canadian National Music Competition, winning 2nd place respectively, Aslan made his debut in Carnegie Hall where he performed with the winners of the “Pacific Rim” International Pianists competition Aslan continues to study with Amanda Chan as he completes his master’s degree at the UBC school of Music under a scholarship With the ultimate artistic objective to connect others, whether that be through live performance or teaching, to the transcendent power of music, Aslan continues to seek creative spaces to explore his artistry and share his craft professionally

Rachel Breen

PROGRAM:

LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-BAGATELLESOP.126,I,II,III,IV FRITZKREISLER,TRANSCRIBEDBYSERGEIRACHMANINOFF-LIEBESFREUD Age 26 - USA

Twenty-six year old American pianist Rachel Breen’s performances have been described as “truly show-stopping” (Gramophone UK), having “ a beautiful piano sound and original detail” She is a student of the late Lars Vogt at Hannovers Hochschule für Musik; previously, she completed degrees at Yale University and the Juilliard School under–respectively–Boris Slutsky and Julian Martin Breen was self-taught until age 10, when she began lessons with Dr Sharon Mann at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Breen has enjoyed an active competition career, having been awarded top prizes at the Bösendorfer International Competition (2023), the Honens International Piano Competition (2022), Concorso Internazionale Palma D’Oro (2022), the Beethoven International Competition in Vienna (2021), the Livorno International Piano Competition (2020), the Georges Cziffra International Competition (2019), the Nuova Coppa Pianisti International Competition (2019), the Gallinari International Competition (2019), Premio Melini (2019), and Concurso Internacional de Piano Compositores de España (2018), among others She was selected as the 2021-23 National Federation of Music Clubs’ Young Artist in the US, and received the 2021 Kurt Alten Prize at her university in Germany

Bingjian Chen

Age 19 - China

PROGRAM:

FRANZLISZT-TRANSCENDENTALETUDES,S.139,V.FEUXFOLLLETS

MAURICERAVEL-GASPARDDELANUIT,M 55,III SCARBO

PYOTRILYICHTCHAIKOVSKY-THESEASONS,OP.37A,JUNEANDAUGUST

Bingjian Chen, born in 2003, began to play the piano at six years old and was performing by the age of ten She entered the Middle School affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music at the age of 12 and finished her high school diploma there She is admitted into the Colburn Conservatory of Music in the year 2022 and she is pursuing her bachelor's degree there now, under Fabio Bidini

Bingjian has performed both as a soloist and a chamber musician in venues like Shanghai Heluting Concert Hall, Xiamen Concert Hall, Rocca Sforzesca, and CCTV (China Central Television) She has taken lessons and masterclasses with Chuan Qin, Анна Шелудько, Jin Ju, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Maxim Mogilevsky, Xiaosheng Zhao, Jenny Q Chai

Euna Choi

Age 28 - Korean

PROGRAM: LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO 17INDMINOR,OP 31,NO 2,I LARGO-ALLEGRO

ISSACALBÉNIZ-SUITEALHAMBRA,LAVEGA

Euna Choi, originally from South Korea, is currently pursuing her DMA in piano performance at College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati under the tutelage of professor Michael Chertock As she is also serving a teaching assistantship in the secondary piano department at CCM, she is teaching group piano classes and private lessons She has earned her Master’s degree and Performer’s Diploma at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with professor Norman Krieger She earned her Bachelor of Music in Korea, at Ewha Womans University in Seoul and she went to Arts middle school and Arts high school in Korea As a soloist and collaborative pianist, She has been playing numerous performances including the recent project performance “Musical Time concert series #1”, which was held at Brown County Art Guild, Nashville IN in 2022 that was to share the beauty of music for the neighborhood As a member of MTNA, she recently participated in a presentation at the national MTNA conference at Reno, NV with her colleagues at CCM

Binghao Li

Age 18 - China

PROGRAM:

FRANZLISZT-APRÈSUNELECTUREDUDANTE:FANTASIAQUASISONATA LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO 18INE-FLATMAJOR,OP 31,NO 3,I ALLEGRO

Binghao Li has won First Prize in the Philadelphia International Piano Competition, and has also won prizes at the Marian Garcia International Piano Competition, the Wideman International Piano Competition and others Ms Li is currently studying with Golden Prize Winner of the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Prof Stanislav Ioudenitch

Ms Li has performed in Europe, Asia and North America She performed at prestigious venues including Steinway Hall, Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall in New York City and she attended the Oxford Piano Festival in England

She has participated in master classes with Gary Graffman, Dang Thai Son, Marios Papadopoulos, Mikhail Voskresensky, and Christopher Elton She began her piano studies at the age of 4 under the guidance of Natalia Filippova at the Middle School of Shanghai Conservatory of Music and is a graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor degree and received her Master degree from Mannes School of Music in New York City

Mia Pecnik

Age 22 - Croatia

PROGRAM: LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO 21INCMAJOR,OP 53,I ALLEGROCONBRIO FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEINAMINOR,OP.25,NO.11 FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-NOCTUREINC-SHARPMINOR,OP 27,NO 1 BORISPAPANDOPULO-STUDIANO.1

Mia Pecnik has received many prizes in international competitions She is the winner of leading awards for young musicians in Croatia, such as Young Musician of the Year She was awarded with the „Oscar of knowledge” prize, awarded by the Ministry of education of the Republic of Croatia

Her first performance with an orchestra was with 11 She performed with Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in Kuwait City, in Santa Cecilia Hall in Rome, in Zagreb, with the Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra in Kraków, with Orkiestra Symfoniczna Panstwowej in Katowice, with Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra of Bacau, with Croatian National Theatre Symphonic Orchestra, with Croatian Radio TV Symphony Orchestra, with Bazzini Concert Orchestra in Verona, with the Zagreb Soloists chamber orchestra etc

She has been awarded Dr Dörken Stiftung, “Best of NRW” with 11 solo concerts in the season 2022/23 She performed in London, New York, in Klavier Festival Ruhr, Budimpest, Kraków, Katowice, Belgrade, Bucharest, Sicille, Gorizia, Marbella, Abazzia, City of Vigo, Pallermo, Bruxelles, Wien etc In 2020 Mia was a finalist of the national Eurovision Young Musicians Competition She recorded a CD with the Zagreb Philharmonic and mo Jan Latham-Koenig containing DPejačević: Concert for piano and orchestra in g-minor, op33

Hanwen Shi

Age 23 - China

PROGRAM:

LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO.31INA-FLATMAJOR,OP.110,I.MODERATOCANTABILEMOLTOESPRESSIVO

FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-BALLADEINFMAJOR,OP 52,NO 4

FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEINC-SHARPMINOR,OP.10,NO.4

Hanwen Shi was born in Nanjing, Jiang Su province, China, in 1999 and started to practice piano at 4 Respectively, he was mentored by a former teacher of Nanjing Art College, then by Pianist and Professor Wenchuan Zheng from Jiangsu Academy of Drama In 2012, he was admitted by Music Middle School affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Teacher Qi Zhang From 2014, he was supervised by Dr Prof Cheung-yu Mo, Director of the Piano Department of Shanghai Conservatory of Music In 2018, He studied at New England Conservatory with Professor Alexander Korsantia, the gold medal winner of the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition and Sydney International Piano Competition During these years, he attended many music festivals such as Bowdoin, Aspen, and Morning side Music Bridge and studied with teachers such as Krzysztof Jablonski, Anton Nel, Fabio Bidini, Hung-kuan Chen and so on In 2019, He was invited as a guest performer in TedxYouth@HuizhanRd In November same year, he was invited by Benjamin Zander, the famous conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, to participate in the open music class In September 2020, he was invited to perform Yellow River Concerto with Nanjing Philharmonic Orchestra

In 2013, He won the First prize in Chopin Etude group, First prize in Beethoven Sonata group, and second prize in the free choice group in the first Singapore International Youth Piano Competition Same year, He won the "16th Changjiang Cup International Youth Piano Competition" first prize in the junior middle school group in Japan, also the award and bonus of the Chinese Consul General in Osaka In 2022, he attended the 7th Tbilisi international piano competition

Final Round Participants

Prodigy Category

Adelynn Li

Age 6 - San Francisco

PROGRAM ZDENĚKFIBICH-SONATINAINDMINOR,I ALLEGROASSAIMODERATOEPATETICO

Yenan Chai

Age 5 - San Francisco

PROGRAM MUZIOCLEMENTI-SONATINAINCMAJOR OP 36 NO 1 III VIVACE

Simone (Yenan) started learning the piano at the age of 4 with Xu Huang in 2022 Besidesthepiano shealsolikesclimbing,drawingandLego

Caden Chan

Age 6 - Global online

PROGRAM:FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-NOCTURNEINFMINOR,OP 55,NO 1

Caden Chan is seven years old and a native of San Francisco, USA He started learning pianoattheageoffourwithhiscurrentpianoteacher,Ms MinChao

In 2023, Caden was awarded first place in the US Open Music Competition, the American Protégé International Piano Competition, the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competitions, the Orbetello Piano Competition, the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition, and the Elevato Piano Competition (Chopin Edition), among others He was also placed second in both the 5th WPTA Finland IPC andChopinAvenueInternationalPianoCompetitioninthePianoConcertocategory

As a result, Caden has performed publicly at the Warsaw National Philharmonic Concert Hall in Warsaw and the NOSPR Concert Hall in Katowice, Poland, the Centre forFineArtsinBrussels,theRoyalAlbertHallinLondon,andtheCarnegieHallinNew York He also performed publicly with the Symphony Orchestra of the Zabrze PhilharmonicinPoland

Evelyn Cheng

Age 6 - Houston

PROGRAM:ANNECROSBYGAUDET-ANGELFISH BARBARAARENS-PRELUDEVII CHEE-HWATAN-TOCCATAFANTASIA ANNECROSBYGAUDET-CELEBRATION

Evelyn Cheng is 6-yrs old, and she started her musical journey at the age of 5 under the guidanceofYaliLuofrom2021to2022,andthenunderYibingZhangfrom2023tothe present date Her dedication have been recognized by several events in 2023 In March, she received the award of Superior Achievement in PMTA Sonatina Festival Later in May, Evelyn won the First Prize Winner in the Houston division of 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition Shortly after, in June 2023, Evelyn won Gold Award in the 2023 Texas Music Teacher Association (TMTA) State Conference Beyond her musical life, Evelyn is also passionate in reading and drawing, using her creativity to bringstoriestolifeandexpressherself

Carson Jiang

Age 6 - New York

PROGRAM FRIEDRICHKULAH-SONATINAINCMAJOR,OP 55,NO 1

Carson is 6 years old He started Learning piano in 2021, at age 4 Carson learns piano under Baichao Lan from 2021 to now In 2022, as the youngest performer, Carson had his very first performance in the Hofstra College in New York In 2023 May, Carson was honored to be invited to perform in the Steinway Hall in New York In 2023, he participated in the golden swan international music festival competition and won the first prize in the New York preliminary In May, he participated in the North America final round in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC In 2023 June, he participated in the Artcial competition, and got the highest score in the New York region It is just the startofhislongpianojourney

Nathaniel Lam

Age 6 - Houston

PROGRAM FLORENCEPRICE-THEGOBLINSANDTHEMOSQUITO" TERESARICHERT-FARAWAY EDVARDGRIEG-WALTZ,OP 12,NO 12

Nathaniel Lam embarked on his piano journey at the age of 5 in 2021 From 2021 to 2023, he received expert guidance from Yibing Zhang, nurturing his passion for the instrument Nathaniel's love for the piano is evident in his vibrant and energetic personality, often seen composing original pieces and delighting audiences with his performances InMay2023,Nathanielshowcasedhisexceptionaltalentattheesteemed "Trophy Competition 2023 for 4th Grade & Under" organized by the Plano Music Teachers Association His remarkable skills earned him the distinguished 3rd place in the competition Continuing his streak of success, Nathaniel further impressed in June 2023 by securing the 3rd place in the Texas Music Teachers Associations highly regarded June Leondar Chamber Music/Ensemble Contest in the Jazz/Pop Grades 7-9 category

Adelynn Li, 6, lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her parents She started her first piano lesson at five and fell in love with the instrument Her parents soon discovered she has perfect pitch and decided to pursue the musical path further A student of Lena Grozman, Adelynn has already been placed top prizes in many piano competitions Her recent achievements include the Grand Prix of the Concert Festival International Competition 2023, the First Prize of the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition 2023, and the First Award of the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition San Francisco region (live audition) with the highest score in Category A and a Master Class with Dr Hanbo Ma Additionally, Adelynn is the top prize winner of many other competitions such as the First Prize of the Charleston International Music Competition 2023, the Absolute First Prize and the Special Prize of Excellent Musicality Award in the World Grand Prix International Music Contest Season 2, 2023, the First Prize and the Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner of the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition 2023, and the Gold Medalist of the North AmericanVirtuosoInternationalMusicCompetition2023

By age 6, Adelynn has already received invitations to perform at the Carnegie Hall in NewYorkCitythreetimes ShewastheyoungestperformerduringherGrandPrix/First Prize Winner’s Recital at Carnegie Hall in April, 2023, and was selected to receive a scholarship towards the 2023 Summer Tour to perform at Vienna & Salzburg, Austria BeingarecipientoftheChallengerschoolscholarship(MiddlefieldCampus)forthepast two years, Adelynn loves learning Besides piano, she enjoys reading, dancing, story writing,mathandswimming Sheisalsoanenthusiastinscience

Chloe Liu

Age 5 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:JEAN-BAPTISTELOEILLET-SUITENO 2INDMAJOR,VI AIRESTEPHENHELLER-ETUDEINB-FLATMAJOR,OP 45,NO 16, II PENSEROSO

Chloe Liu is a 5 years old now She have been learning piano since 2021, at age 3 ChloespianoteacherisHuajunZhangeversinceshestartedherlearningclassin2021

In February 2023, Chloe won the Second Place of open solo 2C and the Third Place of treasury of contemporary composers elementary in the Thirty-First Annual United States Open Music competition In June 2023, Chloe won the2023ArtciálInternational PianoCompetitionfirstprizeofAge6SanFranciscoDivision-ProdigyCategory

Arianna Lu

Age 6 - Global online

PROGRAM:JOSEPHHAYDN-KEYBOARDSONATAINEMINOR,HOBXVI47, I:ADAGIO

Arianna Lu was born and raised in Bay Area California She started playing piano before she was 4 years old, and currently she is learning piano with Ms Lena Grozman She loves playing piano for people to enjoy and she has a true gift Her music enthusiasm is contagious In 2022, Arianna won the Gold Medal in Concert Performance Division in the Global International Music Competition She was also chosen as a FIRST PRIZE and EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT Special Prize Winner of the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition Later she won the FIRST PRIZE and EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT Special Prize in Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition Then she won Platinum Award in Appassionato International Online Youth Music Festival Moreover, she passed the Associated Board of the Royal SchoolsofMusic(ABRSM)MusicTheoryGrade5,andpassedPianoPerformanceGrade 8 with DISTINCTION at age of 5 In 2023, she was selected as a FIRST PRIZE winner for the 2023 Classical Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition She won 2nd place in USOMC and then won 2nd place in category A: age 9 and under in CAPMT Contemporary Competition She was the 2023 Junior Bach Winner chosen to perform in the winners’ concert She also won the 1st Prize Plaque Trophies Winner (group 12 and under) in American Protégé International Concerto CompetitionwithJudgesDistinctionAward She has performed at many prestigious places like Carnegie Hall, Amphithéâtre Cité de la Musique-Philharmonie de Paris, and Barbro Osher Recital Hall at San Francisco Conservatory of Music She is talented, athletic, loves to learn new things and explore newplaces

Elena Nien

Age 5 -Global Online

PROGRAM: TIMOTHYBROWN-DAYDREAMING

Elena is a kindergartener in Kirkland, Washington She began learning piano in 2022 when she was 4 with Dr Qian Yin In 2023, She received Gold Award in Quebec Music Competition and Bronze Award in WPTA Finland International Piano Competition She enjoys performing piano and has given piano recitals at Benaroya Hall in Seattle Besidesplayingpiano,shelovesskiing,swimmingandclassicalballetdance Sheislookingforwardtolearningmorepianopiecesinmanygreatyearahead

Rising Star Category

Zhixiu Chen

Age 9 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:

LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO.1INFMINOR,OP.2,NO.1, I ALLEGRO

FRANZLISZT-GRANDEETUDESDEPAGANININO 4INEMAJOR,S 141

Zhixiu Chen embarked on his piano journey under the guidance of Sarah Gao at the tender age of 6 in 2020 He achieved a remarkable accomplishment in 2022 with the honorable 3rd place in the prestigious 2022 Artciál International Piano Competition, in the 7-9 age category Continuing his music career Zhixiu Chens journey in 2023 witnessed further outstanding achievements He garnered 2nd place in the Showcase Piano Solo Elementary Group, 3rd place of Treasury Of Classical Composers Senior Group,Furthermore,and4thplaceintheTreasuryOfBaroqueComposersIntermediate divisionoftheesteemedUnitedStatesOpenMusicCompetition

Masa Dormer

Age 9 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:

CLAUDEDEBUSSY-ARABESQUENO 1

Masa Dormer embarked on his piano journey in 2019 at the young age of 5 Since 2022 he has had the privilege of studying piano under the esteemed guidance of Doctor Candidate Sarah Gao further nurturing his musical abilities and passion Masapassed the Musical Teachers Association of California Certificate of Merit Level 5 for Piano at the age of 7 This accomplishment demonstrated his dedication and commitment to his musical education In 2022 at the age of 8 he received the distinguished Special Category C Romantic prize of Artciál International Piano Competition in the age group of 8 to 9 Continuing his journey Masa emerged as the Second Prize Winner in the Online Grades 1-6 Division at the 2023 Weber State University Piano Festival Most recently at the highly acclaimed 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition Masa's exceptional abilities led him to receive the prestigious First Award in the San Francisco Division

Jasmine Gao

Age 9 - New York

PROGRAM:

CARLCZERNY-THESCHOOLOFVELOCITY,OP 299,BOOK2

CLAUDEDEBUSSY-GOLLIWOGGSCAKEWALK

Jasmine Gao a 3rd grader from Woodmere NY began her piano journey with Mr ShiXiong Cai when she was four and a half years old and currently studies with concertpianistMr BaiChaoLan Atageof8 JasminehaspassedtheABRSMPianolevel 7 assessment and achieved distinction on her ABRSM music theory exam She also won a few awards including 3rd place in the Starlight Youth Talent Competition 2nd place in the Golden Swan International Music Festival Competition and performed and awarded with the Most Potential Prize at Kennedy Center in Washington DC Jasmine also plays violin and Guzheng (Chinese Zither) and enjoys dance theater art horseback riding and tennis Despite her young age Jasmine has garnered 1st prize in the Starlight Youth Musical Theatre competition and was casted as leading actress in a few musicals such as Really Rosie Cats (junior edition) Mulan and the Sound of Music Each year she performs on Asian American Heritage Month Celebration the Chinese American Night and joins other cultural ambassadors to celebrate the achievements and contributionsofAsianAmericans

Millicent Zayne Gao

Age 7 - New York

PROGRAM FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-WALTZIND-FLATMAJOR OP 64 NO1

MillicentGaostartedlearningpianoin2021,atage5 Sincethebeginning,shehasbeen learning with Ms Jingyang Dong In just one year, Millicent participated in her very first piano competition - Artciál International Piano Competition (category A) and won the 2nd prize and performed in San Francisco in December In October of the same year, Millient enrolled in the ABRSM grade 3 exam and received Merit Result In Apr 2023, she continued pursuit of ABRSM grade 5 and was awarded with distinction (136/150) In less than two months, Millicent competed again for the Artciál Internal Piano competition in Category B held in the New York Division and won the first prize andqualifiedfortheCompetition’sFinalRoundinAug2023

Layla Guan

Age 9 - San Francisco

BERKOVICH-VARIATIONSONATHEMEOFPAGANINI

Layla Guan, who is currently 9 years old, she lives in California, USA She started to learn piano around 3 years and she loves playing piano a lot In 2022 She won First Place Winner (Young Musicians Category) of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2022, and also FIRST PRIZE + EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT Special Prize Winner of the 2022 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition BoththecompetitionsinvitedhertoTheCarnegieHall,AtNewYork She was the winner of 2022 Artcial international piano festival & competition, and East Bay Music Festival piano competition 2022, and 2022 international new star piano competition Moreover she is invited to perform at the Ignite Piano Festival located in Fremont, CA, which is very fun In 2023 She won FIRST PRIZE + EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT Special Prize Winner of the 2023 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition, She also won Artciál International Piano Competition first place in San Francisco region, she got in the final round of the USIMC Young Artists Award competition Moreover, She was the winner of US open music competition showcase,and8thPaderewskiInternationalPianoCompetition

Yixuan Liu

Age 7 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO 1INFMINOR,OP 2,NO 1, I ALLEGRO

Yixuan Liu is a second-grade student of Murdock-Portal elementary school in San Jose California She is a joyful girl She began her piano journey when she was four and half under Mrs Yu Le She is fascinated about playing piano and applies herself to every piece she has been working on She has been on stage a few times to perform her favorite pieces such as Chopin Waltz Op69 No2, Chopin Nocturne Op9 No1 and Mozart Piano Sonata No11 in A Major K331 Let’s see how much progress she has made in the past year! In Jan 2023, Yixun participated in the the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2023 and won the First Place Award in the Young Musicians Category In May 2023, she won the Third Place Prize in the VIII Paderewski International Piano Competition, 2023 Special Online Edition Junior Category In Jun 2023, she won the first place prize in the regional 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition Rising Star Category

Adele Lu

Age 7 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:WOLFGANGAMADEUSMOZART-PIANOSONATAINDMAJOR,K 331, I ANDATEGRAZIOSO ALEXANDERPESKANOV-BALLADOFTHESUN

Adele Lu, born in 2015, is now an 8-year-old girl full of enthusiasm for music She lives in Fremont, CA and is an incoming 3rd grader at Challenger School She started her first piano lesson at the age of 45 years under Dr Ying Huang and currently studies with Dr Jed Galant Adelehasbeenattendingcompetitionssince6andwonseveralawards Shewasthe winner of the 2021 Pelican International Music Competition (First Prize of Solo Age 8 Category) and the 2021 International Music Competition Salzburgs Grand Prize Virtuoso (First Prize and Exceptional Young Talent) In 2022, she won the US Open Solo Showcase and played at the Barbro Osher Recital Hall at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a prize winner in the Artcial International Piano Competition In 2023, she won first prize in BestMozartPerformanceoftheGreatComposersCompetitionSeries

Liam Pang

Age 8 - New York

PROGRAM:FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEINCMINOR,OP 25,NO 12 FRANZSCHUBERT-4IMPROMPTUSD 935,NO 3

Liam Pang has been studying piano with Zhen Chen since the age of 4 His strong passion in piano led him to good standings in many piano competitions He has won prizes from several piano competitions such as Vivace International Piano Competition, Golden Swan International Music Festival, International Music Festival of Melbourne He received the silver prize in Artcial International Piano Festival in 2022 At the age of 8, Liam took ABRSM Grade 8 piano exam and passed with distinction Outside of the piano, Liam enjoys reading andplayingchess Heisalsobeingtrainedasacompetitiveswimmerandmathlete

Alva Wang

Age 8 - Houston

PROGRAM ISSACBERKOVICH-VARIATIONSONATHEMEOFPAGANINI

Alva Wang is currently a third grader at (Bunker Hill Elementary school) in Houston Texas He started taking piano lessons when he was 6 years old and is currently studying with Dr Zhu Zhu Earlier this year, Alva took first place in the Independent Music Teachers Association Performance Contest (Grade 1&2) and he also received a silver medal in the Houston Music Teachers Association Piano Contest (Age 8) In his spare time, Alva loves reading playingbasketball andgardeningwithhismotherandsister

Chloe Kaydence Wang

Age 8 -Global Online

PROGRAM:

ALEXINALOUIE-STARLIGHT,STARBRIGHT,V TOCCATA JOHANNSEBASTIANBACH-ITALIANCONCERTOINFMAJOR,BWV971, III PRESTO

Chloe KWang is eight years old and will attend a third grade at CVESD Independent Study Program Her passion in playing piano has continuously grown from playing for family membersandfriendstomakingrecordingsforvirtualcompetitions Shehaswonnumerous national and international music competitions In 2023 she was awarded either first place and/or Grand prize in Charleston Winter Music Competition, Odin X Piano Competition, American Music Talent Competition Golden Piano Talents Orbetello Piano Competition Rocky Mountain, International Youth Music Competition, OPUS National Music Competition,Aloha International Piano Competition, ULJUS International Piano Competition,TheVIIntenationalLisztFerencandTheHenlePianoCompetition

Elsa Wang

Age 8 - San Francisco

PROGRAM DOMEICOSCARLATTI-KEYBOARDSONATAINAMINOR,K 3 TRADITIONALCHINESEFOLKSONGARR PETERSCHINDLER-JASMINEFLOWER

Elsa Wang, born in 2015 in San Jose, California, USA, started her piano studies at the age of 5 under the teacher Huajun Zhang Over the past three years, Elsa has actively participated in both domestic and international piano competitions with remarkable accomplishments In 2021, Elsa received the Silver Award of WPTA China-North America International Competition The next year she achieved the Third Place at the 30th Annual United States Open Music Competition, the Silver Prize at London Young Musician 2022-2023 Season 2, theSecondPlaceattheRomanticMusicCompetition,theSecondPlaceat2022USNewStar International Piano Competition, and the First Place at the Rocky Mountain Music Competition Spring Season In the year of 2023, Elsa won the First Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition Her exceptional achievements have earnedhertheesteemedopportunitytoperformherpianoatCarnegieHallinJuly2023

Leo Wang

Age 9 - Los Angeles

PROGRAM:DIMITRYKABALEVSKY-SONATINAOP 13,NO 1, I ALLEGROASSAIELUSINGANDO

WOLFGANGAMADEUSMOZART-PIANOSONATAINAMAJOR,K 311

Leo Wang born in 2013, embarked on his musical journey at the age of six when he commenced his piano studies at Claremont Community School of Music located in South California, US For the past four years, Leo has been under instructor Mrs Ruisha Zhang who has played a pivotal role in shaping his musicality Two and a half years ago, MrsZhang relocated to South Korea due to personal reasons, prompting a transition to online lessons In 2022, Leo achieved 3rd place in the Junior Division of 65th John Child WalkerMusicCompetition

Yilin Wang

Age 7 - Los Angeles

PROGRAM

EDVARDGRIEG-LYRICALPIECES,OP 71,NO 3"PUCK" JEANSIBELIUS-10PIÈCES,OP 24,NO 3CAPRICE

Yilin Wang started learning the piano in 2019, at age 4 He started learning the piano under Lin Liu from 2019 to April 2023 and then under Peter Fang from May 2023 to the present date In 2021, he passed the Grade 2 (State honor) of the Certificate of MeritMusic Teachers Association of California In the consecutive years 2021 and 2022, Yilin won the Third place of WPTA Finland IPC Later in 2021 Yilin received the Second Place Award in the GOCCA International Piano Competition In 2022 and 2023, Yilin also Participated in the GOCCA International Piano Competition and won the Gold Award In August2022,YilinwonFirstPrizeWinnerintheAEGIOInternationalPianoCompetition

In March 2023 he won 2st Prize in the AEGIO International Piano Competition In 2023 Yilin won the Third place of CAPMT Contemporary Competition and the Honorable Mention of CAPMT Sonata & Sonatina Competition Last month, he won the First prize 2023 in the Artciál International Piano Competition Los Angeles area and he will participateinthefinalcompetitioninSanFranciscoinAugust

Baicheng Wu

Age 9 - New York

PROGRAM:MUZIOCLEMENTI-SONATINAINDMAJOR,OP 36,NO 6, I ALLEGROCONSPIRITO FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-VALSEEMINOR,KKIVANR 15

Baicheng Wu has been learning piano under Zhen Chen since 2020 She joined the VIVACE international piano competition of North America in 2021 and got the second prize of division 2 At October 2021, she attended the 7th international music festival of Melbourne and received the first prize at North American Golden Gate Preliminary In 2022, she participated the Artcial international piano competition and gained the second place honor in the category of age 8-9 In 2023, she joined the Artcial internationalcompetitionagainandwonthefirstawardoftheUnitedStatesdivision

Taylor Xing

Age 9 - Global Online

Youth Category

Avery Armstrong

Age 10 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:FRANZLISZT-HUNGARIANRHAPSODYNO 11INAMINOR,S 244

Avery Armstrong found a love of piano at the age of four, and has studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Musics Pre-College Division since the age of six where she began with Annamarie McCarthy and currently studies with Dr Chia-Lin Yang She has participated in numerous international competitions and recitals, including Grand Prize win in the 2023 American Soloist International Music Competition, First Prize in 2023 KAMSA Competition, Third Prize in Pacific Musical Society and Foundation, First Prize in 2022 Chicago International Music Competition, First Prize inUSIMC (United States International Music Competition), First Prize in 2022 International New Star Piano Competition, Grand Prize in 2022 Prodigy International Music Competition, Grand Prize in 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition, Grand Prize in 2022 New York International Young Musician Competition, Grand Prize in 2022 New York International Classical Music Competition, First Prize in 2022 Elite International Music Competition, First Prize in 2022 Crescendo International Music Competition, First Prize in American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, and more Avery loves performing, and in addition to enjoying playing with other musicians she has performed at many charity events she has performed threetimesatCarnegieHallinNewYork

PROGRAM:MORITZMOSZKOWSKI-PETITEETUDES OP 91 NO 1 FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-NOCTURNEINC-SHARPMINOR KKIVANR 16

Taylor Xing, 9 years old today She embarked on her piano journey at the age of 4 years and 8 months Initially, she received piano lessons from a music teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto starting from October 2018 until April 2022 Later she transitionedtobeingguidedbyCarolynJonestopresent InJanuary2019,Taylorachieved a score of 90 in the Grade 1 examination of the Royal Conservatory, after just 3 months of learning In February 2019, she was invited to participate an RCM video shoot at age 5 Throughout the pandemic, Taylor remained committed to her musical education, diligently attending virtual lessons for nearly 2 years In 2022, she won the Best of Class and First Prize in the Grade 9 List C category in Kiwains Music Competition In the consecutive years 2022 and 2023 Taylor won 2nd Prize Winner in Crescendo International Music Competition and was invited to perform in Carnegie Hall for both of these brackets In 2023, Taylor won Golden Medal in AADGT International Young Musicians Festival "Passion of Music 2023" and had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall In 2023 Taylor won a First Prize + Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner in 2023 International Music Competition "Brussels" Grand Prize Virtuoso As a result, she was invited to perform at the Studio Recital Hall at Centre for Fine Arts of Brussels In 2023 Taylor won a First Award Winner in 2023 Artcial International Piano CompetitionandwasinvitedtothefinalaroundinSanFrancisco

Evan Chen

Age 12 - New York

PROGRAM FRANZLISZT-2ETUDESDECONCERTS,S 145,NO 2GNOMENREIGEN JOSEPHHAYDN-SONATAINCMAJOR,HOB XVI:50

Evan Chen began playing piano at age of 5 with his mother who is a piano teacher He started learning from Mr Zhen Chen in 2020, who is a concert pianist, composer, recording artist and professional piano teacher with more than 20 years ’ experience workingwithyoungmusiciansinNewYork,USA

He passed Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada in 2021, passed with “Distinction” of Grade 8 ABRSM in 2022 He is the pianist for various choir and performances in his elementary school He also participated in performances locally such as ones organized by a local music company Tom Lee He achieved and received the First Prize in Vivace International Piano Competition in North America in May 2021; the Certificate of Excellence of Elite Young Artist Concert V in Vancouver, BC, Canada in August 2021; a special virtuoso prize of 2022 Artcial International Piano Competition of Artcial Music Foundation in July 2022; and 1st award of united state division- reginal round of 2023 Artcial International Piano Competition of Artcial InternationalPianoCompetitionofNewYorkdistrictinJune2023

Kirsten Chloe Huang

Age 12 - San Francisco

PROGRAM: SERGEIRACHMANINOFF-MORCEAUXDEFANTASIE,OP 3,NO 4

Kirsten Huang started playing the piano since she was 3 years old In 2022, she passed ABRSM grade 5 Music Theory with Distinction and grade 6 Performance Exam with Merit In July 2023, she won first prize from Charleston International Music Competition and first prize in Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition She also won 2nd prize from New York International Classical Music Competition She is one of the finalists of the United States International Music Competition (USIMC) Other than the piano, she also plays the violin and is a member of Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) Besides practicing piano & violin, Kirsten enjoysbaking,creatingartandsnowboarding

Vincent Yang

Age 8 - Global Online

PROGRAM AUGUSTEDURAND-VALSENO 1INE-FLATMAJOR,OP 83

JOHANNSEBASTIANBACH-PRELUDENO 5INDMAJOR,BWV850,WTCBOOK1

Vincent is 8 years old, born in Palo Alto California He has been learning piano with PianistHuajunZhangsinceageof4

At the age of 5, he won the 3rd prize in the Bay Area Piano Competition 2020 His achievements in 2021 include Second Prize in 2021 Vivace International Piano Competition-North America the GOLD MEDAL with a special prize Best Performance of Chopin Music in the WPTA China-North America International Piano Competition and Honorable Mention award in 2021 International New Star Piano Competition He won First prize + special winner in 2022 US OPEN Music Competition, First prize in 2022 VIVALDI International Music Competition PRODIGY category First prize in 2022 Beethoven young musician competition and 2nd prize in BTHVN Wien Competition In the same year, he was invited to perform for the recital portion of our Laureate Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as a performance winner In the 2022 International New Star Piano Competition, he received the highest honor, the Top Performer for the entire competition and Group I First Place Winner Most recently, he won first prize both in 2023 US OPEN Music Competition and American International Music Competition Cleveland2023

Yueran Jiang

Age 10 - Global Online

Born in China 2013 Yueran has studied piano for almost 5 years She not only loves classical music but also enjoys voice and musical theater performancesYueran has already won several international awards She won the Honorable Mention for Etude Group at US New Star Music Competition in 2020; She won the Third Place of intermediate group C at “29th US Open Music Competition” in San Francisco; In 2021 Yueran won The Silver Award of VIVACE International Piano Competition North America DIVISION 2 She also won the Gold Award with a special prize of Best Performance of Classical Composition Category B at WPTA China--North American International Piano Competition in 2021 Yueran won the First Place keyboard competitionAdvanced (Highly Competitive) Young Musicians at Red Maple Music Competition in 2022 And next year in 2023 Yueran won the First Place of open duet romantic elementary-junior at 31th US Open Music Competition” in San Francisco andTheSilverPrizeofKidsTalent VirtuosoInternationalMusicAwards

Benjamin LeSuer

Age 10 - Global Online

PROGRAM:MUZIOCLEMENTI-SONATINAINDMAJOR,OP 36,NO 6, I.ALLEGROCONSPIRITO FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-VALSEEMINOR KKIVANR 15

Benjamin LeSuer is from McKinney, Texas and began learning piano when he was 4 ½ years old Since then, he has studied diligently and has performed in many recitals and piano competitions In 2022, Benjamin passed the Royal Conservatory Level 8 Piano examination with First Class Honors and with the distinction of the highest mark in the state of Texas Other recent accomplishments include 1st prize in the 2022 Fall Piano Contest at University of Texas at Arlington, 1st prize in the 2022 Sonata/Sonatina Competition at Texas A&M University at Commerce where he competed against high school aged musicians, and 1st prize in the 2023 Radda Rise International Piano Competition In June 2023, Benjamin achieved one of his dreams to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York as part of the Piano Star International competition winner’s concert Benjamin also plays violin and drums and enjoys the study of music theory and the creativity of composing his own music He is also active as his Church Youth Choir Piano accompanist and has been accepted as the youngest member in the Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus Aside from music, Benjamin is involved in several sports includingbasketball,tennis,andswimming

Cynthia Lu

Age 10 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:

JOHANNSEBASTIANBACH-ITALIANCONCERTOINFMAJOR,BWV971, I ALLEGRO FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEINFMAJOR,OP.10,NO.8

Cynthia Lu, age 10, is an incoming 5th grader at Challenger School She began her piano learning at age 4, studied with Dr Ying Huang for 4 years, and currently studies with Steinway Artist Sandra Wright Shen Starting this fall, she will attend the precollege program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music At age 8, Cynthia was awarded the MTAC Certificate of Merit for Piano Level 9 with State Honors and the invitation to perform at the State Convention At age 9, she made her concerto debut in Boston, playing Mozart’s Concerto No 20 with the Sempre Musick Orchestra as the first-place winner This February, she performed a contemporary concerto with the BMTC Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall as a first-prize winner and was selected as the only winner to perform with the Teclas Sinfónicas orchestra in Bogota, Colombia this November She also won many other competitions recently, including first prize in Best Mozart Performance of the 2023 Great Composers Competition Series, an Honorable Mention in the 2022 North Califonia MTAC concerto competition, second place in the 2022 US Open Music Competition, and the grand prizes at the March 2022 International Youth Music Competition and the 2022 Autumn Leaves International Competition

Zhiyu Bryson Su

Age 10 - San Francisco

PROGRAM: FRANZLISZT-GRANDEETUDESDEPAGANININO 5INEMAJOR"LACHASSE" S 141 FRANZLISZT-CONCERTETUDENO 2"GNOMENREIGEN"

Zhiyus musical journey began at the tender age of 4 when he first discovered the piano It was through the guidance and training provided by Jingze Sarah Gao that Zhiyu's passion for piano performance truly blossomed In 2023, Zhiyu achieved remarkable success in several competitions, solidifying his status as an exceptional young talent He emerged as a first prize winner in the prestigious 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition - San Francisco Division Additionally, he received First Prize and the prestigious Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize at the esteemed 2023 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition, as well as the First Prize in the Online Grades 1-6 Division at the 2023 WSU Piano Festival In 2022, he emerged as the First Prize winner in the Group III category of the 2022 International US New Star Piano Competition, the Special Classical Prize in Category C at the esteemed 2022 Artciál International Piano Competition, along with an Honorable Prize in the same category

Lindsay Tao

Age 10 - Global Online

PROGRAM:FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEING-SHARPMINOR OP 25 NO 6

WOLFGANGAMADEUSMOZART-PIANOSONATAINDMAJOR K 576 I ALLEGRO

Lindsay Tao was Born in San Jose, CA in 2013 At the age of 5, Lindsay started to learn piano and currently studies with Ory Shihor She showed her talent in the following years and has won many awards At the age of 6 Lindsay was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall More importantly, she loves to share her music with others and spread the joy of music Herdreamistobecomeapianistwhocouldinspireotherswiththepowerofmusic

In 2023, She just won a 2nd prize award of 1500€ at the 30th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Young in Szafarnia Poland(Group 1); she won 1st place State Final at the MTAC Piano Concerto and Solo competition; she won First Place in the XIV Chopin International Piano Competition Hartford Young Talents category; First Place Best Outstanding Gold Medalists and Scholarship for Master Class Winners in 31st USOPEN Showcase piano solo competition Among her previous honors were Top prizes in these competitions: First place at 2021 New Star piano competition; Grade 8, Distinction (145/150) Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) 2021when she was 7; Gold Award at 2021 3rd WPTA Singapore International Piano Competition First Place, in USA Steinway Piano Competition regionals, 2020; First place at the 2020 American Protégé International Music Competition of Romantic Music and chosen only one Judges’ Award Winner; First place at the 2020 Great Composers Competition in the Art of Piano; First place and been chosen Exceptional Young Musician Special Prize at the 2020 Golden Classical International Competition; First place and Exceptional Yong Musician Special Prize at the 2020 Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition InternationalOpenMusicCompetition2020;

Alexander Siegmund Rescorla

Age 12 - Los Angeles

PROGRAM:WOLFGANGAMADEUSMOZART-PIANOSONATANO 14INCMINOR K 457, I.MOLTOALLEGRO

Alexander Rescorla is twelve years old and lives in Los Angeles He started learning piano at home with his father when he was eight years old From age ten to the present, he has studied with Aiting Riley He attended Idyllwilds Piano Workshop for Junior Artists in summer 2023 Alex enjoys improvising when he practices the piano, and he haswritten28compositions Hismainhobbiesaremath,music,andspeedtyping

Emma Wang

Age 12 - Global Online

PROGRAM

LUDWIGVANBEETHOVEN-PIANOSONATANO 5INCMINOR,OP 10,NO1, I ALLEGROMOLTOECONBRIO

SERGEIRACHMANINOFF-12ROMANCES,OP 21,NO 5,LILACS

Emma Wang is 12 years old and lives in Northern California She started learning piano at the age of 5 with Shu-Ju Yoh, and is now studying under the guidance of Sandra Wright Shen from 2022 Emma has won many awards, including two times USOMC showcase solo outstanding performer, two times USIMC Young Artist Award, American Protégé Competition in New York City Carnegie Hall, MTAC piano solo competition, Great Composer Competition, Spotlight Competition, Artciál International Piano Competition in San Francisco, etc Emma also plays cello with JLS Chamber Orchestra She loves playing music at various concerts, recitals and charities Besides playingpiano,Emmaalsoenjoysreading,writingandplayingsoccerinhersparetime

Max Wang

Age 11 - San Francisco

PROGRAM FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-VARIATIONSINEMAJORONDERSCHWERIZERBUB

Max Wang, a 5th grader from San Francisco Bay Area, started learning piano at age 5 He has been studying piano with Ms Lena Grozman and Dr Malgorzata Goroszewska MaxwasawardedGrandChampionshipinCaliforniaStatetalentCompetitionforboth Solo and Duet in 2008 He has also been invited to play at the Junior Bach Festival in 2021 Max was the First Place winner for Bach Special Theme Award in USIMC in both 2021 (Group A – 9 and Under) and 2022 (Group B – 12 and Under) He was also awarded the 3rd Place in the Young Artist Awards In 2022 USOMC, he was awarded the 2nd Place for Showcase Solo and the 2nd Place for Treasure of Romantic Composer - Advance Group He was also honorable-mentioned in the San Francisco International music Competition and MTAC in 2022 Max has also partnered with SpiritCare Ministry to Seniors as their volunteer pianist to play for the seniors who need special memory care in many Bay Area locations When he saw the seniors enjoying his playing, he knew he can do more with his music for his communities While not practicing piano, Max can be found on Golf courses, Tennis Courts or at home with his books

Clementine Wei

Age 10 - New York

PROGRAM: PYTORILYICHTCHAIKOVSKY-THESEASONS,OP 37A,NOVEMBER WOLFGANGAMADEUSMOZART-PIANOSONATANO 16INCMAJOR,K 545, I ALLEGRO

Clementine Wei started learning piano in 2019 at age 6 in Grace Music School, and in 2021 she started learning piano under Mr Baichao Lan’s guidance until now Clementine was the First Prize winner at the 7th International Music Festival of Melbourne in 2021 in 2022 she won the First Prize at the New York’s Golden Classical Music International Competition, and she was invited and performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City And in the same year she won the First Prize at International Music Competition Paris “Grand Prize Virtuoso” where she was invited and performed at Amphithéâtre - Cité de la Musique-Philharmonie de Paris Also, in 2022 Clementine Wei won Third Prize at New York International Classical Music Competition In 2023, Clementine Wei won Third Prize as the North America Final for the Golden Swan International Music Festival Competition, and she has performed in the Kennedy Performance Art Center in Washington, DC Also in 2023, Clementine Wei won First Prize for the 2023 International Music Competition for both “Salzburg & Barcelona” Grand Prize Virtuoso, where she has been invited to perform at Solitar Mozarteum in Salzburg, and Palau de la Musica Catalana of Barcelona at the end of July 2023 In addition, Clementine Wei also won First Prize as the New York Regional Round for the 2023 Artcial International Piano Competition, where she will be competing in August 2023 in San Francisco for the Grand Final Also in 2023, Clementine Wei was horned to be invited twice by Steinway & Son to perform at Steinway Concern Hall in New York CityinMay2023,andatTillesCenterlocatedinLongIslandNYinJune2023

Allen Xuan

Age 10 - Houston

PROGRAM FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-NOCTURNENO 20INC-SHARPMINOR,OP POSTH FLORENCEPRICE-THEGOBLINANDTHEMOSQUITO WILLIAMGILLOCK-GOLDFISH

Allen Xuan began learning the piano with Mr Yibing Zhang in 2019 when he was 7 years old He made steady progress, completing levels 4, 5, and 6 of the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively Allen's dedication and hard work paid off as he received first-class honors with distinction for each level Allen showcased his talent and earned recognition in multiple competitions He secured an impressive 1st place in the DMTA- DALLAS PLANO SOLO COMPETITION in 2022, demonstrating his exceptional skills Another notable achievement was his 2nd place wininthePMTATROPHYCOMPETITIONin2023

Isabella Xue

Age 12 - San Francisco

PROGRAM MARC-ANDRÉHAMELIN-TOCCATAONL'HOMMEARMÉ

ALEXANDERSCRIABIN-TWOPOÈMES,OP 32,NO 2

IsabellaXueis12yearsold ShehasbeenPeyhwanKuan’sstudentsinceMay2018

In 2023, Isabella got First Award in 2023 Artcial International Piano Competition US San Francisco Regional Round Isabella won the 1st Prize in Talents International Piano Competition and Wonder Keys 2023 Piano Competition Isabella was one of the winners in the 2023 Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition Junior Division And she was invited to perform at the Annual Family Concert She also won the 1st Prize in Reno TahoePianoCompetition

In 2022, Isabella won the First Prize in 2022 Piano Star International Competition and WPTA Spain IPC Isabella is one of the Grand Prize Winners in 2022 IRVINE Conservatory International Music Competition She is the First Place Winner in 2022 Chicago International Music Competition She won the 1st Absolute Prize in the Orbetello piano competition She also won the First Prize in Concurs International de Piano on-line Chopin Sessions Felanitx 2022, UME Piano Competition 2022 and the 5th Hong Kong Pacific Piano Open Competition Isabella won First Prize at Mimas Festival International Competition, the WPTA Spain International Piano Competition, Nouvelles Étoiles International Online Music Competition 5th Edition and Franz Liszt CenterPianoCompetition

During 2021, Isabella was one of the Grand Prix winners in the 2021 International Piano Competition Paderewski in Memoriam and the Platinum Medal in 2021 Quebec Music Competition Isabella won the Absolute First Prize in the 4th International Competition of Musical Execution "City of Sarzana” At the WPTA Spain International Piano Competition 2021, Isabella won the First Prize In the 2021 Medici International Music Competition she won the First Prize At the 2021 Great Masters International Piano Competition and the 1st Swiss International Online Competition Isabella won First Place Isabella won the 2021 Pacific Music Society and Foundation Scholarships in the first age category Piano competition In 2020, at the 2nd WPTA Singapore International Piano Competition, Isabella won Platinum Award and Best Romantic Award She won 1st place in the 2020 Putra International Piano Competition and the Neapolitan Masters Competition, she is also the first place winner and Beethoven Prize of the 2020 Virtual International Music Competition organized by the Chopin Society Malaysia Isabella won 1st and was named TOP PERFORMER RUNNER UP PRIZE at 2020 US New Star Music Competition by Composer Chopin & Bach Isabella won the 1stPrizein2020COSTARICAPianoFestivalOnlineCompetition

Xuxa Yi-An Yuen

Age 12 - Houston

PROGRAM:MAURICERAVEL-SONATINE III ANIMÉ FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-ETUDEINFMINOR,OP 25,NO 2

Xuxa Yuen is a 7th grader at St Thomas Episcobal School in Houston, TX She started learning piano at age 6, and she is currently studying with Dr Zhu Zhu and Dr Richard Marshall at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University Most recently, Xuxa won first prize at the Independent Music Teachers’ Association’s Performance Contest (Grade 6) Last year, Xuxa took first place at the Houston Music Teachers’ Association’s Piano contest (Age Category 10) Xuxa is also passionate about art When she’s not practicing,she’seitherreadingordrawing

Melissa Zhao

Age 10 -San Francisco

PROGRAM:JOSEPHHAYDN-VARIATIONSINFMINOR,HOBXVII:6

Melissa Zhao is a 4th grader at Harker School of San Jose She began learning and playing piano from 2017 at the age of 4 years old, and currently studies with John McCarthy,herpreviousteacherwasLenaGrozman

Melissa has received numerous piano awards and prizes in the last 3 years, including SecondplaceofThePacificMusicalSociety&Foundationpianocompetition,FirstPlace intheCAPMTHonorsCompetitions,SecondPlaceintheCAPMTconcertoCompetition, Second Place in the KAMSA competition, Second Place in the US International Open Music Concerto Competition, the Bronze Award in the 2022 Artcial piano competition, Third Place in the Young Artist Award of the US International Music Competition, Second Place in the US New Star Music Competition, and Second Place in the showcase solo US International Open Music Competition Besides playing piano, Melissa loves swimming,reading,dancing,hiking,andtravelingwithfamilyandfriends

Weiran Alex Zhang

Age 11 - Global Online

PROGRAM:FRANZLISZT-PARAPHRASEDECONCERTSURRIGOLETTO,S 434

Alex Zhang, 11 years old, started to learn piano at the age of 6, with Dr Yuqing Shi till present Alex showed his talent in early years and started to win different awards only after a few months of learning The awards include first place in 2018 China International Music and Arts Festival second place in 2020 Hong Kong International Music and Arts Festival Own Choice class and Bach class; first place in the 9th Hong KongInternationalMusicFestival2022MusicCompetition(Shenzhenarea)andsecond place in the global final competition; and first place in the Vienna Music Festival, The 2023 Haydn Piano Competition, and The Musi Kverein Invitational (Guangdong District) Alex passes the ABRSM Grade 8 Exam with Distinction in 2021 and obtained Trinity ATCL diploma with Distinction in 2022 In the summer of 2023, Alex was admitted to the Juilliard Summer Program and studied together with excellent young musiciansfromallovertheworld

Junior Artists Category

Claire Chang

Age 14 - Global Online

PROGRAM:FRANZLISZT-GRANDESÉTUDESDEPAGANINI S 141NO 6

Claireisapre-collegestudentattheSanFranciscoConservatoryofMusic(SFCM),studying pianowithProf CoreyMcVicar Shehaswonvariousawardsthroughherearlycareer She wasafinalistintheEttlingenInternationalPianoCompetition,Germany(2022)andwasa prizewinnerintheInternationalGrandeMusicCompetition(2ndplace 2022) theENKOR International Music Competition (1st place, 2021), LA International Liszt Competition (4th place, 2021) with the Best Performance Award, United Stated International Music Competition (1st place 2019) LA Young Musician International Competition (3rd place 2019), US international Open Music Competition (1st place, 19, 20) She has participated in a master class with Garrick Ohlsson Claire is an avid chamber musician at SFCM, and her piano trio won 2nd place in the ENKOR International Music Competition (2022) and SFCMChambermusicaward(2022)

Nathan Chiu

Age 13 - Houston

PROGRAM: JOSEPHHAYDN-KEYBOARDSONATANO 38INFMAJOR,HOB XVI:23, I ALLEGROMODERATO

Nathan Chiu (Thirteen) started learning piano at age four As a young boy he has garnered many achievements gold medalist of TMTA theory exam for the last 6 years; excellence medal from the Houston TMTA Piano Competition 2018 He started public performances in 2019 In Apr 2020, and again in 2022 Nathan won First Prize with Special Honors Plus at the Sonatina and Sonata International Youth Piano Competition by the Chopin Society of Texas, he was invited to perform virtuoso piano at the award ceremonies In Feb 2021, Nathan won third place in the Rocky Mountain Music Festivals in two categories - Classical and 20th-21st Century In May 2021 he won fourth place in Rocky Mountain Spring Season Piano Competition In July 2021, won Honorable Mention at the 36th International Young Artist Piano Competition In Feb 2022, won second place in the Texas Young Pianist Competition hosted by Blinn College Third place winner of 2022 American Music Talent Piano Competition In 2023 Nathan won first prize in the Grand Virtuoso Piano Competition and performed at the Royal Albert Hall of London He looks forward to continuously polish his piano skills and achieve his personalbest!

Sora Corro

Age 13 - Global Online

PROGRAM FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-SCHERZOINB-FLATMINOR,OP 31

Sora Corro is a 7th grader at Walter’s Middle School in Fremont Sora started learning pianowhenshewas2yrsold At4yearsold,shestartedperformingforpianorecitalsand participating in competitions Sora won many prizes including first place in the Ranun International piano competition the Silicon Valley music competition Chambana International piano competition, Gavilan College Youth Piano Competition, East Bay Music Foundation, US new star piano competition and United States Open Music Competition In 2023, she won the first places in Showcase Piano Concerto Category and Chopin Etude Category in United States Open Competiton and was awarded the outstanding gold medalist at the winner’s concert She received an outstanding gold medalist award for 5 consecutive years since 2019 In 2023, Sora also won the 2nd place in Berkeley Etude Club Competition and Reno-Tahoe Piano Competition and 3rd place in Ghiglieri Piano Competition In 2022 August, Sora won the 3rd place in Music in VineyardYoungArtistCompetition ShealsowonthesilverprizeatArtcialSanFrancisco Piano Competition Most recently (June 2023) Sora was invited to play her piano concerto (Kabalevsky Op 50) with Urbana-Pop Orchestra in Champaign Ilinois In 2022 August, She participated in Artcial International Piano Festival and had a master class with Sharon Mann, Rebecca Pennys, Yoshikazu Nagai In 2023 April and June, she also had master classes with Steven Spooner and Armen Babakhanian In July 2023 she participated in John Perry Summer Academy and had master classes with John Perry, Mina Perry, Sasha Starcevich, Boris Slutsky, and Jean David Coen When she has free time, she enjoys playing video games, soccer, and skateboarding She speaks Spanish and Japanesefluently

David Gatien

Age 14 - Global Online

PROGRAM: FRANZLISZT-TRANSCENDENTALÉTUDENO 12‘CHASSE-NEIGE’,S 139

FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-PRELUDES,OP 28,NO 24

David Gatien, age 14, is from Bellevue, WA and currently studies piano with Yoshikazu Nagai At age 6 and just months after starting piano, David entered his first piano competition (the USA Chopin Foundation NW Council Competition) and won a Gold Medal,theyoungestinhisdivision(age9andunder) Sincethen,hehaswonseveraltop performance awards in competitions such as the Golden Classical Music Awards International Music Competition, the American Association for the Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT) International Young Gifted Musicians Festival, the American Protégé International Romantic Music and International Piano and Strings Competitions, and the NW Chopin Competition, among others A full grade level above same-aged peers, David has also won top prizes in grade based competitions among older peers He was selected as a WA State Recitalist in 2022 and 2023, and received the 2023 Ida Zelikovsky Green Award for Outstanding Talent (Best Performer, Grade 5-11) from the Washington State Music Teachers Association, Eastside Chapter A recipient of masterclasses from world-renowned pianists such as Craig Sheppard, Michelle Cann, Yakov Kasman, and Marina Lomazov, David has also participated in the Academy for Chamber Music at the Seattle Chamber Music Society, a pre college chamber music programfortalentedyouth

Chennan Huang

Age 15 - San Francisco

PROGRAM FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-BALLADENO 3INA-FLATMAJOR,OP 47

Chennan Huang first received piano instruction from Joyce Wong when he was just 5 years old, and her encouragement ignited a passion for the instrument that lasted a lifetime Between 2013 and 2016, Joyce cultivated a lifelong love of the piano and createdastrongbasisforhismusicalabilities In2017,heswitchedfromlearningunder Joyces direction to a skilled teacher from Inspire Music Despite just being there for a year, the experience greatly increased his appreciation for music and enhanced his love for the piano Chennan has been receiving instruction from renowned pianist Lai Ming Pang since 2018 His abilities have improved under her direction, forming his unique artistic expression Under Pangs seasoned guidance, his grasp of music has grown and he is continuing to improve as a pianist Chennan has demonstrated great academic excellence throughout his musical path by earning high honors in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) piano examinations He passed grades 4 through 7 from 2018 to 2021 with excellent marks, routinely surpassing at least 140 out of 150 points He achieved a key milestone in June 2023 when he won the first prize in the opening round of the Artciál International Piano Competition He has been chosen as a finalist to compete in the San Francisco finals Chennan’s successful track record is proof of his everlasting devotion to learning the piano and unyielding dedication He keeps improving year after year, demonstrating a lot of promise as a talented and driven pianist His career in music is an inspiring story of persistence, tenacity, and unwaveringpassionformusic

Hongkang Zhao

Age 13 - San Francisco

PROGRAM:FRANZSCHUBERT-PIANOSONATANO 16INAMINOR D845 I MODERATO

Hongkang Zhao is a 7th grader at Harker middle school He began learning and playing pianofrom2015attheageof5yearsold,andcurrentlystudieswithJohnMcCarthyHis previous teacher was Lena Grozman Hongkang has received numerous piano awards and prizes in the last 3 years Outstanding Gold Medalist for Concerto Performance at the Winners Concert of USOMC, 1st place in the USOMC concerto junior competition, 1st place in Rabinowitch piano competition, 2nd place in CAPMT honors competition, 3rd place in USOMC showcase solo junior competition, 2nd Alternate in MTAC Piano ConcertoSoloCompetition,HonorableMentionin2023CAPMTConcertoCompetition, 3rd Place Treasury of Romantic Composers Advanced group and Classical Composers Senior Group in USOMC Young Artist Award Honorable Mention in 2021 US InternationalMusicCompetition

Young Artists Category

Anna Isabel Audenis

Age 18 - Los Angeles

PROGRAM:CARLVINE-5BAGATELLES

AnnaIsabelAudenis,18,startedplayingthepianoattheageoffiveandhassincecharmedaudiences andjudgesalikewithherthoughtfulandmusicalinterpretations Mostrecently,Annawon1stprizeat theGhiglieriCompetition theArtcialInternationalPianoCompetition andwasawardedGrandPrize at the Satori Summer Festival Furthermore Anna was a 1st place winner of the Junior Chamber Musicconcertocompetition,andadditionally,wasaselectedwinneratthePianoTexas2022and2023 concerto competitions Throughout her music career, Anna also placed 2nd at the Los Angeles InternationalPianoCompetition SanJoseInternationalPianoCompetition theKrystianTkaczewski International Piano Competition and won 1st prize at the Kathryn Gawartin Chopin Competition Furthermore, Anna is a two-time 1st place winner of the Great Composer’s International Piano Competition, a 2nd place winner of Music Teachers National Association of California, and over the course of several years has earned numerous top prizes at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival Since 2014 Anna has been an active honor member of Junior Chamber Music and for the past 4 years has held the title as a JCM debut artist In 2015, Anna made her debut orchestra appearance with Orchestra Napolitana and has since performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Las ColinasSymphonyOrchestra SouthwesternYouthMusicFestivalOrchestra andOrchestraCollective of Orange County Furthermore at the age of nine Anna was invited to play and speak at TEDx Ostrava Anna studied with Eduardo Delgado before transferring to Rufus Choi at age twelve with whom she currently studies with Anna has also been fortunate enough to have participated in masterclasses with Mikhail Voskresensky Oxana Yablonskaya Antonio Pompa-Baldi Hung-Kuan Chen Eteri Andjaparidze Gabriel Kwok Sasha Starcevich John Perry and Alexander Korsantia just to name a few In addition to studying music herself, Anna has been teaching piano to children since 2020 Anna speaks French and Czech fluently and in her free time enjoys studying philosophy Furthermore because of her interest in clouds and meteorology Anna is a member of the Cloud AppreciationSociety

Michelle Cao

Age 16 - Global Online

PROGRAM FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-BARCAROLLEINF-SHARPMAJOR OP 60

Michelle Cao is a young pianist and student from Bellevue, Washington Born in 2007, she started playing the piano at the age of six with Yunbo Cassady and soon discovered her love for music Under the guidance of Dr Sasha Starcevich, Michelle's dedication and talent for the piano have led to numerous accolades and recognitions Recently Michelle won 2nd place at 2023 Aloha International Piano competition, Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition American Music Talent Competition and International Grande Music Competition as well as 1st prize at Orbetello International Piano Competition and Franz Liszt Center International Piano Competition She also won the Gold Medal in the US Chopin NW and the 1st place in Eastside MTA scholarship competition In 2022, Michelle won "Absolute 1st Prize" at Canadian International Music Competition, 1st place at Glory International Piano Competition the Grand 1st place in preliminary round and 2nd place ingalaconcertatPacificInternationalYouthPianoCompetitioninVancouver,BC

Michelle has participated in master classes with Ilana Vered Arthur Greene Haewon Song Robert Shannon, James Giles, and Joseph Rackers She was also selected to perform in the WA state honor recital the Vivace International Piano Festival and the Seattle Chamber Music Academy Michelle loves sharing her music with the seniors and bringing joy to their lives Her profound passion for community service has inspired her to establish CONCHORD Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting unity and mental healthawarenessinourcommunitiesthroughvariousmusicevents

Aiden (Fu) chen

Age 16 - Houston

PROGRAM: JOHANNSEBASTIANBACH-PRELUDEANDFUGUEINC-SHARPMAJOR,BWV848 FRANZLISZT-GRANDESETUDESDEPAGANINI,S 141,NO 3LACAMPANELLA

Aiden (Fu) Chen is a passionate pianist studying with Dr Zhu Zhu and Dr Richard Marshall at the Shepherd School of Music He has won numerals awards in competitions, including most recently taking 3rd place in the HMTA Dorothy Kelly Memorial Scholarship competition and second place in the Clearlake youth concerto competition In 2022, He took the first place at the Houston Music Teachers Association Piano Contest and he was one of the eight finalists in the Texas Music Teachers Association Performance Contest He was also selected as one of the Houston Young Artists for 2022 2023 As a junior at The Village School, Aiden swims and plays chess competitively for his school In the 2023 Lone Star Scholastic Chess Championships, Aiden placed 4th in the individual event, and his team tookfirstplaceintheteamevent

Oliver Corro

Age 13 - Global Online

PROGRAM: FRÉDÉRICCHOPIN-POLONAISEINA-FLATMAJOR,OP 53 FRANZLISZT-GRANDESETUDESDEPAGANINI,S 141,NO 3LACAMPANELLA

OliverCorroisin10thgraderatIrvingtonHighSchoolinFremontCA Hestartedlearning piano with his mother since he was 3 yrs old and he recently started working with teacher JohnMcCarthy Oliverwonmanyprizesincludingthe1stplaceat2023Reno-TahoePiano Competition, second prize at Berkeley Etude Club Competition, Napa Music in Vineyard, Ghiglieri Piano Competition, Gavilan College Youth Piano Competition, and 3rd place in Artcial Piano Competition Honorable Mention in the Pacific Music Society Music Competition, Zeiter Piano Competition and the Golden State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition He was also the first place winner of 2023 USOMC (United States Open Music Competition) Treasury of Chopin Etude Category and also awarded the Outstanding Gold Medalist In July 2023, Oliver participated In John Perry Academy of Music in New Jersey and had master classes with John Perry, Mina Perry, Sasha Starcevich, Boris Slutsky, and Jean David Coen In June 2023, he also had master classes with Steven Spooner and Armen Babakhanian In Summer 2022 he participated in the Artcial International Piano Festival San Francisco and had Master classes with Sharon Mann, Yoshikazu Nagai, and Yiyang Chen He also had a master class with Natsuki Fukasawa and Peter Mack Besides solo piano, he joins the piano quartet/trio and performs at the local concerts and events He speaks Japanese and Spanish fluently He can play guitarandviolinbesidespiano Heenjoysskateboardingwhenhehassomefreetime

Amanda Jing Lau

Age 16 - San Francisco

PROGRAM JOHANNSEBASTIANBACH-PRELUDEANDFUGUEINC-SHARPMAJOR,BWV848

MAURICERAVEL-JEUXD'EAU

Amanda Lau is a rising senior at Valley Christian High School She began piano studies at age 8, and currently studies with Dorothy Su Amanda received numerous awards in Great Composers International Competition, ENKOR International Music Competition, CAPMT Honors Competition, United States Open Music Competition, Joyeux Music International Competition Bay Philharmonic Guild Young Recitalist Competition and has performed in Carnegie Hall as a prize winner in American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition She was also selected to perform in the Junior Bach Festival four years in a row Along with performing at senior centers, she also teaches music to kids with neurodiverse conditions and has received the Gold award of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Besides music, Amanda enjoys playing table tennis, reading, hanging out withfriends,stargazing,andtraveling

Jason Nam

Age 16 - Global Online

PROGRAM

SERGEILYAPUNOV-TRANSCENDENTALETUDE,OP11NO10,LEZGHINKA

Jason Nam is 16 years old He is a 9th grader at The Bear Creek School in Redmond Washington Jason demonstrated tremendous love for the piano at a young age and currently enjoys participating performing and competing in major national and international piano competitions Jason Nam is a student of Allan Park He is a 2022 National Chopin Foundation Scholarship winner, 1st prize winner at 2023 American Virtuoso International Music competition, Grand prize winner at 2023 KMA scholarship, Gold medalist at 2023 Pacific International Piano Competition 2023 Seattle Virtuous Festival 2023 Classical Viennese Festival 2022 Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle, Platinum medalist at the 2022 Canadian International Music Competition, 1st prize winner at the Rome International Music Competition, Gold Medalist-Concerto division and GoldMedalist-Solodivisionatthe2022ChopinNWfestival,andGrandPrizewinneratthe 2020 Aloha International Piano Competition On a local level, Jason won 3 consecutive WSMTA State Recitalist Competitions and won the prestigious Josephine Bryant Scholarship Award at 2022 PAFE competition for 1st place winners Jason participated in 2022 University of Washington Seattle Piano Institute and the 2023 Bowdoin International Music Festival Jason performed at Benaroya hall as a grand prize winner of KMA competition, and will perform at Carnegie hall this Winter Jason performed Prokofiev’s Concerto No2 in G minor with Bellevue Symphony on Oct 16, 2022 as a featured winner of the 2022 Pacific Northwest Concerto Competition, and performed the complete Chopin concerto No2 in F minor at Town Hall Seattle with Seattle Metropolitan Chamber OrchestraonJanuary29th,2023asa2022ChopinNWconcertocompetitionwinner

Amateur Category

Terence Li

Age 24 - Los Angeles

PROGRAM JOSEPHHAYDN-KEYBOARDSONATAINCMAJOR,HOBXVI:50, I ALLEGROCONBRIO

FREDERICCHOPIN-ÉTUDEING-FLATMAJOR,OP 10,NO 5

Terence Li previously studied piano from 2005 to 2009, and resumed studying piano with Dr Barry Tan in 2020 to now He has participated in several competitions in the past two years Terence received 1st place honors for last years Artcial competition and performed at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music He also received an honorable mention for the Aegio International Piano Competition Amateur Division in 2022 Finally, Terence won 1st place in the Socal International Piano Competition's Amateur Division in 2023

Michelle Age 19 - Global Online

PROGRAM:ALBERTOGINASTERA-DANZASARGENTINAS,OP 2

Michelle is a 19-year-old Indonesian pianist Growing up in a musical family, she has been playing the piano since four years old She is holding a Diploma in Music Performance, with distinction, from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and also Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, with distinction, from The Associated Board of the Royal SchoolsofMusicPianoPerformanceExamination

Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Honours) at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Singapore passionately under the guidance of Dr Nicholas Ong She is privileged to havereceivedNAFAScholarship,thehighestfinancialaidofferintheschool,andNAFA Talent Development Programme award throughout AY 2020/2021 (Diploma) to AY 2023/2024(Bachelor)

Committed to music since a young age, Michelle has been participating in many competitions and concerts, including 2nd Prize of International Maestro Piano and Strings Competition 2018 and performance at Carnegie Hall, New York, and 1st Prize (DebussyClass)inHongKongAsiaOpenPianoCompetition2018

In the most recent years, she has won the 2nd Prize Winner (1st Prize not awarded) of the 13th Lucien Wang Piano Competition 2022, 2nd Prize Winner (Artist Category) in Music Singapore International Piano & Violin Competition 2023 She has performed in the Winning Keys 2022, a concert that becomes a recognition for student who got the highest marks on the Principal Study Final Exam in NAFA Aside from playing solo, she hasbeenactivelyperformingincollaborativechambermusicaswell

2022 Artciál International Piano Competition Winners

Category A:

Gold Prize Haobo Sun

Silver Prize Aobo Xu

Bronze Prize Ethan Muzhou Qin

Category B:

Gold Prize Ruimeng Yang & Chloe K Wang

Silver Prize Liam Pang

Bronze Prize Kanon Onishi & Adele Lu

Category C:

Gold Prize Aiyue Zhang

Silver Prize Kyle Dong & Wilson Liu

Bronze Prize Moxi Zhu & Melissa Zhao

Junior Artists:

1st Prize

Thannapas Luanpitpong

2nd Prize

Meining Wu

Category D:

Gold Prize Shiyin Yu

Silver Prize Sora Corro & Hiroshi Corro

Bronze Prize Kyle Lam & Dile Wu

Category E:

Gold Prize Eric Wang & Charlotte Giraudeau

Silver Prize Phatthicha Leowattana

Bronze Prize Oliver Corro

Category F:

Gold Prize Ian K Park

Silver Prize Sara Kothari

Bronze Prize Zaiyu Chen

Category G:

Gold Prize Jiaoyang Wang & Qingying Gong

Silver Prize Zixin Zhu

Bronze Prize Xi Tang

Young Artists:

1st Prize

Yungyung Guo & Elsie Lu

2nd Prize

Megumi Maekawa

Artists:

1st Prize

Sergey Belyavsiky & Anfisa Bobylova

2nd Prize

Chungho Lee

3rd Prize

Anthony Ratinov

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is a private music conservatory in San Francisco, California. As of 2021, it had 480 students.

In 2020, SFCM announced a partnership with the talent management company Opus 3 Artists, and in May 2022 it acquired the Dutch classical music label, Pentatone, funded by a private donor The music website "Classical Voice" described this "combination of a music-education organization with two professional music businesses" as "unusual " SFCM is the only music school that leads an alliance combining world-class education with a legendary label, two prominent artist management companies, and their premier clients For students, that means more opportunities to interact with touring artists and industry experts–including professional development workshops, side-by-side performances, and enhanced masterclasses.

Made up of a wide-ranging piano department and smaller but equally dynamic harpsichord, organ, and collaborative piano programs, SFCM keyboard department transforms students into accomplished performers You’ll collaborate across departments, perform within the Conservatory and around San Francisco, and develop your style alongside celebrated faculty and visiting luminaries Small studio sizes foster personalized instruction and support Undergraduate and graduate music degrees, as well as professional studies certificates, round out a far-reaching program that offers emphases in historical performance, collaborative piano, chamber music, and general instrument studies

Entrepreneur, Lecturer, & Business Coach

SFCM’s Pre-College Academy is an immersive program that instills the value of music in youth 18 and under, providing an artistic framework and tailored instruction for the next generation of musicians. Our curriculum integrates private lessons with musicianship courses, small and large ensemble experiences, master classes, jury assessments, and performance opportunities, making music a core part of their lives

Our Academy program has earned a national reputation for providing superior training to young musicians throughout their course of study As a result, our alumni have excelled, entering top-level collegiate music schools and conservatories, and distinguishing themselves professionally as performers, composers, teachers, and scholars

https://sfcm.edu/

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