HHIPC 2025 Program

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The mission of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition is to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers in a competition adjudicated by internationally acclaimed judges, and to offer additional performance opportunities.

HILTON

WHEN IT COMES TO

Arts & culture

For a 12-mile-long by five-mile-wide barrier island, Hilton Head Island offers numerous arts and cultural experiences. With some of the finest art galleries, live music venues, and dance and theater productions happening year-round, Hilton Head Island’s arts and culture scene is second to none. Bravo!

HILTONHEADISLAND.ORG

HILTON HEAD ISLAND GETS A STANDING OVATION

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

It seems hard to believe that it was three years ago when we crowned Jaeden Izik-Dzurko the winner of the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. He went on to perform a captivating Carnegie Hall recital under the HHIPC auspices in October, and has been skyrocketing ever since, winning nearly half a dozen more major international competitions and securing seasoned professional artist management. Likewise, our second prize winner that year, Illia Ovcharenko, went on to win several other major international competitions, secured management, and is soaring in his own performing career (including a return to the HHSO last season).

So, here we are again, on Hilton Head Island. On behalf of the entire Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra family, welcome to the 27th Hilton Head International Piano Competition! You are in store for a fabulous week plus of riveting performances, competition drama and excitement, and anticipation of what future career trajectories our competitors will follow.

In collaboration with our large, dedicated, and hard-working HHIPC Committee, our Director of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Steven Shaiman, has put together an extraordinarily impressive event. From nearly 200 applicants, our stellar Competitor Selection Jury winnowed the field to the twenty you will hear. The all-star Competition Judges will have a daunting task deciding among a very strong group. Did I mention drama?

Whether you are a year-round or seasonal resident, or just visiting Hilton Head Island for the Competition, we hope you will also take away wonderful memories of amazing performances.

Special thanks to Steinway & Sons; the Town of Hilton Head Island; our competition venues, our business sponsors and individual and foundation supporters; our home, dinner, and piano host families; our HHIPC volunteers; John Morris Russell and the HHSO musicians; our esteemed judges; our competitors; and everyone else who contributes to this special event.

Please enjoy the 2025 Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

Sincerely,

Alan Jordan President and CEO

ALAN JORDAN President and CEO

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

WELCOME

FROM THE COMPETITION DIRECTOR

Greetings and welcome to the 27th Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

In 1996, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra staged the very first HHIPC for pianists from ages 18-30. Nearly thirty years later, we are extremely proud of our stellar reputation worldwide as one of America’s premier piano competitions dedicated to support, nurture and promote the next generation of young pianists. Many recent winners have gone on to great success at other prestigious international competitions and are now enjoying thriving careers, including 2022 first prize winner Jaeden Izik-Dzurko (about whom you can read more on pages 52-55 of this program).

As we welcome you, let us also extend a very warm Lowcountry welcome to our twenty competitors! Hailing from ten countries across the globe, these extremely gifted musicians were selected from a group of 193 accomplished applicants representing 30 countries, so our ’20 for 2025’ have already achieved a level of success just to be invited to perform here. As they share their artistry with us in each round, we will marvel at their technical skill and enjoy getting acquainted with their musical personalities. At the same time, I think we are all quite relieved that we are not tasked with judging the outcome!

STEVEN SHAIMAN

Competition Director

Speaking of judging, I must thank our remarkable jurors, each of whom is an internationally renowned pianist, as well as a distinguished educator. We are profoundly grateful to them for their time, talents and expertise in joining us this week, and along with their adjudicating duties, we will all benefit by watching them “in action” on Friday as they each lead their master class with one of our competitors. Plus, our jury chair, Simone Dinnerstein, will treat us to an enlightening presentation dedicated to J.S. Bach’s Sinfonias (Three-Part Inventions), so please plan to join us for that!

If you know me, I’m sure you know how strongly I feel about recognizing the wonderful people who support the HHIPC. So, I must express heartfelt thanks to these members of our community who have opened their homes and hearts to all those involved in the Competition: First to the host families and over 100 volunteers who take such great care of our competitors, jurors and audience; Next comes a rousing ovation to my amazing Competition Committee, whose steadfast dedication and hard work in support of me and the HHIPC year-round is astounding; Then, let me say ‘BRAVI TUTTI!’ to Maestro John Morris Russell and our own Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra for their performance in the Finals, with added kudos to my wonderful HHSO staff colleagues! And I would be remiss if I did not express sincere thanks to you--our audience members—who offer such exuberant applause to encourage each competitor. We also greatly appreciate all our generous prize sponsors, along with the many businesses who support us through program ads and contributions, both cash and in-kind. The magnificent pianos on which each competitor plays are courtesy of our Artistic Partner, Steinway & Sons, delivered directly to us from New York City. Our two glorious venues—St. Luke’s Anglican Church and First Presbyterian Church—welcome us into their homes like family, for which we are profusely thankful. And last, but far from least, we must thank all the individual donors who support us through the 88 Key Society, Pay for a Piper and other fundraising efforts. We could not thrive without their generosity, and we are most grateful for their assistance.

I know you will enjoy this exceptional week of world class music!

Steven Shaiman

Competition Director

WELCOME FROM STEINWAY & SONS

Dear Distinguished Competitor,

On behalf of Steinway & Sons, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your selection for the 2025 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Reaching this stage is a reflection of your exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and passionate effort to advance your piano artistry.

We are proud to have Steinway as the official piano of the Competition and to support an organization with such a noble mission—promoting the appreciation of classical piano music and highlighting the achievements of accomplished musicians.

I wish you all the best this week and in your future musical endeavors, and I hope your time at Hilton Head will be a memorable experience that you will treasure for many years. May your passion for the piano and its repertoire continue to grow and inspire you throughout your journey.

Best regards,

Gavin English, President

Steinway & Sons Americas

GAVIN ENGLISH

President

Steinway

& Sons Americas

Friday, March 14, 2025

St. Luke’s Anglican Church • 50 Pope Avenue

9:30 am - 4:55 pm

$20 admission for the public

Free admission for 88 Key Society and Piper members

MASTER CLASSES SCHEDULE

MORNING

9:30 – 10:15 am – Terrence Wilson

10:25 – 11:10 am – Amy Yang

11:20 – 12:05 am – Wei-Yi Yang

LECTURE/RECITAL

AFTERNOON

2:20 – 3:05 pm – HaeSun Paik

3:15 – 4:00 pm – Peter Takács

4:10 – 4:55 pm – Marina Lomazov

LECTURE/RECITAL

1:10 pm – 2:10 pm

Simone Dinnerstein, 2025 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Jury Chair, will give a Lecture/Recital entitled “PURE MUSIC: The 15 Sinfonias of J.S. Bach”

On Friday, March 14, six competitors who did not advance to the finals will have the opportunity to perform in Master Classes with one of the competition judges. Each judge will select a competitor and give a 45-minute public lesson on selections from the competitor’s competition repertoire. The pairings of judges and competitors will be announced by the Jury Chairman following the announcement of the six finalists on the evening of Thursday, March 13 at the conclusion of Round II.

thefrenchguy photography

MARCH 10 – 17, 2025

ROUND I

Monday, March 10 & Tuesday, March 11

1:30 pm - 4:35 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:05 pm

St. Luke’s Anglican Church — open seating

ROUND II

Wednesday, March 12 & Thursday, March 13

1:30 pm - 5:05 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:25 pm

St. Luke’s Anglican Church — open seating

Semi-Finalists announced Thursday at approximately 9:45 pm

MASTER CLASSES • LECTURE/RECITAL

Friday, March 14

Master Classes 9:30 am - 12:05 am

Lecture/Recital 1:10 am - 2:10 pm

Master Classes 2:20 pm - 4:55 pm

St. Luke’s Anglican Church — open seating

ROUND III – SEMI-FINALS

Saturday, March 15

1:00 pm - 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

First Presbyterian Church — reserved seating Finalists announced at approximately 9:45 pm

ROUND IV

Concerto Finals And Awards Ceremony

Monday, March 17 - 7:00 pm

3 finalists play with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

John Morris Russell, Music Director

Reception hosted by the League of the HHSO following awards

First Presbyterian Church — reserved seating

Tickets may be purchased at all Competition venues, online at www.hhipc.org, orby calling the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Office at (843) 842-2055.

• Please silence all electronic devices.

COMPETITION ETIQUETTE

• Refrain from conversation and remain in your seat during all performances.

• Audience members may enter or leave only between each competitor’s performance and not between pieces.

• Please do not applaud until each competitor has concluded the performance of the final selection of his or her program.

• Children must be eight or older and accompanied by an adult to be admitted.

• Only authorized use of cameras and recording equipment is permitted.

MOMENT MUSICAL, OP. 144

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition realizes a long-held goal this year—the commissioning of a new solo piano piece to be performed by each competitor. Many elite competitions commission new works to showcase music by living composers, and Director Steve Shaiman decided that this was a priority for the 2025 HHIPC. He felt that this would be a unique experience for our competitors, and considering that the HHIPC is one of America’s premier piano competitions, he sought to engage a premier American composer to write the piece.  We are delighted that the prolific composer/pianist Lowell Liebermann agreed to add this to his busy schedule, and the score for his new Moment Musical, Op. 144, was received in late 2024. Special thanks go to our benevolent impresarios who made this commission possible: Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel (New York) and Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson (Hilton Head).

“This is a special challenge for the artists and exciting for our sophisticated audiences! We will hear 20 world premiere performances of this piece, since it has never been played in public.”

Director Steve Shaiman

Another exciting new element this year is a special prize for best performance of this new work, and most appropriately, Mr. Liebermann himself will select the individual who receives the inaugural Jim Neumeister Memorial Prize. Jim, who passed away in 2023, was a treasured member of the HHIPC family, supporting the competition in many ways beyond financial. This special prize of $1,000 in his honor is generously sponsored by Jim’s wife Marty.

LOWELL LIEBERMANN

Composer, Pianist

At once unabashedly romantic and modern, American composer Lowell Liebermann is internationally recognized as an artist of uncommon profundity and popularity.

Mr. Liebermann has written more than 140 works in all genres, several of which have gone on to become standard repertoire for their instruments. He has composed four symphonies, a Concerto for Orchestra, three piano concertos, and concertos for many other instruments. His works have been premiered by major orchestras, including the Dallas Symphony, the National Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic. His Sonata for Flute and Piano and Gargoyles for piano are among the most popular contemporary works for their instruments. His full-length ballet Frankenstein, co-commissioned by London’s Royal Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet, has been released on Blu-Ray and DVD. Mr. Liebermann has written two full-length operas, both enthusiastically received at their premieres: The Picture of Dorian Gray, the first American opera commissioned by and premiered in 1995 by l’Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and Miss Lonelyhearts, for The Juilliard School’s 100th anniversary in 2005.

A prolific pianist, both live and in recording, Mr. Liebermann has given the world premieres of his own solo piano works as well as works by his fellow composers Ned Rorem and William Bolcom. He has been invited to serve as Composer-in-Residence for numerous distinguished organizations including the Dallas Symphony, the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Mr. Liebermann has been a faculty member of the Composition Department of the Mannes School of Music of the New School since 2012.  He was the founding conductor of the Mannes American Composers Ensemble, devoted to performing works of living American composers. Lowellliebermann.com

PERFORMANCE

PRIZE PARTNERS

(First Prize Winner)

Greenville Symphony Orchestra, SC

Lee Mills, Music Director (Concerto in 2026)

South Carolina Philharmonic, Columbia, SC

Morihiko Nakahara, Music Director (Concerto in 2026)

Savannah Music Festival, GA

Ryan McMaken, Artistic Director (Recital in 2026)

College of Charleston International Piano Series, SC

Tom Hicks, Artistic Director (Recital in 2026-27)

Green Lake Festival of Music, WI

Sam Handley, Artistic Director (Recital in 2026)

FIRST PRIZE $20,000

Underwritten by Mary & Mike Briggs and Laura & Bret Jacobowitz PLUS

• Recital at Weill Recital Hall – Carnegie Hall, New York City (Fall 2025)

• Return engagement with the HHSO and Maestro JMR (January 2026)

• Studio recording on the Steinway & Sons label (underwritten by Steinway & Sons)

• Management services for up to three years by HHIPC Director, Steven Shaiman

• Numerous performance prize engagements

SECOND PRIZE $10,000

Underwritten by Joan & Charles Dattelbaum and Mary Ann & Tarrant Putnam

THIRD PRIZE $5,000

Underwritten by Barbara Harris Sorkin

MEDALISTS

(Semifinalists)

$2,000 Underwritten by Susan & Michael Harter

$2,000 Underwritten by Mary & Chris Albright

$2,000 Underwritten by Joan & Bob Koenig and Linda & Ray Moloney

ADDITIONAL PRIZES

$1,000 Jim Neumeister Memorial Prize (Underwritten by Marty Neumeister) For Best Performance of Commissioned Work (selected by the composer)

$1,000 Sascha Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize (Underwritten by Gorodnitzki Foundation) For Most Promising Non-Finalist (Jury discretionary award)

WE FLY HIGHER TOGETHER

We’re proud to support the vibrant places we call home through our sustainable business practices and contributions to local education and community-building initiatives.

2025 Participating Schools

Confirmed at Publication

Red Cedar Elementary, Bluffton

Hilton Head Preparatory School

Hilton Head Island Elementary-IB

Hilton Head Creative Arts Academy

M.C. Riley Elementary School, Bluffton

River Ridge Academy, Bluffton

St. Francis Catholic School, HHI

St. Gregory the Great School, Bluffton

Hilton Head Christian Academy

TidePointe

The Cypress

The Seabrook

Hilton Head Rotary Club

These educational visits are made possible through a generous grant from Gulfstream Aerospace.

First offered in 2003, the Ambassador Program will again be part of the 2025 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. How does it work? Competitors will visit Beaufort County schools to perform for groups of students ranging from elementary through high school. They play selections from their competition repertoire as well as favorite indigenous works. They also interact with the students to convey information about the pieces and composers, and to engage in conversation about their musical studies and life in their home countries. Not only do these sessions assist schools in satisfying several state curricular requirements, but they can also be quite entertaining since children often ask unexpected and humorous questions! A few years ago, the HHIPC added senior-living communities to this popular community engagement program.

The Ambassador Program is another valuable opportunity for competitors to perform while they are here and to share their artistry and virtuosity in a relaxed setting with people both young and old. It also gives them a taste of the educational encounters they are likely to be involved with in the future. As for the students, it is the first time many will hear classical music or attend a LIVE musical performance of any kind.

These visits awaken musical excitement and inspire students to strive and excel at whatever endeavors they wish to accomplish. Simply put, the Ambassador Program is a central part of the HHIPC’s mission and one of the most important things we do.

The photos in this article are from school visits our BravoPiano! artists made last year (2024).

Photos by Steve Shaiman

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LIVESTREAMING

Not that long ago, most of us needed an education about streaming. Not anymore! Enthusiastically or not, we have entered the digital world of streamed entertainment.

Today, people everywhere in the world can experience the drama and excitement at the core of the HHIPC, something only live audiences could enjoy a few years ago. Streaming provides competitors an opportunity to perform for international audiences – a critically important part of advancing their careers, and a principal motivation for applying to our competition. This year’s competitors hail from ten countries. By livestreaming both the solo rounds and the concerto finals, supporters back home can participate in the excitement of watching prize-winning performances in real time.

DURING THE PAST SEVERAL COMPETITIONS, PEOPLE IN AS MANY AS 50 COUNTRIES LOGGED INTO THE HHIPC VIA STREAMING.

Our local audiences and host families also benefit from livestreaming, being able to enjoy more of the competition than they might be able to attend in person. At the times you cannot attend this week, we encourage you to livestream. It’s fun, it’s easy, and your grandchildren will be impressed!

Access the livestream on our website www.hhipc.org.

COMPETITOR SELECTION JURY UNSUNG HEROES

When the application period for the 2025 Competition closed on September 30, 2024, there were 193 submissions. You may wonder how the 20 pianists who come to Hilton Head in March are selected. This daunting responsibility rests with the Competitor Selection Jury (“CSJ”).

Competitor selection is a two-part process. First, the jurors spend six weeks or so in their hometowns reviewing all the applicants’ audition videos. None has an affiliation with any of the applicants, which is against HHIPC rules. All evaluations are done blind—jurors know the applicants only by number. They do not have access to their written applications, nor to any other information that might inadvertently introduce bias.

THE UNHERALDED BEHIND-THESCENES WORK THE CSJ DOES LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL COMPETITION.

Applicants submit at least three video files reflecting works of contrasting styles/periods totaling 20 - 30 minutes in length. At the end of the remote evaluations, the applicant pool will have been reduced somewhat if all three judges independently rated any applicants as not ready to compete at the HHIPC. At this or at any other point in the process, judges cannot see their peer’s ratings, nor do they communicate with one another.

In November, CSJ members travel to Hilton Head to complete the task. They settle into a quiet, comfortable home theater with state-of-the-art equipment. Eloise and Bob Mason, who reside in Long Cove, were this year’s gracious hosts. They listen again, sometimes more than once, to the multiple pieces of repertoire the remaining applicants have chosen to showcase their talents. At the end of two intense 10-hour days, the jury selected the 20 competitors who will be invited to play in the HHIPC, plus a slate of alternates. A numerical scoring system which all agree to in advance is employed, a system that allows for discrimination among applicants of similar talents. The rigorous, unbiased and transparent way our juries select competitors is one of the HHIPC’s acknowledged strengths in the world of international piano competitions. It has been instrumental in helping us attract both top-drawer competitors and judges.

The HHIPC is extremely grateful to this year’s Competitor Selection Jury –Alan Chow, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, and Yong Hi Moon – professionals with “great ears” whose collective effort ensures a successful Competition.

ALAN CHOW

Alan Chow won First Prize in the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, the UCLA International Piano Competition, and the Palm Beach Invitational International Piano Competition. Winner of the Silver Medal and Audience Favorite Prize at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, he was also a prizewinner in the William Kapell International Piano Competition.

A Steinway artist, Mr. Chow has performed in recital and in concert with orchestras in nearly all 50 states. His recitals have brought him to the major music centers including New York (Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, Steinway Hall), Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago (Symphony Center and Ravinia), Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Seattle, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami. Concerto performances include appearances with the National Symphony, Utah Symphony, Oakland Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic, Kansas City Symphony, and Omaha Symphony. Mr. Chow regularly tours Asia with performances in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, including performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Shanghai Philharmonic and the Pan-Asia Symphony. An avid chamber musician, he has collaborated with the American, Pacifica, Miami and Escher String Quartets and has been guest artist at the Grand Canyon Chamber Music Festival, Juneau Jazz and Classics, San Juan Islands Chamber Music Festival, Kent Blossom Music Festival, Texas Music Festival, Music Festival of Arkansas and Music Mountain. In addition, he appears in joint recital engagements in the Cheng-Chow Trio with pianists Angela Cheng and Alvin Chow.

Mr. Chow has given master classes throughout North America and Asia at conservatories, universities and summer festivals including Indiana University, Bowdoin Music Festival, New Orleans International Piano Festival, Gina Bachauer International Piano Festival, Las Vegas Piano Festival, Tunghai International Piano Festival (Taiwan), Classical Music Festival (Austria) and in Singapore. Appointed guest professor at the Central Conservatory in Beijing and honored visiting professor at the Shenyang Conservatory, he has also presented recitals, master classes, and lectures in China at the conservatories in Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian and Wuhan. An adjudicator at national and international competitions, he currently serves as the permanent Jury Chair at the New Orleans International Piano Competition.

Mr. Chow studied with Nelita True at the University of Maryland where he graduated covaledictorian with his twin brother Alvin and received the Charles Manning Prize in the Creative and Performing Arts given to the outstanding graduate; with Sascha Gorodnitzki at The Juilliard School where he was awarded the Victor Herbert Prize in Piano; and with Menahem Pressler at Indiana University where he was the recipient of the Joseph Battista Memorial Scholarship. He also studied at the Mozarteum Sommerakademie with Carlo Zecchi. Previously having served on the faculty of the University of Arkansas and Northwestern University, Mr. Chow is currently Professor of Piano and Chair of the Piano Department at the Eastman School of Music. In 2023, he was appointed Professor of Piano at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Qingdao, China as a member of their Visiting Artist Faculty.

USA, CHAIR

Yong Hi Moon made her solo debut with the Seoul Philharmonic at age 10 as winner of the National Korean Broadcasting Competition. Ms. Moon has won top prizes in the ElenaRombro Stepanow Competition in Vienna, the Viotti International Competition in Vercelli, Italy, the Vienna da Motta Competition in Lisbon, and received the Chopin Prize from the Geneva International Competition in Switzerland. Ms. Moon performs extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the US as recitalist and soloist, having appeared with the Korean National Symphony and the Osaka, Seoul, and Tokyo Philharmonics.

In 1997, Ms. Moon undertook the complete solo piano works of Schubert in both Korea and the US. The summer of 2000 marked her first extensive concert tour of Korea, which included solo recitals in five cities. In addition, she has performed with all the major orchestras in Korea and participates regularly in such festivals as the Bowdoin International Music Festival and the Art of Piano in Cincinnati among others. She has served on the juries of the Toronto, Senigallia, Gilmore, Gina Bachauer, Cleveland, and Virginia Waring International competitions. She has also served as a screening judge in the William Kapell and the Hilton Head International competitions. In March of 2014, she chaired the jury at the Seoul International Piano Competition.

Ms. Moon was a professor of piano at Michigan State University School of Music for 15 years, and since 2002 she was a professor of piano at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University until her recent retirement. Ms. Moon studied at the Vienna Academy, graduating with the highest honors. She continued her studies in London before pursuing an Artist Diploma at Indiana University.

Born and raised in Foggia, Italy, Antonio Pompa-Baldi won the Cleveland International Piano Competition in 1999 and embarked on a career that extends across five continents.  A top prizewinner at the 1998 Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition, Mr. Pompa-Baldi also won a silver medal at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Mr. Pompa-Baldi appears at the world’s major concert venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Cleveland’s Severance Hall, Milan’s Sala Verdi, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Shanghai’s Grand Theatre, and the Paris Salle Pleyel, to name a few.

With a concerto repertoire including more than 60 works, Mr. Pompa-Baldi recently performed cycles of all the Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos, the five Beethoven Piano Concertos, and both Brahms Concertos with various orchestras. In 2019, he was a returning guest at the third edition of the Lang Lang International Piano Festival in Shenzhen, China, continued his honorary guest professorship at the Beijing China Conservatory, and was named honorary professor at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music. Mr. Pompa-Baldi has recorded over 30 CDs to date, for various labels including Harmonia Mundi, Steinway, TwoPianists, Azica, Brilliants, and Centaur Records. They include the complete piano and chamber music works of Grieg, the Josef Rheinberger Piano Sonatas, the complete Hummel Piano Sonatas, and CDs dedicated to Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, Respighi, Roberto Piana, and Rachmaninoff. Mr. Pompa-Baldi has been a judge at international piano competitions such as the Cleveland, Hilton Head, e-Competition, BNDES Rio de Janeiro, and Edward Grieg, among many others. He has served as president of the jury and artistic advisor for the San Jose International Piano Competition since 2006. In 2015, Pompa-Baldi founded the Todi International Music Masters festival (Italy), of which he is Artistic Director and Faculty Member.

Mr. Pompa-Baldi is on the Piano Faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music. His students have been prizewinners in important competitions such as Marguerite Long, Hilton Head, Isang Yun, and Gina Bachauer. He is regularly invited to teach master classes in universities, music schools, and festivals in the US and around the world. Mr. Pompa-Baldi is a Steinway Artist.

YONG HI MOON

SOUTH KOREA ANTONIO POMPA-BALDI

SIMONE DINNERSTEIN

USA, CHAIR

Simone Dinnerstein is an American pianist with a distinctive musical voice. The Washington Post has called her “an artist of strikingly original ideas and irrefutable integrity.” She first came to wider public attention in 2007 through her recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, reflecting an aesthetic that was both deeply rooted in the score and profoundly idiosyncratic. She is, wrote The New York Times, “a unique voice in the forest of Bach interpretation.”

Dinnerstein has played with orchestras ranging from the New York Philharmonic and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra to the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale Rai. She has performed in venues from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to the Berlin Philharmonie, the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Seoul Arts Center and the Sydney Opera House. She has made thirteen albums with repertoire ranging from Couperin to Glass, all of which topped the Billboard classical charts and were recorded by GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Adam Abeshouse. During the pandemic she recorded three albums which form a trilogy: A Character of Quiet, An American Mosaic, and Undersong. An American Mosaic was nominated for a GRAMMY®.

In recent years, Simone has created projects that express her broad musical interests. She gave the world premiere of The Eye is the First Circle, the first multi-media production she conceived, created, and directed, which uses as source materials her father Simon Dinnerstein’s painting The Fulbright Triptych and Charles Ives’s Piano Sonata No. 2. She premiered Richard Danielpour’s An American Mosaic, a tribute to those affected by the pandemic, in a performance on multiple pianos throughout Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery. Following her recording Mozart in Havana, she brought the Havana Lyceum Orchestra from Cuba to the U.S. for the first time, performing eleven concerts. Philip Glass composed his Piano Concerto No. 3 for her, co-commissioned by twelve orchestras. Working with Renée Fleming and the Emerson String Quartet, she premiered André Previn’s and Tom Stoppard’s Penelope at the Tanglewood, Ravinia, and Aspen music festivals, and performed it at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and presented by LA Opera. She has also created her own ensemble, Baroklyn, which she directs from the keyboard.

Simone is committed to giving concerts in non-traditional venues and to audiences who don’t often hear classical music. For the last three decades, she has played concerts throughout the US for the Piatigorsky Foundation, an organization dedicated to the widespread dissemination of classical music. It was for the Piatigorsky Foundation that she gave the first piano recital in the Louisiana state prison system at the Avoyelles Correctional Center. Simone founded Neighborhood Classics in 2009, a concert series open to the public and hosted by New York City Public Schools to raise funds for their music education programs. She also created a program called Bachpacking during which she brings a digital keyboard to elementary school classrooms, helping young children get close to the music she loves.

Simone is on the piano faculty of the Mannes School of Music and is a guest host/producer of WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase.

Praised by critics as “a diva of the piano” (Salt Lake City Tribune), “a mesmerizing risk-taker” (The Plain Dealer), and “simply spectacular” (Chicago International Music Foundation), Ukrainian-American pianist Marina Lomazov has established herself as one of the most passionate and charismatic performers on the concert scene today. Following prizes in the Cleveland, William Kapell, Gina Bachauer, and Hilton Head International Piano Competitions, Ms. Lomazov has given performances throughout North and South America, Asia, England, many European countries, and in nearly all 50 states in the U.S.

Ms. Lomazov has given debuts in Weill-Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, at the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and the Kiev International Music Festival. She has performed as soloist with the Boston Pops, Rochester and Chernigov Philharmonics, Eastman Philharmonia, KUG Orchester Graz, the Bollington, Piccolo Spoleto, and Brevard Festival Orchestras, and given ten performances with the South Carolina Philharmonic, to name a few. She has recorded for the Albany, Centaur and Innova labels, and been featured on National Public Radio’s Performance Today, the Bravo cable channel and WNYC’s Young Artist Showcase. An active chamber musician, Lomazov has performed as a member of the Lomazov/Rackers Piano Duo. The duo were Second Prize winners at the Sixth Biennial Ellis Competition for Duo Pianists (2005).

Ms. Lomazov is a Professor of Piano at the Eastman School of Music. She has served as jury member for the Cleveland, Hilton Head, and Eastman International Piano Competitions among others, and is the chair of the National Panel of the organization that nominates Presidential Scholars in the arts. She served on the faculty of the University of South Carolina School of Music for 17 years, where she is currently a Visiting Guest Artist. With her husband and piano duo partner Joseph Rackers, she co-founded and serves as Co-Artistic Director of the Southeastern Piano Festival in Columbia, SC. Ms. Lomazov is a Steinway Artist.

HaeSun Paik has been hailed as a “sensitive and thinking musician first and an awesome technician second” (Los Angeles Times) with a “big and individual personality” (New York Times), whose performances are “a wonder — elastic, mercurial, charged with meaning, surprising” (Boston Globe), and “a rare example of technique actually serving both idea and feeling, head and heart” (Musical America). She garnered top prizes at international piano competitions such as the Queen Elisabeth, Leeds, William Kapell, and the Tchaikovsky. She performed with orchestras including the Boston, National, London, City of Birmingham, Belgium National, Osaka, NHK, and KBS Symphony Orchestras, the Munich, Radio France, Tokyo, Warsaw, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestras, and the Russian National Orchestra, among others. Ms. Paik has appeared frequently in recitals at prestigious venues throughout the U.S. including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and Jordan Hall. Her international tours have brought her to major concert halls around the globe, and she has appeared at numerous music festivals throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, and the US.

One of the most sought-after pedagogues in Korea, Ms. Paik was the youngest pianist of her generation to be appointed as a music professor at Seoul National University, where she taught for ten years. She was on the piano faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music and currently is a member of the piano faculty at New England Conservatory (NEC). She is an artist-in-residence at the Catholic University of Daegu and serves as the Artistic Director of the Busan Music Festival in Korea. She gives master classes at institutions and festivals worldwide and has served as a juror in many international competitions. At the age of 14, M. Paik came to the U.S. to study with Wha Kyung Byun. She attended NEC, earning Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and an Artist Diploma.

MARINA LOMAZOV

UKRAINE/USA

HAESUN PAIK

SOUTH KOREA

PETER TAKÁCS

Hailed by the New York Times as “a marvelous pianist,” Peter Takács has performed widely, receiving critical and audience acclaim for his penetrating and communicative musical interpretations. He was born in Bucharest, Romania, starting his musical studies before his fourth birthday. After his debut recital at age seven, he was a frequent recitalist in his native city until his parents’ request for immigration to the West, at which point his performances were banned. He continued studying clandestinely until his family was finally allowed to immigrate to France, where, at age 14, he was admitted to the Conservatoire de Paris.

Upon Takács’ arrival in the United States, his outstanding musical talents continued to be recognized with full scholarships to Northwestern University and the University of Illinois, and a three-year fellowship for doctoral studies at the Peabody Conservatory, where he completed his artistic training with renowned pianist Leon Fleisher.

Takács has performed as guest soloist with major orchestras in the U.S. and abroad, as well as at important summer festivals. He has performed and recorded the cycle of 32 Beethoven piano sonatas, which were released on the Cambria label to critical acclaim in 2011. Takács’ success as a teacher is attested to by the accomplishments of his students, who have won top prizes in competitions in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South Africa. Takács has given master classes in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has been a jury member at prestigious national and international competitions such as the San Antonio International Keyboard Competition, the Canadian National Competition, the Cleveland International Piano Competition, and the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Takács joined Oberlin’s faculty in 1976, retiring last year after 48 years.

Acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun as “one of the biggest pianistic talents to have emerged in this country in the last 25 years,” Terrence Wilson has appeared as soloist with the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Washington, DC (National Symphony), San Francisco, St. Louis, and with the orchestras of Cleveland, Minnesota, and Philadelphia and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

An active recitalist, Mr. Wilson made his New York recital debut at the 92nd Street Y, and his Washington, DC recital debut at The Kennedy Center. In Europe he has given recitals at the Verbier in Switzerland, in Paris, and countless other major venues. In the U.S. he has given recitals at Lincoln Center, the Ravinia and Caramoor festivals, San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre, and for the La Jolla Chamber Music Society. An appearance with the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra on July 4, 2015, attracted an audience of over 15,000. He has served as piano faculty at Brevard Music Center and has been a resident teaching artist at Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute.

Mr. Wilson has received numerous awards and prizes, including the SONY ES Award for Musical Excellence, an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the Juilliard Petschek Award. He has been featured on several radio and television broadcasts, including NPR’s Performance Today, WQXR in New York, and programs on the BRAVO Network, the Arts & Entertainment Network, public television, and as a guest on late night network television. In 2011, Wilson was nominated for a GRAMMY® in the category of “Best Instrumental Soloist with an Orchestra” for his world premiere recording with the Nashville Symphony of Michael Daugherty’s Deus ex Machina for piano and orchestra–written for Wilson in 2007.

He is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky. He has also enjoyed the invaluable mentorship by the Romanian pianist and teacher Zitta Zohar. A native of the Bronx, he resides in Montclair, New Jersey. In March 2021, Wilson was appointed to the piano faculty at Bard College Conservatory of Music.

Praised by the Washington Post as a “jaw-dropping pianist who steals the show…with effortless finesse,” Amy Yang is a faculty member and the Associate Dean of Piano Studies and Artistic Initiatives at the Curtis Institute of Music.

Her commitment to artistry and leadership is expressed on and off stage, as she appears as soloist, chamber musician, and a pedagogue passionate about empowering young artists who will uphold the art form. She has appeared as a soloist with the Houston Symphony, and presented recitals for Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Texas Music Festival, Kosciuszko Foundation and Coastal Concerts. She has premiered and recorded music by Caroline Shaw, Avner Dorman, Michael Hersch, Ezra Laderman, and Ricard Danielpour, and commissioned works from Alistair Coleman, Edward Babcock, and Hua Yang.

She has performed in venues such as Wigmore Hall and Carnegie’s Recital Hall, and also at the Marlboro, Ravinia, Aldeburgh, Bravo! Vail, Chelsea, Olympic, and Ojai music festivals among others. An episode about her by Emmy® award-winning producer Jim Cotter’s Articulate show aired on PBS in 2021. Ms. Yang is an alumna of the Curtis Institute of Music, The Juilliard School, and the Yale School of Music. Her past teachers include Li Qing, Timothy Hester, Claude Frank, Robert McDonald, and Peter Frankl. Ardent to champion young voices, her own students have soloed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and entered Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Bard Conservatory, Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Peabody Institute, and Indiana University. She has given master classes at numerous universities and music schools and for the New York Youth Symphony. She won the 2018 Musical Fund Society prize and the Kosciuszko National Chopin Piano Competition.

Wei-Yi Yang has received worldwide acclaim for his captivating performances and imaginative programming. Winner of the Gold Medal at the San Antonio International Piano Competition, he has performed at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and across America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. His debut at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium as the soloist in Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie was hailed by The New York Times as “sensational.”

Wei-Yi Yang has presented master classes and performances in Scotland, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Mexico, Serbia, and Montenegro, among other countries around the world. Mr. Yang’s performances have been featured on NPR, PBS, RAI, ARTE, the ABC, and on recordings for such labels as Genuin, Hyperion, Naxos, Albany Records, Renegade Classics, and the Holland-America Music Society.

A dynamic chamber musician with a diverse repertoire, Mr. Yang is a frequent guest artist at festivals in Italy, Spain, Serbia, Monterrey, Mexico, Germany, Montenegro, the Netherlands and California, as well as the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in Connecticut. He has collaborated with such esteemed ensembles as the Imani Winds, the Brentano, Miro, Dover, Pacifica, and Tokyo string quartets, among numerous others. Mr. Yang has curated inventive interdisciplinary projects, including a collaboration with actress Miriam Margolyes as part of the “Dickens’ Women” world tour; lecture/recitals on the confluence of Czech music and literature; and multimedia performances of Granados’ monumental piano suite Goyesca. He is a founding member of the Soyulla Ensemble, which received the prestigious McKnight Fellowship and recently made its debut at Alice Tully Hall.

Born in Taiwan of Chinese and Japanese heritage, Mr. Yang studied first in the United Kingdom and then in America with renowned Russian pianist Arkady Aronovat at the Manhattan School of Music and with Boris Berman at Yale. In 2004, he received his doctorate from Yale University, where he joined the School of Music’s faculty in 2005 and serves as Professor of Piano and Chair of the DMA Committee.

JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL

John Morris Russell’s embrace of America’s unique voice and musical stories has transformed how orchestral performances connect and engage with audiences. In his twelfth season as Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, he continues to invigorate the musical life of the Lowcountry as conductor, collaborator, and educator, and leads the orchestra’s classical subscription series as well as the prestigious Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Mr. Russell concurrently serves as Conductor of the worldrenowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has enjoyed unprecedented artistic growth under Maestro Russell’s leadership and performs regularly throughout the region. Under his guidance the HHSO has sparked collaborations with regional ensembles and performers that continue to widen its reach, including Georgia Southern University, Claflin University, Charleston Southern University, Hilton Head Dance Theatre, The Sherrill Milnes VOICExperience, Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio, Legacy Irish Dance Academy, Abeni Cultural Arts Performing Dance Studio, Savannah Children’s Choir, Historic Savannah Theater, American Traditions Competition, I Cantori, May River High School Schola Cantorum, Effingham County High School Chorus, and members of the Parris Island Marine Band.

A popular guest conductor, Maestro Russell has worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, and the National Symphony of Washington, D.C. He frequently conducts Canadian orchestras including Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, and has led the orchestras of Pittsburgh, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Minnesota, as well as the Utah, Oregon, Colorado, and New Jersey symphonies, and the New York City Ballet. This season JMR will make his debut with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted new works with Cincinnati Opera, including its first production of Hans Krása’s Brundebar, and the world premiere of Blind Injustice, which was released on CD in 2021. His work with the Cincinnati Pops has included concert productions of The Music Man and Ragtime as well as numerous live/film presentations.

For over a decade, Maestro Russell has regularly led the National Orchestral Institute and Festival in College Park, Maryland, one of the nation’s premiere training orchestras. In 2024 JMR and the NOI collaborated with Wolf Trap Opera on a production of Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins in a program that was also performed here with the HHSO in February. Dedicated to sharing the American musical experience with new generations, he helped develop and conducted the Link Up educational concert series at Carnegie Hall, a continuation of the program launched by Walter Damrosch in 1891 and continued under Leonard Bernstein. He leads the fourth year of Link Up programs in the Lowcountry with the HHSO this spring.

A GRAMMY®-nominated artist, JMR has worked with leading performers from across a variety of musical genres, including Aretha Franklin, Emanuel Ax, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, Garrick Ohlsson, Rhiannon Giddens, Hilary Hahn, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Cynthia Erivo, Sutton Foster, George Takei, Steve Martin, Brian Wilson, Leslie Odom, Jr., Lea Salonga, Paul Shaffer, Norm Lewis, and Mandy Gonzalez. This season, he will work with Rick Steves on a national PBS broadcast of “Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey.”

Maestro Russell earned degrees from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Williams College in Massachusetts, and has studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Music Director Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

Tina Guitierrez

2025 CONCERTO FINALS ORCHESTRA

VIOLIN I

Micah Gangwer, Concertmaster

Aldine W. Schroeder Memorial Chair

Karel Abo

Jean S. Wolff Chair in memory of Alfred W. Wolff

Ann Cafferty

Tomas Jakubek

Gerome Stewart

Rafe Goldman

Angela Loizides

Corey Mike

Christian Zamora

Thiago Formiga

VIOLIN II

Brian Allen, Principal

Jason Economides

Catherine Klimhoff Hardy

Marina Volynets

Mario Incorvaia

Barbara Borg

Seth Gangwer

Ricardo Ochoa

VIOLA

Lizhou Liu, Principal

Mary & Michael Briggs Chair

Jeffrey Watson

Vasily Gorkovoy

Matthew Peebles

Viara Stefanova

Sprite Crawford

CELLO

Daniel Mumm, Principal

Ellen & Charles Taylor Chair

Cynthia Sulko

Barbara Altman

Mary Ann Watson

Leah Dutton

Timothy O’Malley

BASS

Maurice Belle, Principal

Ann & Michael Waters in memory of Ruth A. & Robert C. Waters

Joe Farley

Vadim Volynets

Branka Ivanovic

FLUTE

Lorraine Jones, Principal

Erna B. Graver Memorial Chair

Tacy Edwards

OBOE

Kelly Mozeik, Acting Principal

Patty & Dave Ekedahl Chair

Kelly Odell

CLARINET

Charles Messersmith, Principal

Marge & Paul Coble Chair in memory of Don E. Coble

Russell Floyd, Co-Principal

ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN

Jason Economides

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Rafe Goldman

STAGE MANAGER

Mitchell Madison

EQUIPMENT CREW CHIEF

Alexi Turner

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN AUDIO, VIDEO & LIGHTING

Joe Chappell

AUDIO AND STREAMING ENGINEER

Alan Bise

VIDEO RECORDING ENGINEER

Mark Gilmour

BASSOON

Katherine St. John, Principal

Doris & Willis Shay Chair

Sandra Nikolajevs

HORN

Stephanie Mason, Principal

Liz & Walt Schymik Chair in memory of Catherine B. Kaufman

Brandon Nichols

Debra Sherrill-Ward

Anne Holmi

TRUMPET

Paul Lott, Principal

Nancy & John Diamond Chair

Antonio Marti

TROMBONE

Carl Polk, Principal

Lin & Robert Rada Chair

Mark Spradley

Hollie Lawing Pritchard

TUBA

Christopher Bluemel, Principal

Dr. William P. and Judy F. Thorpe Chair in honor of Richard Heyman, M.D.

TIMPANI

Denis Petrunin, Acting Principal Marianne and George Krall Chair

PERCUSSION

Stephen Primatic, Principal

Sandy & Fred Caswell Chair

Mathew Fallin

KEYBOARD

Mary Ellen and Jack McConnell Chair

HARP

League of Hilton Head Orchestra Chair

PIOTR ALEXEWICZ

COUNTRY – Poland

AGE – 24

HOST FAMILY – Cynthia and George Gorski-Popiel

Piotr Alexewicz, born in 2000, graduated from The Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław under Professor Paweł Zawadzki. He is currently advancing his studies with Professor Konstantin Scherbakov at Zurich University of the Arts. Alexewicz gained international recognition as a semifinalist in the XVIII International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, where he was awarded the Professor Zbigniew Drzewiecki Prize. His competition successes also include winning First Prize twice at the Chopin Competition in Warsaw and the Grand Prix at the 3rd International Ville de Gagny Piano Competition in Paris, as well as Second Prize at the Lipatti Piano Competition in Bucharest. In 2024, Alexewicz won the Concerto Competition at the PianoTexas Festival, performing Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Miguel Harth-Bedoya. He was also named one of the three winners of the prestigious Schenk Competition in Switzerland.

Alexewicz’s recording career includes several notable albums, released by the Chopin National Institute. In 2021, he was honored with the inaugural "Young Promoter of Poland" award by Poland's First Lady, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, for his outstanding contributions in promoting Polish culture.

He has performed in many renowned concert halls, including the Berliner Philharmonie, Salle Cortot, National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, NFM Wrocław, University Hall in Poznań, Teatro Nacional in Brasília, Sala São Paulo, Van Cliburn Concert Hall, Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, ACROS Fukuoka Concert Hall, Symphony Hall in Osaka, and Musashino Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo.

ROUND I

Brahms Scherzo in E-flat minor, Op. 4

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Prokofiev Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28

ROUND II

Respighi Six Piano Pieces: No. 3 Notturno, No.1 Valse Caressante, No. 6 Intermezzo-Serenata, P. 44

Liszt Après une lecture du Dante (Fantasia quasi Sonata VII), S. 161

ROUND III

Schumann Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17

Chopin Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35

ROUND IV

Chopin

Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21

Pianist Yanfeng (Tony) Bai is an international prizewinner, recently winning Third Prize and the Audience Award at the Olga Kern International Piano Competition, First Prize at the China Shenzhen International Piano Concerto Competition, Third Prize at the Gotrian International Piano Competition in Germany, and Best Performance Prize at the American Paderewski International Piano Competition. He won First Prize twice at the Concerto Competition of the Morningside Music Bridge International Music Festival. Strings Magazine mentioned his performance as “gorgeous playing.” Mr. Bai is also an accomplished chamber musician. He was a member of the MOCC piano quintet when they won First Prize at the China Hummingbird Music Award Chamber Music Competition. He is a founding member of Trio Azura, which in 2024 won the Grand Prize and Gold Medal in the 51st Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Trio Azura was also awarded the Lift Every Voice Prize, and the Horszowski Trio Prize.

Mr. Bai has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Calgary Philharmonic, the China Philharmonic, the Orchestra Antonio Vivaldi, and the New Mexico Philharmonic. He has collaborated with leading conductors including James Conlon, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Peter Bay, and Daye Lin, among others. He has given multiple recitals in the United States, Italy, Spain, and China. He is a Guest Artist of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Bai is currently an Artist Diploma of Music candidate at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he studies with Fabio Bidini. He graduated from the Colburn school with Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees. He attended the middle school attached to the China Central Conservatory of Music. Previous teachers include Jin Zhang, with whom he studied in China before coming to Los Angeles.

ROUND I

Bach/Liszt Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144 Rachmaninoff Études-Tableaux: No.1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 6, Op. 33

ROUND II

Mendelssohn Songs without Words: No. 1, Op.19b, Nos. 2 & 4, Op. 67

Barber Sonata in E-flat minor, Op. 26

ROUND III

Brahms Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 21, No. 1

Debussy Images: Book 1, No. 1 Reflets dans l'eau, L. 110 Scriabin Twelve Études, Op. 8

ROUND IV

Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18

YANFENG (TONY) BAI

COUNTRY – China

AGE – 26

HOST FAMILY – Ingrid and Craig Boatright

YANGRUI CAI

COUNTRY – China

AGE – 24

HOST FAMILY – Barbara and Jay Ellis

Chinese pianist Yangrui Cai began piano studies at age four. From 8 to12, he studied with Jay Sun, continuing with Dr. Vivian Li of the Xinghai Conservatory until college. In 2016, he was admitted to the Xinghai Conservatory Middle School with a first-place ranking in the national auditions. He has since taken top prizes in all the major competitions in China.

Yangrui has won prizes at major international competitions including the Sendai International Music Competition, the 9th Bösendorfer & Yamaha USASU Competition for Young Artists, and the Sydney International Piano Competition. He distinguished himself at the Cliburn International Piano Competition (2022) with an impressive performance. In 2023, he was awarded Fourth Prize at The Ljubljana Festival International Piano Competition (Slovenia) and First Prize at the Japan Piano Open International Competition.

Yangrui has given solo recitals in China, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Italy, France, Canada, and the United States. He has appeared as a soloist with the Hangzhou, Sendai, Azerbaijan, Guangzhou, RTV Slovenia, and Armenian Symphony Orchestras, the Hong Kong Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, the TIMM Ensemble in Italy, and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. He has been awarded full scholarships to several music festivals including Morningside Music Bridge and Tanglewood. He has performed in master classes with Dmitri Bashkirov, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Lev Natochenny, Michel Dalberto, Krzysztof Jablonski, Peter Donohoe, Chengzong Yin, Thai Son Dang, Horacio Gutirrez, Robert Spano, and Yefim Bronfman.

After graduating with distinction from the Middle School of Xinghai Conservatory in 2019, Yangrui was admitted to several conservatories in the United States with full scholarships. He recently received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory and is pursuing his Master of Music degree at Park University under the tutelage of world-renowned pianist Professor Stanislav Ioudenitch.

ROUND I

Couperin Quatrième Livre de Pièces de Clavecin (25e Ordre): No. 5 Les Ombres Errantes Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144 Wagner/Liszt Overture from Tannhäuser, S. 442

ROUND II

Bach Toccata in D Major, BWV 912

Stravinsky Three Movements from Petrushka

ROUND III

Prokofiev Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75 Ravel Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55

ROUND IV

Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26

Dominic Chamot was born in Cologne in 1995. He is the winner of the Viotti, Ferrol, and CIPCE competitions, as well as six others. He has won 24 additional prizes and awards at competitions such as Maria-Canals, Brescia Classica, and many more.

He studied with Professor Sheila Arnold in Cologne and with Claudio MartinezMehner in Basel. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Specialized Performance (Soloist) with top grades and honors. At the end of his studies with Zoltan Fejervari, he won the award for the best recital of the year at the renowned Basel Music Academy. Since 2024 he takes lessons from Rena Shereshevskaya as part of the Élite Programme at the École Normale de Musique in Paris.

Mr. Chamot has performed concerts in over 15 countries on four continents, recently performing multiple times at the Berlin Philharmonie and playing with the WDR Symphony Orchestra as a soloist at the Cologne Philharmonie. After these successes, invitations followed from orchestras throughout Germany, as well as the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, ORF Symphony Orchestra Vienna, and the Sinfonica di Galicia among others. He has collaborated with conductors including Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Cornelius Meister, Joseph Bastian, and others.

Mr. Chamot is in high demand as a chamber musician. He is often invited to festivals including Gstaad, Davos, Schwetzinger Mozartfest, and MecklenburgVorpommern) and performs regularly with musicians from Switzerland's top orchestras including Tonhalle Zurich and the Lucerne and Basel Symphony Orchestras, among others. Mr. Chamot has released a duo CD with Sérgio Pires, principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra. Other chamber music partners include Kian Soltani, Sirena Huang, Lisa Jacobs, Joe Christophe, Anna Agafia Egholm, and others.

ROUND I

Bartók Szabadban (Out of Doors), Sz. 81 Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

ROUND II

Rachmaninoff Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42

Ravel La valse, M. 72

ROUND III

Chopin/Liszt Six Chants Polonais, S. 480

Liszt Sonata in B minor, S. 178

ROUND IV

Liszt Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125

DOMINIC CHAMOT

COUNTRY – Switzerland/Germany

AGE – 29

HOST FAMILY – Maggy-Pierre Pelissier

JIARUI CHENG

COUNTRY – China

AGE – 26

HOST FAMILY – Elizabeth and Edward Simmons

Jiarui Cheng is known for his compelling blend of artistic refinement and technical brilliance. Hailed for his deep affinity with a wide range of stylistic traditions, he has performed as a soloist across China, the United States, and Europe, earning recognition for his interpretative depth, commanding stage presence, and pianistic virtuosity.

Born in Nanjing, China, Cheng began his formal training at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Affiliated Music School, where he studied with Professor Jin Tang. He pursued advanced studies under Kathryn Brown and currently works under the mentorship of Stanislav Ioudenitch, gold medalist of the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

As a concerto soloist, Cheng has collaborated with distinguished orchestras. He was featured in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert. He has also been a soloist with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra. In 2023, he was a prizewinner of the ISANGYUN International Piano Competition, performing with the Tongyeong Music Festival Orchestra. That same year, he was named winner of the Aspen Concerto Competition leading to a performance with the Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra. Cheng has also distinguished himself in numerous international competitions. He is a prizewinner of the Scriabin International Piano Competition and the National Piano Competition in Shanghai. He was a semifinalist at both the Cleveland and the Santander International Piano Competitions.

A passionate and versatile musician, Cheng’s repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary works, showcasing his interpretative depth and stylistic flexibility. As he continues to develop his career, he remains committed to artistic growth, exploring new repertoire and deepening his engagement with audiences worldwide.

ROUND I

Bach

Toccata in C minor, BWV 911 Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Saint-Saëns/Liszt/Horowitz Danse Macabre in G minor, Op. 40

ROUND II

Haydn Sonata in F Major, Hob. XVI/23

Rachmaninoff/Horowitz Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op.36 ROUND III

Beethoven

Andante favori in F Major, WoO 57 Brahms

ROUND IV

Rachmaninoff

Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5

Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30

South Korean pianist Choi Changhwan graduated from Seonhwa Arts Middle and High School and completed his studies at Yonsei University on a full scholarship. During his middle and high school years, he was selected as a Seonhwa Piano Society Scholar which contributed to his musical development. At university, he received the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Cultural Arts Scholarship, supporting his academic and artistic pursuits. He also received the Excellence Award from Seonhwa Arts School for his outstanding academic and musical achievements.

Choi has distinguished himself in numerous national and international piano competitions. He won First Prize at the Korean Chopin Competition, Second Prize at the Overseas Delegation Competition, and Third Prize and Best Performance Prize at the Kawai International Competition. Additionally, he won Third Prize at the Premio Toscana Casina International Competition and Second Prize at both the Samhik/Zyler Piano Competition and the Eumyeon Competition.

Choi has performed at many prestigious venues including Steinway Hall, Tonguidong Classical Young Artist Concert, Kawai Omotesando Hall, and Kumho Art Hall. He has also performed with the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation On-Dream Ensemble at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, allowing him to share his music with wider audiences and to continue his artistic growth. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Music in Münster under Arnulf von Arnim.

CHANG-HWAN CHOI

COUNTRY – South Korea

AGE – 29

HOST FAMILY – Judy and Joe Gimbel

ROUND I

Chopin Nocturne in D-flat Major No. 2, Op. 27

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op.144

Dutilleux Piano Sonata, III "Choral et variations," Op. 1

ROUND II

Haydn Sonata No. 60 in C Major, Hob. XVI/50

Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52

ROUND III

Beethoven Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op.109

Prokofiev Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op. 82

ROUND IV

Beethoven Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

HUAN-CHING CHOU

COUNTRY – Taiwan

AGE – 21

HOST FAMILY – Pam and Peter Cooper

Born in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, pianist Huan-Ching Chou continues to develop his artistry through performances in recent years. A top prizewinner at numerous international competitions, he was awarded the Third and Best Prokofiev prizes at the 2024 Spotlight International Piano Competition. That year, he became the youngest finalist at Taiwan’s 36th Chi-Mei Arts Award and represented his artistry at the 19th Ettlingen International Piano Competition in Germany. His earlier achievements include First Prizes at the Philadelphia International Piano Competition (2021) and the Singapore International Youth Piano Competition (2017).

Huan-Ching is an active soloist and collaborative musician, captivating audiences at venues such as The Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City, the Steinway Piano Gallery in Toronto, and the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. In recent summers, his performances have also been a highlight at celebrated festivals including the Aspen Music Festival and School, Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, and the Oxford Piano Festival, where he participated as a full scholarship recipient. Earlier, during the global pandemic, he also took part in the Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy and the Gijón International Piano Festival in Spain, continuing to refine his artistry through these valuable opportunities.

Besides performing, Huan-Ching is also a recording artist. In May 2023, his debut studio album was released worldwide on major music platforms, featuring substantial works by composers ranging from Haydn to Kapustin. Currently, Huan-Ching is pursuing his Bachelor of Music degree under the tutelage of Mr. Jerome Lowenthal at The Juilliard School. Coming to Hilton Head Island, he looks forward to connecting with new audiences while enjoying the town’s natural beauty and charm.

ROUND I

Haydn Sonata No. 62 in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI/52

Prokofiev Four Études, Op. 2

ROUND II

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Beethoven Fantasia for Piano, Op. 77

Liszt Mephisto Waltz, No. 1, S. 514

ROUND III

Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61

Chopin Twelve Études, Op. 25

ROUND IV

Mendelssohn Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Samuel Glicklich is currently a Master of Music candidate at the Colburn Conservatory where he studies with Fabio Bidini. He is also mentored by Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Samuel was awarded Second Prize in the Casagrande International Piano Competition in Terni, Italy (2022). He was the winner of the 2022 Colburn School Concerto Competition. In addition, he was recently awarded the “Young Talents” scholarship from the Musique & Vin au Clos Vougeot Festival in France, co-directed by Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Gautier Capuçon. Samuel was also a solo finalist in the 2023 Busoni Piano Competition. In previous years, Samuel was awarded Third Prize at the Singapore International Piano Competition (2021), was a prizewinner in the 2021 Canada International Piano Competition, was a Gold medalist in the Seattle International Piano Competition, won First Prize in the Glendale Piano Competition, and was the winner of the Aspen Music Festival Concerto Competition.

Samuel has collaborated frequently with world renowned pianist Jean Yves Thibaudet. They’ve given performances at the Argyros Performing Arts Center as well as the Wallis Center for the Performing Arts. He also collaborated with world renowned cellist Gautier Capuçon at the Musique & Vin au Clos Vougeot Festival. Samuel has also collaborated with American composer Eric Whitacre, where he was the featured pianist on Whitacre’s most recent virtual choir, “Sing Gently.” Sam has also performed at Carnegie Hall as a guest of the radio show From the Top, at Benaroya Hall, and at The Bing Theater at the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of the Arts for the radio broadcast Sundays Live.

SAMUEL GLICKLICH

COUNTRY – United States

AGE – 24

HOST FAMILY – Lou Drucker

ROUND I

Bach Toccata in C minor, BWV 911

Busoni Variations on a Chopin Prelude, BV 213a

ROUND II

Haydn Variations in F minor, Hob. XVII/6

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Gubaidulina Chaconne

ROUND III

Clementi Sonata in B minor, Op. 40, No. 2

Schumann Symphonic Études, Op. 13

ROUND IV

Prokofiev Concerto No. 3 in C Major

DEREK HARTMAN

COUNTRY – United States

AGE – 27

HOST FAMILY – Jan and Bill Raisch

Pianist Derek Hartman has established an international career as a versatile performer, a dedicated educator, and an enthusiastic advocate for music. He has performed on stages across the United States and Europe, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Milwaukee, WI, and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, FL. Hartman has appeared as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Clara Schumann Philharmonic, and he has received top prizes in the Washington International Piano Competition, the Chicago International Piano Competition, the PianoArts North American Piano Competition, and the Music Teachers’ National Association Young Artist Piano Competition.

An avid chamber musician, Hartman has collaborated with such internationally renowned artists as the Amernet Quartet, violist Jordan Bak, and flutist András Adorján, and he is a regular Faculty-Artist of the ContemporArt Chamber Music Festival in Satu Mare, Romania.

Hartman is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the Yale School of Music. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University. His teachers include Boris Slutsky, Dr. James Giles, Dr. Paul Wirth, and Dr. Sarah Miller. In 2024, Hartman was appointed Lecturer of Piano at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. He is an active member of the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, and he frequently collaborates with PianoArts of Wisconsin to design and present music education programs.

ROUND I

Schumann Toccata in C Major, Op. 7

Barber Sonata in E-flat minor, Op. 26

ROUND II

Mozart Sonata in D Major, K. 311

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Scriabin Sonata No. 4, Op. 30

ROUND III

Debussy Estampes, L. 100

Rachmaninoff Preludes, Op. 23

ROUND IV

Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

Saebeom Lee is a 29-year-old Korean virtuoso pianist. His successes in competitions include the Grand Prize in The Korean Liszt Competition (2013) and First Prize in the Seoul Arts High School Competition (2013). He also won First Prize in the Sungjung National Competition (2013), First Prize in the CBS Competition (2012), and Second Prize in the Korean Chopin Competition (2010). He was named a semifinalist at the 8th Sendai International Competition in Japan and the Tbilisi International Competition in Georgia, both in 2022. To date, he has been invited to perform in numerous important international competitions, such as ARD, Long Thibaud, Busoni, Seoul, and Sendai. Saebeom performs regularly around the world. He has performed on stages such as the Philharmonie in Berlin, Hitachi System Hall in Sendai, Japan, Franz Liszt Museum in Budapest, Musikhuest in Aarhus, Denmark, Salle Cortot in Paris, Casa da Música in Porto, V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire Grand Hall in Georgia, and Stevenson Hall in Glasgow, Scotland.

He graduated from Yewon Arts Middle School in 2011, Seoul Arts High School in 2014, and studied with Ian Yungwook Yoo at Yonsei University. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees under Professor Björn Lehmann at the Universität der Künste Berlin. Currently, he is studying for the Konzertexamen Degree at Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock with Professor Matthias Kirschnereit.

SAEBEOM LEE

COUNTRY – South Korea

AGE – 29

HOST FAMILY – Laura and Bret Jacobowitz

ROUND I

Liszt Après une Lecture de Dante (Fantasia Quasi Sonata VII), S. 161 Chopin Étude No.1 in C Major, Op. 10 Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

ROUND II

Haydn Sonata No. 62 in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI/52 Bartók Piano Sonata, Sz. 80

ROUND III

Scarlatti Sonata in E Major, K. 380 Schumann Novelette No. 8 in F-sharp minor, Op. 21 Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

ROUND IV

Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23

JINHONG LI

COUNTRY - China

AGE – 30

HOST FAMILY – Jill Mulvihill

Jinhong Li has performed in many important concerts all over the world as both a soloist and a collaborative pianist. He made his public debut with an orchestra when he was 14. Since then, he has given recitals and concerto performances throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. The orchestras he has worked with include the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Solisti di Perugia, Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra Xiamen Theater, the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, and Uzbekistan National Symphony.

Jinhong has received many prizes and awards at home and abroad, including Third Prize at Hilton Head’s inaugural Young Artists Piano Competition (2011). He has received awards in many other competitions including the China Shenzhen International Piano Concerto Competition (2011), the Sydney International Piano Competition (2012), the KAWAI Asian Youth Piano Competition (2013), the China Music Golden Bell Award piano competition (2013), among others. In 2017, he won Third Prize at the Île de France International Piano Competition.

Born in Shenyang, China, Jinhong started to learn his instrument at the age of five. He studied with the Director of the Piano Department of the Central Conservatory of Music, Danwen Wei. From 2014 to 2018 he studied under Stanislav Ioudenitch with a full scholarship to Park University in Missouri. In 2018, he was admitted to The Juilliard School for the Master of Music degree and studied with Hung-Kuan Chen there. In 2020, he entered the Eastman School of Music for his doctoral degree with Dr. Douglas Humpherys.

ROUND I

Liszt Totentanz, S. 525

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

ROUND II

Haydn Sonata No. 56 in D Major, Hob. XVI/42

Barber Sonata in E-flat minor, Op. 26

ROUND III

Bolcom Nine Bagatelles

Scriabin Fantasy in B minor, Op. 28

Liszt Sonata in B minor, S. 178

ROUND IV

Beethoven Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

Graduating with highest honors from the Turin Conservatory “G. Verdi” in Turin with Professor Claudio Voghera and from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg under the guidance of Professor Aleksandar Madzar. Francesco is currently studying at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg in the class of Jacques Rouvier.

An important contribution to his artistic growth have been encounters with musicians such as Pavel Gililov (with whom he worked numerous times during the Intensive Weeks organized by the Musikakademie Liechtenstein, supported by a scholarship), Roberto Plano (with whom he had the opportunity to study over the past two years at the Pinerolo Music Academy), Arie Vardi, Gabriele Carcano, and Benedetto Lupo. Winner of the Elisa Meyer Competition (2021), he recently stood out as a semifinalist at the Karol Szymanowski International Competition and the Bremen European Piano Competition. Throughout his studies, he has been supported by scholarships from DeSono Associazione per la Musica and the Ritter Foundation.

Francesco has performed in various venues in Italy and abroad, including the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Sendesaal in Bremen, the Lingotto Theater in Turin, the Bibliotheksaal Polling in Munich, and the Cultural Hall in Manama (Bahrein).

FRANCESCO MACCARRONE

COUNTRY – Italy

AGE – 27

HOST FAMILY – Scott Camp and Patsy Brison

ROUND I

Schubert Klavierstücke No. 2 in E-flat Major, D. 946

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Szymanowski Variations in B-flat minor, Op. 3

ROUND II

Scarlatti Sonata in C Major K. 460

Scarlatti Sonata in G Major, K. 125

Ravel Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55

ROUND III

Auerbach 24 Preludes, No. 5 in D Major, Op. 41

Mozart Fantasia in D minor, K. 397

Chopin 24 Préludes, Op. 28

ROUND IV

Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

JONATHAN MAK

COUNTRY – Canada

AGE – 27

HOST FAMILY – Kathy Taylor

Winner of the 2024 Inaugural Concours international de musique de SorelTracy, Jonathan Mak made his orchestra debut at the age of 4. Since then, he has been a guest soloist with numerous orchestras, most notably the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. In addition to his win at the Sorel-Tracy competition, Jonathan's recent accomplishments include the Grand Prize at the 2023 Bader & Overton Canadian Piano Competition, Grand Prize at the 2023 Plowman Chamber Music Competition with Trio Menil, First Prize at the 2024 Tuesday Musical Club’s Young Artists Competition, and Third Prize in the OSM Competition. Jonathan received special prizes at the Ljubljana Festival International Piano Competition (Slovenia), and the Maj Lind International Piano Competition (Finland). He also participated in the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Named as one of CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30,” Jonathan is a recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts Michael Measures award and the Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award, along with the 2023 Walter Prystawski Prize.

Jonathan has been invited to perform at various festivals including the Bravo! Vail Festival, Festival of the Sound in Ontario, Ottawa Chamberfest, and the Edinburgh International Festival. An advocate for community outreach, Jonathan is an alumnus of DACAMERA’s Young Artist Program, a fellowship program for emerging professional instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers that serves the Houston community.

Jonathan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Rice University with Jon Kimura Parker. He began his studies with Aster Lai in Toronto and holds Master of Music and Master of Musical Arts degrees from the Yale School of Music, studying with Boris Slutsky. He received his bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Dr. Daniel Shapiro, with minors in viola and German.

ROUND I

Schumann Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

ROUND II

Prokofiev Sonata No. 8 in B-flat Major, Op. 84

ROUND III

Beethoven Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10, No. 2

Brahms Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5

ROUND IV

Beethoven Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73

Acclaimed for his “most assured pianism” (The Dallas Morning News) and “larger than life [playing]” (New York Concert Review), Indonesian-American Jonathan Mamora is a pianist and educator who strives to uplift and positively influence others using music as a means for service. He has performed throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, and is a prizewinner of numerous piano competitions, most recently winning First Prize in the Scottish, Maria Canals Barcelona, Olga Kern, AntwerPiano, Dallas, and Virginia Waring competitions.

He made his concerto debut at the age of 13 and he has since performed with such orchestras as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfònica de Madrid, Orquestra Simfònica Sant Cugat, New Mexico Philharmonic, and Dallas Chamber Symphony, among others. Jonathan has several upcoming solo and concerto engagements in the United States, Europe, and Africa, as well as upcoming recording projects. He often performs as a collaborative pianist for vocalists, instrumentalists, ensembles, and choirs. He also values education as an important tool in music making, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Keyboard and Theory Studies at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas.

Jonathan is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Douglas Humpherys, whom he served as studio assistant. He received his Bachelor of Music from La Sierra University and his Master of Music from The Juilliard School. Previous teachers include Elvin Rodríguez and Hung-Kuan Chen.

ROUND I

Vine Five Intermezzi: No. 1 Resolve Mozart Adagio in B minor, K. 540 Scriabin Sonata No. 5, Op. 53

ROUND II

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144 Bach Prelude and Fugue in B-flat minor, BWV 891 Liebermann Sonata No. 3, Op. 82

ROUND III

Önaç Five Études

Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28

ROUND IV

Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30

JONATHAN MAMORA

COUNTRY – United States

AGE – 29

HOST FAMILY – Eileen and Jerry Durkin

JAN NIKOVICH

COUNTRY – Croatia

AGE – 23

HOST FAMILY – Linda and David Dreisbach

ROUND I

Rameau

Recognized as one of Croatia’s finest young pianists, Jan Nikovich has gained attention from music lovers worldwide. He performs often in Croatia. His performances abroad include the United States, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and the UK. He has performed with all the major orchestras in Croatia, and most recently with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Domingo Hindoyan, a performance broadcast on ClassicFM radio.

Jan holds awards from many international competitions, including Bösendorfer USASU, James Mottram, Ferdo Livadić, Papandopulo, Young Virtuosos, Citta di Gorizia, EPTA, and Val Tidone. He is also a multiple national winner in both the solo and chamber music categories. He is a seven-time winner of the Oscar Award from the Ministry of Science and Education of Croatia, in 2020 he received the Rector's Award at the University of Zagreb and the Yamaha Scholarship Award, and in 2024 was awarded Croatia’s Young Musician of the Year Award.

Jan was selected for the Junior Music Camp in Barcelona, where he worked and played with Lang Lang, resulting in another performance with him at the Allianz Arena Stadium in Munich in front of 70,000 people. Jan’s video recordings have attracted millions of listeners on social media platforms, and in 2024 he was nominated for the Croatian Person of the Year Award by the Večernji list newspaper.

He began piano with Ela Korbar, studied with Ruben Dalibaltayan, Eliso Virsaladze, and Milana Chernyavska, and is currently under the mentorship of Professor Natalia Trull. Jan is a scholarship holder of the Academy of Music in Liechtenstein. His other mentors include Sergio Tiempo, Claudio Martinez Mehner, and Rena Shereshevskaya.

Pièces de Clavecin: Le Rappel des Oiseaux, Tendres Plaintes, La Poule

Scriabin Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp Major, Op. 30

Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 10 in E Major, “Preludio,” S. 244/10

ROUND II

Liebermann

Moment Musical, Op. 144

Rachmaninoff Variations on a Theme of Corelli in D minor, Op. 42

Prokofiev Suggestion diabolique No. 4, Op. 4

ROUND III

Mozart

Sonata No. 3 in B-flat Major, K. 281

Granados Goyescas: No. 5 Amor y la Muerte (Balada), Op. 11

Tchaikovsky/ M. Pletnev

Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a

Gubaidulina Chaconne

ROUND IV

Tchaikovsky

Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23

Hyunjin Roh, a distinguished pianist from South Korea, embarked on her musical journey at the age of 11. Driven by a profound passion for music, she has developed a unique ability to convey her emotions and artistic vision. Roh earned her bachelor’s degree at Seoul National University, where she studied under the guidance of Hee-Sung Joo.

Throughout her career, she has garnered numerous accolades, including Second Prize at the 2024 Borderland Chopin International Competition, a recognition that has fueled her artistic aspirations. She was also a semifinalist at the prestigious 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition, an achievement that marked the beginning of her international recognition. Roh has since been celebrated for her exceptional talent, securing First Prizes in various renowned Korean competitions such as the Joongang, Ewha Kyeonghyang, and Youngchang Piano Competitions.

A pivotal moment in her career came with her debut concert at the Kumho Art Hall in 2014, which solidified her presence in the classical music world. Since then, she has performed at renowned venues including Jordan Hall and Williams Hall at the New England Conservatory, as well as prominent stages in South Korea such as Inchun Hall at the Seoul Arts Center, Shinyoung Chamber Hall, Bucheon Art Center, and Lotte Concert Hall. Roh’s performances encompass not only solo recitals but also a diverse array of ensemble work, including piano trios and duos with strings and winds.

Currently, Roh is pursuing her master’s degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston, under the tutelage of Wha-Kyung Byun, as she continues to hone her craft and expand her artistic horizons.

HYUNJIN ROH

COUNTRY – South Korea

AGE – 24

HOST FAMILY – Barbara Sorkin

ROUND I

Haydn Sonata No. 33 in C minor, Hob. XVI/20

Ravel La valse

ROUND II

Beethoven 32 Variations in C minor, WoO 80

Liebermann Moment Musicale, Op. 144

Stravinsky-Agosti The Firebird

ROUND III

Czerny Variations on a Theme by Rode, “La ricordanza,” in E-flat Major, Op. 33 Brahms Variations on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 35, Book 1

Schumann Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 11

ROUND IV

Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23

HYOJIN SHIN

COUNTRY – South Korea

AGE – 28

HOST FAMILY – Dede Bethke

South Korean pianist Hyojin Shin has appeared as a soloist in numerous countries on four continents: South Korea, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Israel, the United States, and Morocco. Since her orchestral debut at the age of 12 with the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, Shin has performed with the Bazzini Consort Orchestra, the Morocco Philharmonic Orchestra, the Yale Philharmonia, and the Miami Chamber Orchestra among others. She recently won First Prize and the Audience Prize at the Lyon International Piano Competition and the Sascha Gorodnitzki Discretionary Prize at the Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition in 2024.

Her international accomplishments began with winning Second Prize at the Jacob Flier International Piano Competition in 2022. In 2023, Shin won First Prize and the Best Performance prize for an Ibero-American composition at the Teresa Carreño Master International Piano Competition, and Third Prize at the Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Competition. Shin was a recipient of the Evelyn Bonar Storrs Piano Scholarship in 2022 and 2023.

Shin earned her bachelor's degree from Seoul National University, where she studied with Aviram Reichert. Shin received a Master of Music degree and a Master of Musical Arts degree from the Yale School of Music under the tutelage of Boris Slutsky, where she was awarded the Elizabeth Parisot Prize for outstanding pianists in the School of Music.

Shin is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Yoshikazu Nagai.

ROUND I

Haydn Sonata No. 56 in D Major, Hob. XVI/42

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Scriabin Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28

ROUND II

Brahms Variations on a Theme by Handel in B-flat Major, Op. 24

ROUND III

Beethoven Bagatelles, Op.126

Granados Goyescas: No. 1, Los Requiebros, Op. 11

Scriabin Sonata No. 3 in F-sharp minor, Op. 23

ROUND IV

Chopin Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Minhyuk Suh first encountered the piano at the age of six. After completing the Seoul Arts Center Gifted Academy, he attended Yewon School and entered Seoul Arts High School as the top student. He then completed a two-year program at the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts and, at the age of 17, enrolled early in the Korea National University of Arts. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the New England Conservatory in the United States studying with Professor Minsoo Sohn.

Minhyuk has gained recognition by winning prestigious competitions in South Korea, including the Ewha & Kyunghyang, Eumak-Chunchu, Korea Steinway, HDC Young Chang, Eumak-Sekye, Eumyeon, and Yewon competitions. In 2021, he was awarded the Shinhan Music Award in the piano category at the 13th Shinhan Music Awards. He made his debut at the age of 13 with the Kumho Prodigy Concert and has collaborated with the Gunpo Prime Philharmonic Orchestra. He has actively performed solo and chamber music at various events, including The House Concert, the “S-Classic Week” series, a solo recital at Win Art Hall, the Changwon International Chamber Music Festival, and the Young Musicians Festival. He has engaged with audiences at numerous venues, such as Jordan Hall, Williams Hall, and Brown Hall at the New England Conservatory, the Recital Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, Chamber Hall at the Sejong Center, Kumho Art Hall, Yul House, and Changwon Seongsan Art Hall. He had also been invited to participate in the Morningside Music Bridge program.

MINHYUK SUH

COUNTRY – South Korea

AGE - 20

HOST FAMILY – Lauren and Van Schwiebert

ROUND I

Scriabin Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70

Beethoven 32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, WoO 80

ROUND II

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Ravel Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55

ROUND III

Handel Suite No. 3 in D minor, HWV. 428

Chopin Twelve Études, Op. 10

ROUND IV

Prokofiev Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26

YU-WEI LEE

COUNTRY – Taiwan

AGE – 21

HOST FAMILY – Dot and Joe Maggi

REPERTOIRE

Taiwanese pianist Yu-Wei Lee was the First Prize winner of the 38th annual Kawai Piano Competition. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Tung-Ho Steel Foundation Artist-in-Residence scholarship as well as the winner of the first Fazioli: Pianist of the Next Generation award. Yu-Wei finished in third place at the 63rd International Grotrian Piano Competition and in 2020, she earned Third Prize at the Steinway Youth Piano Competition in Taiwan. In 2021, Yu-Wei was a finalist in Peter Takács' Beethoven Piano Competition and in 2023, she was a semifinalist at the Aarhus International Piano Competition in Denmark. In 2024, she received John Elvin Prizes for the Outstanding Junior Pianist at the Oberlin Music Conservatory and the 36th Chi-Mei Arts Award in Taiwan. In July, she received honorable mention in the Lyon International Piano Competition.

Yu-Wei has collaborated with the Taipei Century Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. Since her first solo piano recital at age ten, she has had recitals in many countries worldwide, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United States, Germany, and China. She has given solo performances in the Taipei Bach Chamber Hall, KHS Hall, Fazoli Piano Center and the National Concert Hall in Taiwan.

Yu-Wei currently studies with Angela Cheng at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree.

ROUND I

Ligeti

Études No. 5 Arc-en-ciel, No. 13 L’escalier du diable Fauré Barcarolle No. 3 in G-flat Major, Op. 42 Liebermann Moment Musicale, Op. 144

ROUND II

Liszt Sonata in B minor, S.178

ROUND III

Haydn Sonata No. 59 in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI/49

Liszt Après une Lecture de Dante (Fantasia Quasi Sonata VII), S. 161

Prokofiev Three Piano Pieces, Op. 96: III. Mephisto Waltz intended for “Lermontov”

ROUND IV

Beethoven Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15

Ningxin Zhan is a young classical pianist with a passionate artistic mission to share music with diverse audiences around the world. She has performed on important stages in China, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Ms. Zhan is the recipient of Second Prize at the 2023 New York Franz Liszt Piano Competition, from which she made her debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and Stern Auditorium with the St. Luke’s Orchestra playing the Liszt Concerto No.1. She won First Prize in the concerto category and the Best Scriabin Performance Award at the renowned 2019 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition. Subsequently, the Gulf Coast Symphony invited her to play the Chopin Concerto No. 2 in March 2022. She was also awarded top prizes at the 2023 Jacob Flier Piano Competition, the 2022 Yale Gordon Competition, the 2020 Sviatoslav Richter International Piano Competition, and the 2021 Vladimir Krainev Moscow International Piano Competition.

Ningxin started playing piano at the age of five. When she was nine, she was accepted to the music school affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music as a recipient of annual and multiple other scholarships. Currently, she studies with Dr. Steven Spooner at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. As an active participant in music festivals, Ningxin was the Clara Wells Scholarship recipient at the American Matthay Music Festival in 2023. She also performed at the Aspen Music Festival and School, PianoTexas, PianoSummer at New Paltz, and the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival. She has received master classes from world-renowned musicians such as Richard Goode, HungKuan Chen, Vladimir Feltsman, Alexander Kobrin, Matti Raekallio, Fabio Bidini, Ursula Oppens, and Jerome Lowenthal.

NINGXIN ZHAN

COUNTRY – China

AGE – 21

HOST FAMILY – Marty Neumeister

ROUND I

Haydn Sonata No. 58 in C Major, Hob. XVI/48

Gabunia A Pupil’s Diary: No. 1 Morning, No. 3 School Bell, No. 11 Pop (1978)

Chopin Étude Op. 25, No. 6

Schubert/Liszt Erlkönig

ROUND II

Liebermann Moment Musical, Op. 144

Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36 (1913-1931)

ROUND III

Haydn Sonata No. 33 in C minor, Hob. XVI/20

Liszt Impromptu “Nocturne” in F-sharp Major, S.191

Liszt Sonata in B minor, S.178

ROUND IV

Liszt

Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, S.124

NOT PLAYING THE PIANO

Traveling. This is Paris.

Going on outdoor hikes and adventures.

DOMINIC CHAMOT

Giving scratches to Mia, the cutest, goofiest dog on the planet.

Traveling and exploring nature.

JONATHAN MAK

CHANG-HWAN CHOI

YANGRUI CAI

PIOTR ALEXEWICZ Skiing.

DEREK HARTMAN

Watching my Minnesota Twins with my girlfriend, Alexa.

Taking a picture with my camera.

Spending time with my Schnauzer puppies,very smart with completely different personalities.

Hanging out with friends.

Cooking. It allows me to relax, learn, and it stimulates creativity in something other than music.

MINHYUK SUH

FRANCESCO MACCARRONE

JIARUI CHENG

HYUNJIN ROH

MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WHEN

NOT PLAYING THE PIANO

Taking a leisurely walk in nature, especially in spring and autumn.

Writing songs on my guitar!

Spending time with friends

I am a foodie for real. Cooking helps me focus, and it relieves stress.

HYOJIN SHIN

NINGXIN ZHAN

YANFENG BAI

SAEBEOM LEE

playing the claw machine game.

SAM GLICKLICH Playing golf.

JINHONG LI

Taking photos.

HUAN-CHING CHOU

Exploring vibrant cityscapes and capturing memorable moments in iconic scenery. This is Shanghai.

ELLIOT WUU

Going for a stroll or for a hike, and I will never say no to the beach!

JAN NIKOVICH

Watching a film or reading a book cuddling with Baloo, my dog-roommate.

JONATHAN MAMORA

Anything with food. It offers a window to the soul and a door to different cultures and traditions.

HHIPC HISTORY

We first met Jaeden in 2017 at the HHIPC’s third Young Artists competition. He was 17 and won Third Prize. The field of young pianists that year was exceptionally strong, with Ray Ushikubo winning First Prize and the younger of the Li brothers, Andrew, finishing second ahead of Jaeden.

Five years later in 2022, Jaeden returned to Hilton Head to compete in the 18 – 30 division. He won First Prize, resulting in his return to play Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto with the HHSO the following year. To date, Jaeden is the only one of the HHIPC’s 500+ competitors to have won a prize in both the Young Artist and Adult competitions.

In 2017 we learned from Jaeden’s modest biography that he had studied at Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music, completing all requirements ‘with distinction.’ He had received awards and recognition in several provincial and national competitions in Canada and he had committed to pursuing piano “singleheartedly” only recently, putting his significant athletic achievements in swimming and Nordic skiing to the side.

Five years later when he returned to the Lowcountry, Jaeden had earned a Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School (2021) and was pursuing a Master of Music degree (since completed) at the University of British Columbia. He had won a handful of additional competition prizes, played with several orchestras, and had been presented on CBC Radio, on WQXR in New York and on Performance Today. The Canadian Broadcasting Company named Jaeden “One of 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30.”

His Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall, part of winning the HHIPC, was October 14, 2022. Playing to a packed house, led to New York Concert Review publishing:

“Mr. Izik-Dzurko displayed one of the most refined tonal palettes I have ever heard, combined with a polished close-to-the-keys technique, and a certain basic humility in the service of the music. Is there something in the water in Canada that develops virtuoso pianists? He certainly seems on his way to a major career if he wants one.”

Now, a dizzying two years later, Jaeden has added substantially to his growing list of accomplishments:

• 2022 Maria Canals International Competition (Spain) - First Prize

• 2022 Paloma O’Shea Santander International Piano Competition (Spain) - First Prize, Audience Prize, and Chamber Music Award

• 2022 The Shean Piano Competition (Edmonton, Alberta) - First Prize

• 2024 Concours Musical International de Montréal - Grand Prize Laureate, Best Sonata and Best Canadian Imposed Work

• 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition (England) - Gold Medal

Waldy Martens Photography

Given his recent international successes, Jaeden has had many opportunities to perform throughout Europe. Currently he divides his time between Rome (where he works with Dr. Benedetto Lupo at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Celia), and his home base is in Detmold, Germany (where he studies with Dr. Jacob Leuschner at the Detmold Hochschule für Musik).

We spoke with Jaeden, his family, one of his most influential teachers, his host family in Hilton Head, and HHIPC Director Steve Shaiman to learn more about this modest young man’s inspiring journey from a small town in British Columbia to the biggest stages in the piano world.

THE EARLY YEARS—SALMON ARM, BRITISH COLUMBIA

You will be forgiven if you cannot locate Salmon Arm on a map. It’s a town of 17,700 in the southern interior of Canada’s westernmost province between Calgary and Vancouver, about 200 miles north of the US border. A check of the town’s website may mention recent bear sightings.

There are four Izik-Dzurko’s and they are a creative lot: father David, mother Patricia, Jaeden and younger sister Aria. David is the music teacher in the area’s secondary school; Patricia is a recently retired high school teacher; Aria trained in ballet at l’École Superieure du Québec in Montréal and has danced with companies in Barcelona and the south of France.

David began teaching his son piano at age five. When Jaeden was nine, a family friend asked if they would “babysit” her grand piano while she was away. “Having a real piano in our home caused Jaeden’s interest in the instrument to surge noticeably.” Between school and his athletic pursuits, Jaeden took every opportunity to play the piano, typically spending two to three hours a day at the keyboard.

“He learned very quickly, surprising us with mastering pieces that were well above his level. I was astonished by how intuitively he understood the concepts that I had first discovered as a university-level piano major. I would eagerly share ‘pearls of wisdom,’ only to have him respond as if I were pointing out the obvious.”

When Jaeden was around 10, his parents felt it was time to turn over the teaching duties. At a provincial competition, the family met the Dornian’s, founders of Morningside Music Bridge (MMB), an international summer program providing barrier-free training for gifted musicians ages 12 – 18. Now affiliated with the New England Conservatory, MMB appears frequently in the biographies of HHIPC applicants. Yuja Wang is a notable alumna. MMB became an annual summer event for five years, giving Jaeden the opportunity to perform not only in Canada, but in Boston and Europe.

PREPARE FOR LAUNCH

2017 was a pivotal year for Jaeden. He worked diligently in preparation for university and conservatory auditions, leading to scholarship offers from the Glenn Gould School, Oberlin Conservatory and The Juilliard School. In March he came to Hilton Head, his first international competition, taking Third Prize. While the family had been researching international competitions and knew of Hilton Head, it is Carter Johnson, a fellow Canadian and HHIPC alum (2016) who gets the credit.

Family photos coutesy of David Izik-Dzurko

“Carter thought it would be an ideal first international competition because of its warm, supportive environment.”

2022 proved to be Jaeden’s breakout year and it all started in Hilton Head, winning the competition, followed in quick succession by the prestigious events mentioned. Says David, “We are forever grateful to the HHIPC and to his kind, generous host families who created a comfortable environment allowing him to perform to his potential.”

Chris and Mary Albright hosted Jaeden in 2022. They spoke of his diligent and thoughtful approach to practice and his love for Mary’s famous chocolate chip cookies. Veteran HHIPC hosts, they have grown close and stay in regular communication, noting that being able to attend his Carnegie recital was “an absolute thrill.” When he performed in the finals at Leeds, they had to be satisfied with listening online and reported being too nervous to do so live. Once they knew the results, they re-played the performance.

OTHER PLAYERS

While Jaeden’s family can lay claim to recognizing his early potential and nurturing it, there are many others who contributed. His first teachers after his father were Marjorie Duncan and Arne Sahlen, both instrumental in his early development. At age 14, he began studying with Ian Parker and Corey Hamm, both located in Vancouver, a sixhour drive from home. Dr. Hamm remains actively involved in Jaeden’s artistic and professional development today.

“Jaeden’s father and I were classmates when studying for our Bachelor of Music degrees. David asked if he could bring Jaeden to Vancouver (I was now a piano professor at the University of British Columbia) to play for me. Of course, I agreed but thought, ‘Yeah, everyone thinks their son or daughter is talented.’ It took me one minute to realize Jaeden was indeed incredibly talented. It wasn’t that he had amazing technique, but he had an undeniable connection to music, shaping phrases, playing with great creativity, color, drama and maturity beyond his years. I maintain that the astounding musician he is today was already there at 14.”

Dr. Hamm and Jaeden worked together until he went to Juilliard. After graduation, Jaeden contacted his former professor and told him he wanted to return to British Columbia for his Masters. It took some convincing because Hamm worried about the possibility of holding back such a talent. In fact, the second collaboration turned out brilliantly and Jaedan now has solo, concerto, and chamber concerts all over the world.

Our own Steve Shaiman guided Jaeden at the beginning of his career, as part of the HHIPC First Prize package that includes management and mentorship. Steve quickly observed that Jaeden was “all in” to maximize these important early career opportunities:

“I could tell right away that Jaeden was not only talented and driven, but also very thoughtful and accepting of the professional advice I was offering based on my many years of experience. It was clear that he understood what kind of commitment it would take to build a career, and with all his competition success, I knew that offers from commercial managers would come quickly.”

JAEDEN GETS THE LAST WORD

When asked what he is looking forward to in the near term, Jaeden said,

“I am excited to share my music with new audiences and to continue to expand my repertoire! I have some recording projects in the works and a concerto premiere in the near future.”

Jaeden has accomplished an enormous amount in his relatively short life and there are many exciting things ahead. We intend to have him back to perform soon. In the meantime, you can follow Jaeden on his website and on the HHIPC’s Facebook page.

GETTING TO KNOW JAEDEN BETTER

Composers with whom you feel a strong connection

Bach, Schumann, Rachmaninoff and above all, Scriabin

Favorite city you have visited so far

Rome

Favorite concerto performance

My final round at the 2022 HHIPC with John Morris Russell and the wonderful Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will always remain a very fond memory. It was my first performance of that concerto and my first international competition success.

Place you want to visit next Iceland

Favorite venue so far

Following the Leeds Competition, I had the privilege of performing at the beautiful Glass House (International Centre for Music) in Newcastle, England

Something you want people to know about Salmon Arm. The community is wonderfully friendly and warm. I am very lucky to have grown up there.

I never get tired of playing

Rachmaninoff’s monumental 1st Piano Sonata

When I am away from home, the thing I miss most

The mountains

Work not in your repertoire you can’t wait to tackle Bach’s Goldberg Variations

When I am not practicing/playing I love to

Play tennis and cross-country ski

When working on a new piece, the thing I do first is Figure out my fingerings

Language you would like to speak

Italian

Best advice you received from a teacher

Slow practice!

Thing you wish you had more time to do

Read and go to concerts

Genres/artists you listen to other than classical Jazz/Oscar Peterson

If I didn’t play the piano, I would like to play Clarinet

Composer, living or dead, you most want to have a conversation with Alexander Scriabin

I never leave home without

My travel piano. It breaks down into three pieces—two go into my messenger bag and one sits in my carry-on, under my shoes. It’s great for practicing in hotels and airports.”

Waldy Martens Photography

WILLIAM YANG * FIRST PRIZE

ANTHONY RATINOV * SECOND PRIZE

NATHANIEL ZHANG * THIRD PRIZE

ANGELINE MA* FOURTH PRIZE

WILLIAM GE * FIFTH PRIZE

ANGIE ZHANG SIXTH PRIZE *HHIPC

Sebastian Knauer: Hollywood

April 5 at 3 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church

Julia Fischer & Jan Lisiecki

March 27 at 6 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church

savannahmusicfestival.org

Box Office: 912.525.5050

PAST JUDGES

Eteri Andjaparidze • Georgia/USA

Natalya Antonova • Russia

Joseph Banowetz • USA

Hui-Qiao Bao • China

Jonathan Bass • USA

Fabio Bidini • Italy

Andrea Bonatta • Italy

Bruce Brubaker • USA

Angela Cheng • Canada

Alan Chow • USA

Alvin Chow • USA

Lucille Chung • Canada/USA

Arnaldo Cohen • Brazil

Heather Conner • USA

Mirian Conti • Argentina/USA

Jane Coop • Canada

Ran Dank • Israel/USA

Pavlina Dokovska • Bulgaria

Irina Edelstein • Russia

Christopher Elton • United Kingdom

José Feghali • Brazil

Peter Frankl • United Kingdom

Kemal Gekic • Croatia

John Giordano • USA

Bernd Goetzke • Germany

Martin Goldsmith • USA

Enrique Graf • Uruguay/USA

Marian Hahn • USA

Kevin Hampton • USA

Gayle Martin Henry • USA

Ian Hobson • England

Leslie Howard • Australia/England

Douglas Humpherys • USA

Choong-Mo Kang • South Korea

Olga Kern • Russia/USA

Daejin Kim • South Korea

Alexander Korsantia • Russia

Norman Krieger • USA

Gabriel Kwok • China

Ruth Laredo • USA

Soyeon Kate Lee • South Korea/USA

Cecile Licad • Phillipines

Marina Lomazov • Ukraine/USA

Miyoko Lotto • Japan

Jerome Lowenthal • USA

Faina Lushtak • Ukraine/USA

Julian Martin • USA

Robin McCabe • USA

Robert McDonald • USA

Dominique Merlet • France

Evans Mirageas • USA

Yong Hi Moon • South Korea

Yoshikazu Nagai • Japan/USA

Hiroko Nakamura • Japan

Pavel Nersessian • Russia

Vladimir Ovchinnikov • Russia

John O’Conor • Ireland

Ronan O’Hora • Great Britain

Ursula Oppens • USA

Haesun Paik • South Korea

Piotr Paleczny • Poland

Jon Kimura Parker • Canada

John Perry • USA

Daniel Pollack • USA

Paul Pollei • USA

Antonio Pompa-Baldi • Italy/USA

Jorge Luis Prats • Cuba

Awadagin Pratt • USA

Menahem Pressler • Israel/USA

Joseph Rackers • USA

Matti Raekallio • Finland

Edith Finton Reiber • USA

Santiago Rodriguez • Cuba/USA

Jerome Rose • USA

Ann Schein • USA

André-Michel Schub • France/USA

Orli Shaham • USA/Israel

Robert Sherman • USA

Lori Sims • USA

Logan Skelton • USA

Boris Slutsky • USA

Mykola Suk • Ukraine

Peter Takács • Romania/USA

Zhe Tang • China

Erik Tawaststjerna • Finland

Christopher Taylor • USA

Nelita True • USA

Valerie Tryon • England

Tamás Ungár • Hungary/USA

Blanca Uribe • Colombia/USA

Irma Vallecillo • USA

Arie Vardi • Israel

Mikhail Voskresensky • Russia

Alan Walker • England

Janice Weber • USA

Nancy Weems • USA

Frank Weinstock • USA

Robert Weirich • USA

Jack Winerock • USA

Xu Zhong • China

Yafen Zhu • China

2000

1st Prize Petronel Malan • South Africa

2nd Prize Coung Hung Van • Vietnam

3rd Prize Georgi Slavchev • Bulgaria

2001

1st Prize Edisher Savitski • Republic of Georgia

2nd Prize Uri Blinov • Belarus

3rd Prize Hea Jung Cho • South Korea

2002

1st Prize Konstantin Soukhovetski • Russia

2nd Prize Dustin Gledhill • USA

3rd Prize Esther Jung-A Park • South Korea

2003

1st Prize Chu-Fang Huang • P. R. of China

2nd Prize Sean Kennard • USA

3rd Prize Jean-Francois Latour • Canada

2004

1st Prize Andrew Le • Vietnam

2nd Prize Hong Xu • P. R. of China

3rd Prize Elizabeth Schumann • USA

2005

1st Prize Di Wu • P. R. of China

2nd Prize ChenXin Xu • P. R. of China

3rd Prize Ryo Yanagitani • Canada

2006

1st Prize Dmitri Levkovich • Ukraine

2nd Prize Diyi Tang • P. R. of China

3rd Prize Daniil Sayamov • Russia

2007

1st Prize Eric Zuber • USA

2nd Prize Alexey Koltakov • Australia/USA

3rd Prize Charlie Albright • USA

2008

1st Prize Ran Dank • Israel

2nd Prize Yelena Beriyeva • Republic of Georgia

3rd Prize Takashi Yamamoto • Japan

2009

1st Prize Michail Lifits • Germany

2nd Prize Chetan Tierra • USA

3rd Prize Marouan Benabdallah • Hungary/Morocco

2010

1st Prize Lukáš Vondráček • Czech Republic

2nd Prize Ilya Maximov • Russia

3rd Prize Rina Sudo • Japan

2011

1st Prize Zhu Wang • P. R. of China

2nd Prize Drew Petersen • USA

3rd Prize Jin-Hong Li • P. R. of China

4th Prize Ruixue Zhang • P. R. of China

5th Prize Micah McLaurin • USA

6th Prize Kate Liu • Singapore

2012

1st Prize Jin Uk Kim • South Korea

2nd Prize Wai Yin Wong • Hong Kong

3rd Prize Steven Lin • USA

2013

1st Prize Leonardo Colafelice • Italy

2nd Prize Jinhyung Park • South Korea

3rd Prize Tony Yike Yang • Canada

4th Prize SaeYoon Chon • South Korea

5th Prize Yiou Li • P. R. of China

2014

1st Prize Shen Lu • P. R. of China

2nd Prize Miao Huang • Germany

3rd Prize EunAe Lee • South Korea

Gorodnitzki Prize Brian Lin • P. R. China

2015

1st Prize Elliot Wuu • USA

2nd Prize Xiaoxuan Li • P. R. of China

3rd Prize Elisabeth Tsai • USA

Finalist Elizaveta Kliuchereva • Russia

Finalist Tommy Jing Yu Leo • Singapore

Gorodnitzki Prize JaeHong Park • South Korea

2016

1st Prize Chang Yong Shin • South Korea

2nd Prize Tristan Teo • Canada

3rd Prize Sae Yoon Chon • South Korea

Gorodnitzki Prize Hee Jun Han • South Korea

2017

1st Prize Ray Ushikubo • USA

2nd Prize Andrew Li • USA

3rd Prize Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada

Finalist Arthur Wang • Canada

Finalist Hoi Leong Cheong • Hong Kong/Macao

Gorodnitzki Prize Biguo Xing • P. R. China

Takács Classical Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada

Sonata Prize

2019

1st Prize Chaeyoung Park • South Korea

2nd Prize Jakub Kuszlik • Poland

3rd Prize Anna Han • USA

Gorodnitzki Prize Arisa Onoda • USA

2020

1st Prize Kevin Chen • Canada

2nd Prize Pyotr Akulov • Russia

3rd Prize Tyler Kim • USA

Finalist Ryunosuke Kishimoto • Japan

Finalist Kasey Shao • USA

Gorodnitzki Prize Catherine Huang • USA

Takács Classical Tyler Kim • USA

Sonata Prize

2022

1st Prize Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada

2nd Prize Illia Ovcharenko • Ukraine

3rd Prize Seongwoo Moon • South Korea

Gorodnitzki Prize Anthony Ratinov • USA

2023

1st Prize Zonghua Wei * P. R. China

2nd Prize Donghwi Kang * South Korea

3rd Prize Xinran Shi * USA

Finalist David Choi * USA/South Korea

Finalist Nathaniel Zhang * USA

Gorodnitzki Prize Zarin Mehta * USA

Takács Classic Zonghua Wei * P. R. China

Sonata Prize

PROFESSIONAL THEATER IN THE HEART OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND.

BROADWAY’S SMASH HIT MUSICAL

APR 23 - JUN 01

If only life were as easy as pie ...

Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest offers her a chance at escape, Jenna must weigh her commitments against a rare shot at freedom. Her friends all offer her conflicting recipes for happiness, but Jenna must ultimately decide for herself. Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles, “Waitress” celebrates dreams, the family we choose, and the beauty of a well-baked pie.

DIRECTED BY TARA JEANNE VALLEE

TICKETS SELLING FAST!

March 28 | 7:30 PM

This Grammy Award-winning quintet, performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the Sea Islands. Ranky Tanky mixes elements of African music with American gospel and R&B and the result is pure magic! Whether Ranky Tanky is unleashing a high-energy dance number or carefully sculpting a lullaby the music is always fresh and exciting!

This Performance is funded in part by

FEATURING SONGS BY 7-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE SARA BAREILLES

“SHE USED TO BE MINE” “WHAT’S INSIDE” “I DIDN’T PLAN IT” AMONG OTHERS

July 21 | 4 & 7:30 PM

Comedian, actor, television writer, author, and musician Paul Reiser has spent the last 30+ years acting in Oscar and Emmy award-winning movies and TV shows. Reiser regularly performs standup at sold-out venues nationwide and was voted one of the “Top 100 Comedians of All Time” by Comedy Central. This multitalented star has been called “supremely hilarious,” and is a must for your summertime entertainment!

Gift of $10,000 and above

Mary and Mike Briggs

Bret and Laura Jacobowitz

Gift of $5,000 to $9,999

Charles and Joan Dattelbaum

Eileen and Jerry Durkin

Louis and Susan Meisel

Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson

Mary Princing and Bill Clark

Mary Ann and Tarrant Putnam

Barbara Harris Sorkin **

Gift of $2,500 to $4,999

Chris and Mary Catherine Albright

Nancy and David Borghesi

Bob and Heather Cherichella

Todd and Liz Clist

Michael and Susan Harter

Marty Neumeister

Constance Silvester

Gift of $1,000 to $2,499

Michael and Ginger Caporal

David and Romy Coquillette in honor of Mrs. Lorene Thornbury

Ted and Clair Craver

Patrick and Alison Deem*

Ralph and Sandy Drayer

David and Linda Dreisbach

Cary and Peter Fleming

Mary Ann and John Goodrich

Frederick and Carol Hack

Dahlia and Arthur Handman

Mona Huff

Laura and Michael Kling

Robert and Joan Koenig

Connie and Steve Lyman

Ray and Linda Moloney

William and Jane Murray

Janine Nelson

Van and Lauren Schwiebert

William and Judy Thorpe

Carol Tucker

Donna Varner

Julie Williams

Gift of $500 to $999

James Abruzzo

John Austin and Susan Hartmann Austin

Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball

Kim and Julian Baretta

Dede Bethke

Malcolm and Jillian Binks

Darle Booher

William and Linda DeArment

Chuck and Linda Eberly

Karen and Buck Edwards

Jay and Patricia Elliot

Sally Evans

Barbara Fleisher

Kathy Grote

Lynn Gustafson

Karin and George Haupstein

HHSO Musicians

Barbara Holmes

Mona Huff*

Alan and Karen Jordan

Myla Lerner and Larry Kramer

James and Clare Mackie

Jane and Bill Murray

Mary Noonan

Terry and Kathy Orr

Ken Perkowski

Tim and Mona Ridge

Stu and Nina Rodman

Charles and Frances Sampson

Ed and Elizabeth Simmons

Pat and Charles Sinatra

Mieke and Hendrik Smit

Patricia and Dennis Smith

Lorene Thornbury

Marilyn Torrens

Jerry and Connie Voight

Jim Way

Jim and Florence Willard

Lois Wilson

Barbara Wolf

Kathy and Bill Zurilla

This list was compiled as of February 8, 2025. Occasionally, omissions and errors occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

Gift of $100 to $499

Barbara Bean*

Judy Bluestone

Barry and Naomi Cohen

Debra and Marty Gersten

Wayne Effron and Gail Kaess

Dave and Patty Ekedahl*

Marc and Debbie Halbritter*

David and Susan Hardesty*

Jennifer and Jeff Herrin

Terry Hicks

Rick and Laurel Johnson

Robert and Joan Koenig*

Deborah and Larry Lee

Robert and Eloise Mason

Joy McNeill

Barbara and Harwood Nichols

Prudence and Burton Preston

Mary Ann and Tarrant Putnam*

John and Carol Tregenza

Gift up to $99

Jonathan Aceto

Barbara Altman

Sherman and Carol Barker*

Ann Cafferty

Tacy Edwards

Micah Gangwer

Scott Garrett

Rafe Goldman

Anne Holmi

Mario Incorvaia

David Katz

Lizhou Liu

Angela Loizides

Donald and Joyce Nagel*

Sandra Nikolajevs

Matt Peebles

Carl Polk

Gerome Stewart

Cynthia Sulko

Marina and Vadim Volynets

Jeff and Mary Ann Watson

** Gift includes $5,000 in memory of Sidney Palmer

*Gift in memory of HHIPC Chair Emeritus, Willis “Bud” Shay

The 88 Key Society is limited to a maximum of 88 members, each of whom “owns” one or more specific keys on the “competition piano.” One becomes a member of this exclusive group with an annual donation of $500 per key. Members enjoy special recognition and benefits including:

• Their name on their key(s) of the 88 Key Society Keyboard displayed at all HHSO and HHIPC events throughout the concert season

• Preferred seating for tickets purchased for HHIPC events

• Listing in the HHIPC program book and on the HHIPC and HHSO websites

• Invitations to exclusive 88 Key Society special events held throughout 2024-2025 including Movie Night, an evening featuring hors d’oeuvres, libations, and a film screening.

88 KEY SOCIETY 2025 MEMBERS

James Abruzzo

Chris and Mary Catherine Albright

Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball

Dede Bethke

Malcolm and Jillian Binks

Darle Booher

Nancy and David Borghesi

Mary and Mike Briggs

Bob and Heather Cherichella

David and Romy Coquillette in honor of Mrs. Lorene Thornbury

Theodore and Clair Craver

Charles and Joan Dattelbaum

William and Linda DeArment

David and Linda Dreisbach

Eileen and Jerry Durkin

Charles and Linda Eberly

Karen and Buck Edwards

Jay and Patricia Elliot

Sally Evans

Barbara Fleisher

Cary and Peter Fleming

Mary Ann and John Goodrich

Kathy Grote

Lynn Gustafson

Frederick and Carol Hack

Michael and Susan Harter

Karin and George Haupstein

HHSO Musicians

Mona Huff

Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff

Bill Hutchinson

Bret and Laura Jacobowitz

Laura and Michael Kling

Robert and Joan Koenig

Myla Lerner and Larry Kramer

Juan and Christine Lacerda

James and Clare Mackie

Jeanne and Joe Maguire

Laura Marks

Peggi Moon

William and Jane Murray

Marty Neumeister

Mary Noonan

Susan Parrish

Mary Princing and Bill Clark

Mary Ann and Tarrant Putnam

Tim and Mona Ridge

Stu and Nina Rodman

Charles and Frances Sampson

Van and Lauren Schwiebert

Willis "Bud" Shay (in memoriam)*

Constance Silvester

Edward and Elizabeth Simmons

Pat and Charles Sinatra

Mieke and Hendrik Smit

Patricia and Dennis Smith

Barbara Harris Sorkin

Lorene Thornbury

William and Judy Thorpe

Marilyn Torrens

Carol Tucker

Donna Varner

Jerry and Connie Voight

Jim Way

Florence and Jim Willard

Julie Williams

Lois Wilson

Paul Winum

Barbara Wolf

Kathy and Bill Zurilla

*Gift courtesy of Mona Huff

This list was compiled as of February 8, 2025. Occasionally, omissions and errors occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

Our fabulous conductor and HHSO musicians are an “instrumental” part of the piano competition as they accompany the finalists' concerto performances. “Pay for a Piper” offers supporters the chance to salute their favorite instruments and instrumentalists – their contributions “pay for the pipers.” We proudly present 2025’s Piper Patrons.

Celebrate the Conductor

Constance Silvester

Vie for a Violin

Cary and Peter Fleming

Mary Ann and John Goodrich

Mona Huff

Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff

Peggi Moon

Value a Viola

Bob and Heather Cherichella

Choose a Cello

Constance Silvester

Bank on a Bass

Bob and Heather Cherichella

William and Judy Thorpe

Favor a Flute

Charles and Joan Dattelbaum

Ray and Linda Moloney

Barbara Harris Sorkin

Opt for an Oboe

Mona Huff

Ken Perkowski

Mary Princing and Bill Clark

Clamor for a Clarinet

Bret and Laura Jacobowitz

Mary Princing and Bill Clark

Book a Bassoon

Michael and Susan Harter

Highlight a Horn

Barbara Holmes

Terry and Kathy Orr

Constance Silvester

Treasure a Trombone

John Austin and Susan Hartmann Austin

Bill Hutchinson

Target a Trumpet

Karen and Buck Edwards

Dahlia and Arthur Handman

Tout a Tuba

Alan and Karen Jordan

Marty Neumeister

Tap into Timpani

Ralph and Sandy Drayer

Power the Percussion

Michael and Ginger Caporal

Have a Harp

Frederick and Carol Hack

Julie Williams

This list was compiled as of February 8, 2025. Occasionally, omissions and errors occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

SALUTE TO OUR IMPRESARIOS

We are grateful to these generous donors whose gifts helped us underwrite HHIPC 2025 Prizes as well as 2024-25 guest artist fees.

Chris and Mary Catherine Albright

Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball

Mary and Mike Briggs

Liz and Todd Clist

Charles and Joan Dattelbaum

Susan and Michael Harter

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz

Joan and Bob Koenig

Connie and Stephen Lyman

Lois Masteller / Junior Jazz Foundation

Susan and Louis Meisel

Linda and Ray Moloney

Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson

Marty Neumeister

Mary Ann and Tarrant Putnam

Barbara Harris Sorkin

ANNA HAN IN RECITAL APRIL 11

We are excited to welcome Anna Han back to Hilton Head. Our Third Prize winner in 2019 and the Second Prize winner at the 2023 Naumburg International Piano Competition, she spent her undergraduate years at The Juilliard School, progressing to earning a master’s degree under the tutelage of Robert McDonald. She recently finished her Artist Diploma at the Barenboim-Siad Akademie in Berlin.

Anna will showcase her keyboard virtuosity with the music of Bach, Mozart, Debussy, Bartók, Liszt and Schumann at SoundWaves on April 11, 2025 at 7:30 pm, reception to follow. This is an evening you will not want to miss. Tickets are available at hhipc.org or by calling the HHSO office at (843) 842-2550.

Thanks to all who attended “A Musical Feast,” HHIPC’s annual benefit held November 7, 2024, at the Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa in Palmetto Dunes. Our new host received many compliments for both food and service, and the Prosecco tower was a great hit.

This year’s audience of over 100 was highly appreciative of our magnificent performers who shared their artistry across a range of genres — pianist and violinist Ray Ushikubo from Los Angeles and local talent, Aaron Lehrian. Ray, an HHIPC alum, won First Prize at the third Young Artists competition in 2017 among what may have been the YA’s strongest field to date. When he arrived in the Lowcountry at age 15, he had already played at Carnegie Hall and been on NBC’s "Tonight Show." On the stately Bösendorfer grand, Ray treated the audience to the contrasting styles of a Chopin Polonaise and a suite of Ginastera Dances. His Paganiniana Variations on the violin was simply breathtaking. Aaron, a highly acclaimed jazz pianist, led off the evening with improvisations on well-known classical pieces. You can hear Aaron most nights at Plant Riverside in Savannah.

Special thanks to those who donated auction items and to the people who bid on them (one lucky group is headed to Alaska and two groups are going to Portugal!). The event raised much needed funds which will be put to work to livestream the 2025 competition. As usual, a stellar volunteer committee, headed by Joan Dattelbaum, made it all happen.

"A Musical Feast" is becoming one of HHI’s hottest tickets. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year, the HHIPC’s 30th anniversary.

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition is more than just a competition, it is an interweaving of world class music, southern hospitality and engaging relationships. The HHIPC strives to deliver extraordinary memories for artists and audiences alike by providing unique opportunities to be part of the experience. Have you wondered how you can be a part of the HHIPC? There are numerous options available:

DONATE TO SUPPORT THE HHIPC

The 88 Key Society and Pay for a Piper programs provide essential underwriting of expenses associated with the competition and orchestra to support the HHIPC Finals. See pages 65 - 66 for more detail. Your $500 donation entitles you to priority seating at all HHIPC performances plus exclusive access to special events. Our Fund-A-Need campaign supports the considerable expenses associated with livestreaming the competition worldwide, and it also helps fund our Ambassador Program, which takes competitors and visiting artists into schools and senior residences to share their talents with our community.

BECOME A HOST

Hosting a competitor during the competition provides a very special opportunity to introduce them to Hilton Head Island. Most often, this builds special lifelong relationships that last well beyond the competition. If you have a piano, you can also consider hosting a judge for practice time while they are here on the Island. This one-on-one opportunity to support the musicians is a fabulous chance to get involved while also being rewarded with very memorable experiences.

BE A VOLUNTEER AT THE COMPETITION ROUNDS

In addition to being an usher, there are many other fun jobs such as greeting competitors as they arrive to perform, staffing the judge’s room (the coffee must be hot and the candy dishes full!), selling tickets or merchandise in the lobby, and more. There are afternoon and evening “shifts” available.

JOIN THE HHIPC COMMITTEE

This leadership group of about a dozen piano enthusiasts meets monthly starting in September. There are a variety of positions available such as helping with the school Ambassador Program, working with host families, organizing “A Musical Feast,” transportation and more. Newcomers are always welcome!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE HHIPC

Word-of-mouth is still among the most effective forms of promotion. Even after 29 years, there are still locals who are not aware that Hilton Head Island hosts an internationally renowned piano competition (or that we have a world class professional orchestra!). Plus, new people move here every day. Perhaps you belong to a group that would welcome someone to speak about the HHIPC—piano competitions are fascinating! Or simply offer to bring a friend or neighbor with you when you attend.

ATTEND THE BRAVOPIANO! RECITAL SERIES AT SOUNDWAVES

Each season, several performances at SoundWaves feature acclaimed pianists and HHIPC alumni competitors in this unique and intimate setting.

BE PART OF OUR ANNUAL “A MUSICAL FEAST” GALA

This annual benefit celebrates our longstanding commitment to excellence in promoting and nurturing talented young pianists. The funds raised are critically important to maintaining the HHIPC’s high standards. This engaging and entertaining evening is a delight for both the ears and palate!

BECOME A PROGRAM SPONSOR OR ADVERTISER

Every not-for-profit depends on sponsor support, both monetary and in-kind. HHIPC sponsors include a variety of local businesses and very special individuals. If you can introduce us to someone who might want to become a sponsor, please contact Steve Shaiman at sshaiman@hhso.org.

Count me in to support the Hilton Head International Piano Competition! Please contact me:

NAME _______________________________________________________

PHONE ___________________________

ADDRESS

EMAIL

FUND-A-NEED – “MUSIC AMBASSADORS”

With the drastic cuts in funding for school music programs, it is more important than ever to expose students to live music whenever and wherever possible. Your support not only benefits the students experiencing these performances, but also helps HHIPC competitors by providing them with the opportunity to engage personally with young audiences. We also engage with seniors and others throughout the community.

_____ $2,000 underwrites a solo recital at SoundWaves and includes in-school performances earlier in the day by the featured soloist

_____ $1,000 underwrites a solo recital at a community center/senior living community

_____ $500 sponsors a school’s music class to attend the HHIPC in person

_____ $250 sponsors an in-school performance by an HHIPC competitor

_____ $100 “Adopt a Piano” program helps maintain a school’s piano to performance-ready condition

_____ $50 provides tickets to a student and escort to attend an HHSO concert

BECOME A MEMBER OF “THE 88 KEY SOCIETY” OR “PAY FOR A PIPER”

See pages 65 and 66 for program descriptions and benefits.

88 KEY SOCIETY

_____ Number of Keys ($500 per key) Preferred Key _____ _____ _____ _____

PAY FOR A PIPER

_____ Celebrate our Conductor ($1000)

_____ Vie for a Violin ($500)

_____ Value a Viola ($500)

_____ Choose a Cello ($500)

_____ Bank on a Bass ($500)

_____ Favor a Flute ($500)

_____ Clamor for a Clarinet ($500)

_____ Opt for an Oboe ($500)

_____ Back a Bassoon ($500)

_____ Highlight a Horn ($500)

_____ Target a Trumpet ($500)

_____ Treasure a Trombone ($500)

_____ Tout a Tuba ($500)

_____ Have a Harp ($500)

_____ Power the Percussion ($500)

_____ Tap into Timpani ($500)

I am interested in volunteering at a future Competition or hosting a Competitor

_____ I want to volunteer

_____ I would like to host a competitor

HOST FAMILIES FOR COMPETITORS

Dede Bethke

Hyojin Shin

Ingrid and Craig Boatright

Yanfeng (Tony) Bai

Scott Camp and Patsy Brison

Francesco Maccarrone

Pam and Peter Cooper

Huan-Ching Chou

Linda and David Dreisbach

Jan Nikovich

Lou Drucker

Samuel Glicklich

Eileen and Jerry Durkin

Jonathan Mamora

Barbara and Jay Ellis

Yangrui Cai

Judy and Joe Gimbel

Chang-Hwan Choi

Cynthia and George Gorski-Popiel

Piotr Alexewicz

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz

Saebeom Lee

Dot and Joe Maggi

Elliot Wuu

Jill Mulvihill

Jinhong Li

Marty Neumeister

Ningxin Zhan

Maggy-Pierre Pelissier

Dominic Chamot

Jan and Bill Raisch

Derek Hartman

Lauren and Van Schwiebert

Minhyuk Suh

Elizabeth and Edward Simmons

Jiarui Cheng

Barbara Sorkin

Hyunjin Roh

Kathy Taylor

Jonathan Mak

HOSTS FOR JUDGES’ DINNERS

Trish and Jay Elliott/Ginger Caporal

Becky and Steve Schuckenbrock

Mona Huff

Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson

Joyce and John Prange

Mary Noonan

PIANO HOSTS FOR JUDGES

Chris and Mary Albright

Lavonne Hales

Veronica Fragman

Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson

Andi Pool

Becky Schuckenbrock

Mieke Smit

SELECTION JURY HOSTS

Eloise and Bob Mason

COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Competition Director

Steve Shaiman

Grants/Special Projects

Linda Dreisbach

Hospitality

Sally Nicastre, Mary Wilcox

Host Families

Barbara Holmes, Peggi Moon

Members-at-Large

Barbara Sorkin

Kathy and Bill Zurilla

A Musical Feast

Joan Dattelbaum, Eileen Durkin, Peggi Moon

Production

Jerry Durkin, Scott Camp

Program Book

Gayle Lang, Julie Williams

Social Media

Tim Ridge

Tickets and Merchandise Sales

Lynn Gustafson

Transportation

Mike Caporal, Scott Camp

Volunteers

Kathy and Mike Emery

SPECIAL THANKS TO…

Stephen Ball - Owner, The Great Frame Up

Kim Baretta - Chef

Alan Bise - Audio and Streaming Engineer, Azica Records

Chez Georges Restaurant & Bistro

Vivian Chiu - Steinway & Sons

Jean-Marie Coté - thefrenchguy photography

Joan and Charlie Dattelbaum

Linda and Dave Dreisbach

Kelley Finley - HHSO Marketing

First Presbyterian Church

Peter Forbes

Mark Gilmour - Videorecording Engineer

Charles Grace - Designer, LocalLife

Jeff and Jennifer Herrin - Owners, Kawai Piano Gallery

Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa

Hilton Head Choral Society

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra/SoundWaves

Barbara Holmes

Mario Incorvaia

Richard Kessler - The Kessler Collection

Bob Koenig

Lean Ensemble Theater

Aaron Lehrian

Markel’s Card & Gift Shop

Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana

Red Fish Restaurant

Rice Music House

Tim Ridge - HHIPC Social Media

Alex Scheer-McQuaig - Steinway & Sons

Nina Rodman - Minister of Music, St. Luke’s Anglican Church

Rollers Wines & Spirits

Salty Dog Tee Shirts

Savannah Hilton Head International Airport

Savannah Music Festival

St. Luke’s Anglican Church

Steinway & Sons

Studio One Awards & Engraving

Jean Tharin - First Presbyterian Church

the greenery, inc.

Ray Ushikubo

2025 HHIPC VOLUNTEERS

Diane Anderson

Janet England Bender

Sue Blake

Mike Caporal

Joan Dattelbaum

Laurette Doscher

Linda Dreisbach

Eileen Durkin

Jerry Durkin

Kathy Emery

Mike Emery

Eileen Fitzgerald

John Goodrich

Mary Ann Goodrich

Lynn Gustafson

Ann Harrison

Morgan Harrison

Susan Hartmann

Susan Henderson

Tim Henderson

Barbara Holmes

Ed Landis

Judy Landis

Janet Lessem

Blaine Lotz

Lynn Lotz

Look for our volunteers throughout our venues. They are here to welcome and assist you.

This dedicated group has been recruited and trained by Kathy and Mike Emery.

Thanks to all!

Karen Malecha

Peg McCann

Carol McCarthy

Joy McNeil

Peggi Moon

Jeffrie Natale

Lou Natale

Sally Nicastre

Barbara Nichols

Andrea Pfaeffle

Tim Ridge

Catherine Sartorius

Joan Savage

Pam Savage

Wayne Schofield

Kristina Smith

Barbara Sorkin

Betty Welt

Mary Wilcox

Julie Williams

Marti Willits

Bill Zurilla

Kathy Zurilla

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SPONSOR

GRANTORS

Town Of Hilton Head

Howard Gilman Foundation

BUSINESS SPONSORS

PLATINUM LEVEL

LIVESTREAMING / MEDIA SPONSORS SILVER LEVEL GOLD LEVEL

Gorodnitzki Foundation

Artistic Partner of the HHIPC

Official Hotel of the HHSO and the HHIPC

Clayton Stephenson Congaree Trio Caleb Borick

Drew Petersen

USC Jazz Faculty

ANNA HAN IN RECITAL

Friday, April 11, 2025, 7:30 PM

SOUNDWAVES

Read more about former HHIPC competitor Anna on page 67.

ENRIQUE GRAF PLAYS MOZART WITH THE HHSO

Sunday, April 27, 2025 4:00 pm & Monday, April 28, 2025 7:30 pm

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The HHSO is excited to welcome back renowned pianist Enrique Graf, a former HHIPC judge. He will play Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 (K.453) under the baton of John Morris Russell.

“MOVIE NIGHT”

Friday, May 9, 2025

SOUNDWAVES

Private Event for 88 Key Society and Pay-for Piper Members.

2025 WINNER’S RECITAL AT CARNEGIE’S WEILL RECITAL HALL

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Join us in New York City this fall for a recital by our 2025 winner.

2025 WINNER’S RETURN ENGAGEMENT, HILTON HEAD

Sunday, January 18 & Monday, January 19, 2026

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

This year’s winner will return to play with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra during the 2025-2026 Orchestra Series season. Program to be announced.

“A MUSICAL FEAST”

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

HILTON HEAD BEACHFRONT RESORT AND SPA

Save the date for the HHIPC’s annual benefit celebrating our 30th anniversary.

2026 INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

March 16 – 21, 2026

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND OTHER VENUES

The HHIPC returns in 2026, when we welcome young artists, ages 13 – 17.

Tickets for Anna Han’s recital and the Graf concerts on sale at hhso.org or call the box office (843) 842-2055.

STEINWAY ARTISTS

the world’s most discerning pianists

Over nineteen out of twenty professional pianists choose to perform on steinway steinway & sons is proud to support the Hilton Head International Piano Competition.

STEINWAY .COM

alan chow

robin mccabe jon kimura parker

antonio pompa-baldi lang lang

yuja wang

andré-michel schub

wynona yinuo wang

ian hobson

olga kern

drew petersen

jerome lowenthal angela cheng

orli shaham

pavlina dokovska

marina lomazov