HHIPC 2026 PROGRAM

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HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

MARCH 16TH-21ST

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O F H FIC O IA TE L L

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2O26 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION FOR PIANISTS AGES 13–17 MARCH 16–21, 2O26

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

M I S S I O N

S T A T E M E N T

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.

Alink-Argerich Foundation Member since 2005

Artistic Partner of the HHIPC HHIPC.ORG

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2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition CORRELLHHI.COM | INSURE@CORRELLHHI.COM | 888 - 668 - 8082 4

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

ER R LV O SI NS O SP Your paragraph text with Congratulations to each competitor

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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SCHEDULE

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Welcome from HHSO’s President/CEO

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COMPETITION PRIZES

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Welcome from the Competition Director

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Master Classes

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John Morris Russell, Music Director

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Competitors’ Favorite Thing to Do When Not Playing the Piano

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Past Prize Winners

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Donors/88 Key Society/Pay-for-Piper

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Competition Hosts

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Committee/Special Thanks

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Sustaining the Competition/Business Sponsors

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AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

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MEET THE JURIES

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MEET THE COMPETITORS

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30-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE HHIPC

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BE PART OF THE HHIPC EXPERIENCE

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SAVE THE DATES

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Art s & cult u re Arts & culture WHEN IT COMES TO

HILTON HEAD ISLAND GETS A STANDING OVATION

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!

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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WELCOME

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO On behalf of the entire Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra family, welcome to the 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition! From a modest beginning in 1996, we are today celebrating 30 years of excellence in piano performance. You will find an article highlighting HHIPC’s three-decade journey in this beautiful program. What remarkable history has already been created.

Getting to this point has required much work; not just by the competitors who have been practicing their repertoire for months, but also by the dedicated and hard-working HHIPC Committee, our irector, Steven Shaiman, the rest of the staff, our volunteer host families, meal providers, chauffeurs, and many others. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in the 2026 Competition!

We are also so grateful to Steinway & Sons, our Artistic Partner; the Town of Hilton Head Island; our accommodating venues, our business sponsors and individual and foundation supporters; John Morris Russell and the HHSO musicians; our esteemed judges; and, course, our competitors.

thefrenchguy photography

We fully expect more history will be made this week! The stage has been set. From a record number of initial applications for the young artist cohort to a highly competitive Competitor Selection Jury round in November, all activities to date suggest we will experience masterful performances throughout the competition. And, as our Music Director is fond of saying, Remember, you saw it here on Hilton Head Island first

ALAN JORDAN President and CEO Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

Whether you are a year-round or seasonal resident, or just visiting Hilton Head Island for the competition, we hope you will take advantage of as many HHIPC events as you can, and that you will take away wonderful memories of amazing performances.

Please enjoy the 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

Sincerely,

Alan Jordan President and CEO

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Proud supporter of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition

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As HHIPC celebrates its 30th anniversary, we’re honored to stand alongside the young artists, families, and organizations who make this event extraordinary.

We wish every competitor the very best and thank the Hilton Head community for continuing to champion the arts.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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WELCOME

WELCOME FROM THE COMPETITION DIRECTOR Greetings and welcome to the 28th Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

2026 is a special year for the HHIPC as we celebrate 30 years since our founding. Beginning with the first competition in 1996, we have welcomed outstanding young pianists from around the world to compete for valuable prizes and performance opportunities. From humble beginnings, we have proudly established the HHIPC as one of the premier international competitions, respected for our dedication to support, nurture and promote the next generation of young pianists wherever they may reside.

And speaking of talented teens, I extend a very warm Lowcountry welcome to our twenty competitors Hailing from six countries, these highly gifted youngsters were selected from a group of 166 applicants representing 20 countries. So, our ’20 for 2026’ have already achieved a measure of success just by being here.

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As irector of the HHIPC, I stand on the shoulders of the visionaries who inaugurated the competition in 1996, along with all those who have developed and enhanced the organization since then. You can learn more about our history in this program, but I find it meaningful that our 30th year features Young Artists ages 13-17 , which is the seventh time we have showcased talented teenage pianists since 2011.

STEVEN SHAIMAN Competition Director

I must acknowledge our amazing panel of judges, including the three respected professionals who had the monumental task of distilling the pool from 166 to 20, along with the five esteemed artists serving on the Competition ury this week. In addition to their adjudicating duties, we also benefit from watching them in action on Friday, as they lead master classes with our non-advancing competitors. Plus, our jury chair, Ian Hobson, will treat us to an engaging presentation dedicated to Chopin’s beloved Études. Please plan to join us for that!

It is important to recognize the wonderful people who support the HHIPC in many different ways. Heartfelt thanks to the 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 our remarkable Competition Committee, whose incredible dedication and hard work in support of the HHIPC year-round continually amazes me. Then, let me say BRAVI TUTTI ’ to Maestro ohn Morris Russell and our own Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra for their performance in the Concerto Finals, with added acclaim for my wonderful HHSO staff colleagues Also, we recognize our generous prize sponsors, along with the many businesses who support us through program ads and contributions, both in-kind and cash. The magnificent pianos are delivered to us from New York City by our Artistic Partner, Steinway Sons. Our two spectacular venues St. Luke’s Anglican Church and First Presbyterian Church welcome us into their homes like family. And, of course, I thank all the generous donors whose financial support throughout the year enables us to maintain the highest standard of excellence in all we do.

In closing, let me express admiration to you our audience members who offer vigorous applause to encourage each competitor I know you will enjoy this exceptional week of world-class music

Steven Shaiman Competition Director HHIPC.ORG

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CHARLOTTE • GREENSBORO • GREENVILLE • COLUMBIA 2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

WELCOME

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 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Reaching this stage is a re ection 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

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M A S T E R C L A S S E S . L E C T U R E / R E C I TA L

Friday, March 20, 2026

St. Luke’s Anglican Church • 50 Pope Avenue 10:00 am - 3:30 pm $20 admission for the public Free admission for 88 Key Society and Piper members

MASTER CLASSES SCHEDULE MORNING

10:00 - 10:45 am • Angela Cheng 10:45 - 11:30 am • Daria Rabotkina

LECTURE/RECITAL 11:45 am - 12:45 pm

AFTERNOON

2:00 - 2:45 pm • Spencer Myer 2:45 - 3:30 pm • Marian Hahn

LECTURE/RECITAL

Ian Hobson, 2026 Competition Jury Chair, will give a Lecture/Recital entitled CHOPIN’S ÉTUDES (Op. 10 and 25): Technical Exercises Transformed into High Art 14

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

On Friday, March 20, four 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 five finalists on the evening of Thursday, March 19 at the conclusion of Round II.

Underwritten by

Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball The Great Frame Up

S C H E D U L E AT A G L A N C E

MARCH 16 — 21, 2026 ROUND I

Monday, March 16 & Tuesday, March 17

1:30 pm - 4:35 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:05 pm St. Luke’s Anglican Church — Open Seating

ROUND II

Wednesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 19 1:30 pm - 5:05 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:25 pm St. Luke’s Anglican Church — Open Seating

Finalists announced Thursday at approximately 9:45 pm

MASTER CLASSES • LECTURE/RECITAL Friday, March 20

Master Classes 10:00 am - 11:30 am Lecture/Recital 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Master Classes 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm St. Luke’s Anglican Church — Open Seating

ROUND III CONCERTO FINALS and AWARDS CEREMONY Saturday, March 21 - 7:00 pm • Doors open 6:30 pm

5 finalists play with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra John Morris Russell, Music Director First Presbyterian Church — Reserved Seating

Reception hosted by the HHSO Board of irectors and the League of the HHSO following awards Tickets may be purchased at all Competition venues, online at www.hhipc.org, or by calling the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Office at 843 842-2055.

COMPETITION ETIQUETTE Please silence all electronic devices.

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

Audience members may enter or leave only between competitors’ performances and not between pieces.

Please do not applaud until competitors have concluded the performance of the final selection of their programs.

Children must be 8 or older and accompanied by an adult to be admitted.

No eating or drinking is permitted in the Competition Hall.

Only authorized use of cameras and recording e uipment is permitted.

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JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL

JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

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 fourtheenth 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 world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

Tina Gutierrez

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, Cla in 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.

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 with the HHSO. Dedicated to sharing the American musical experience with the newest generation, 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 will lead the fifth year of Link Up program 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. Last season, he worked 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.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITION PRIZES

FIRST PRIZE

$12,000

Mary and Mike Briggs /Joan and Charles Dattelbaum

SECOND PRIZE

$6,000

Mary Ann and Tarrant Putnam

THIRD PRIZE

$3,000

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz

MEDALISTS

$1,000 $1,000

Linda and Ray Moloney Joan and Bob Koenig

SASCHA GORODNITZKI MEMORIAL PRIZE

$1,000

Return performance with the HHSO during 2026-2027 season

Sascha Gorodnitzki Foundation

In 2014, the Sascha Gorodnitzki Foundation endowed a new prize for the Hilton Head International Piano competition. It is a judges’ discretionary award for which all non-finalist competitors may be considered.

Sascha Gorodnitzki, pianist and Juilliard faculty member for more than half a century, was born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1904. He studied piano with Edwin Hughes at the Institute of Musical Arts which later became The Juilliard School. Mr. Gorodnitzki joined the faculty of The Juilliard Summer School in 1932 graduating with highest honors. He was appointed to the piano faculty in 1948, where he remained until his death in 1986. Prominent artists who worked with him include Garrick Ohlsson, Eugene Estomin, Dennis Russell Davies, Janina Fialkowska, Herbert Stessin, James Barbagallo, and Albert and Miyoko Lotto. He has long been recognized as one of the finest pianists and piano teachers in the world in his time. In funding this prize, the Gorodnitzki Foundation is recognizing the prestige of the HHIPC and its commitment to helping young pianists develop their careers.

THE PETER TAKÁCS CLASSICAL SONATA PRIZE $1,000

Dr. Peter Takács

The winner of this prize will be deemed by the Competition Jury to have given the best performance of a Classical sonata Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven during the first two rounds of the competition. First awarded in 2017, the prize is funded by Peter Takács, who joined Oberlin’s faculty in 1976, retiring in 2024 after 48 years. Dr. Takács has been a member of the HHIPC jury several times, including serving as Jury Chair. He has recorded the complete sonatas of Beethoven and performed them around the world. Says Takács, “I have always felt that the music of the great Classical composers of the 18th century form the basis of all the piano music that followed.

This is repertoire that remains fresh, startling, and revelatory. By funding this prize, I hope to encourage young pianists to explore and embrace this style that remains so relevant today.”

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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.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

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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 Bluffton Elementary Hilton Head Christian Academy Rotary Club of Hilton Head The Cypress The Seabrook Tidepointe

First offered in 2003, the Ambassador Program will again be part of the 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. How does it work?

Competitors visit Beaufort County schools to perform for groups of students, elementary through high school age. They choose what to play—usually selections from their competition repertoire as well as favorite indigenous works. Competitors interact with the students to convey information about the pieces/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 the students may ask unexpected questions. A few years ago, HHIPC added seniorliving communities to this community engagement program.

The Ambassador Program is a central part of the HHIPC’s mission and one of the most impactful things it does.

The Ambassador Program is a quintessential win-win. For competitors it is a valuable opportunity to perform, sharing 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. Teachers confirm that the visits awaken musical excitement and inspire students to strive and excel at whatever endeavors they wish to accomplish.

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

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G IN M A R RE SO ST N VE PO LI S

Proud sponsor of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition.

Sparklight is dedicated to providing local community support by delivering fast, reliable fiber-fueled internet for our friends and neighbors in the Lowcountry.

Scan or visit sparklight.com/internet for more information.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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LIVESTREAMING

COMPETITOR SELECTION JURY UNSUNG HEROES

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 with an opportunity to perform for international audiences—a critically important part of advancing their careers, and a principal motivation for applying to our competition.

When the application period for the 2026 Competition closed on September 30, 2025, there were 166 submissions from 20 countries. 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”). The three piano professionals who comprise the Selection Jury are as accomplished as members of the Competition Jury who adjudicate in March, and they work just as hard.

This year’s competitors hail from six countries. By livestreaming both the solo rounds and the concerto finals, supporters back home can participate in the excitement of watching performances in real time. Last year for the first time, Amadeus TV, an authoritative classical music platform in China, was a partner, with over 200,000 confirmed veiwers of the HHIPC in China.

DURING THE PAST SEVERAL COMPETITIONS, PEOPLE IN AS MANY AS 60 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 is a two-part process. First, the jurors spend six weeks or so in their hometowns reviewing all the audition videos. No one has an affiliation with any of the applicants this is against HHIPC rules. All evaluations are done blind jurors know the applicants only by a number assigned by a computer program. Jurors do not have access to applicants’ written applications, nor to any other information that might reveal identities and so inadvertently introduce bias.

Applicants submit at least THE LARGELY INVISIBLE, BEHINDthree video files re ecting THE-SCENES WORK THE CSJ DOES works of contrasting styles LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR A totaling 20-30 minutes in SUCCESSFUL COMPETITION. length, and all pieces must be played from memory. At the end of the remote evaluations, the pool is reduced in size if all three judges independently rate an applicant as not ready to compete at the HHIPC. At this or at any other point in the remote process, judges cannot see their peers’ ratings, nor do they communicate with one another.

In November, CSJ members travel to Hilton Head to complete the task. They settle into a comfortable home theater with state-of-the-art equipment. Eloise and Bob Mason, who reside in Long Cove, were this year’s gracious hosts. The judges listen again, sometimes more than once, to the multiple pieces of repertoire the applicants remaining in the pool have chosen to showcase their talents. At the end of two intense 10-hour days, the jury selects the 20 competitors who will be invited to play in the HHIPC, plus a slate of alternates. A numerical scoring system is employed, allowing 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 is instrumental in helping us attract both top-drawer competitors and judges.

The HHIPC is extremely grateful to this year’s Competitor Selection Jury — Robin McCabe, Robert Shannon, and Christopher Taylor — professionals with “great ears” whose collective efforts ensure a successful competition.

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COMPETITOR SELECTION JURY

Celebrated pianist Robin McCabe has established herself as one of America’s most communicative and persuasive artists. McCabe’s involvement and musical sensibilities have delighted audiences across the United States, Europe, Canada and in nine concert tours of the Far East. The US epartment of State sponsored her two South American tours, which were triumphs both artistically and diplomatically.

As noted by The New York Times, What Ms. McCabe has that raises her playing to such a special level is a strong lyric instinct and confidence in its ability to reach and touch the listener. The Tokyo Press declared her a pianistic powerhouse. Richard yer, the eminent critic of The Boston Globe, said Her brilliant, natural piano playing shows as much independence of mind as of fingers. Her recordings have received universal acclaim.

ROBIN MCCABE USA

McCabe earned her Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude at the University of Washington School of Music and her master’s and doctorate degrees at The uilliard School. She joined the uilliard faculty in 1978, then returned to the University of Washington in 1987 to accept a position on the piano faculty. In 1994, McCabe was appointed irector of the School of Music, a position she held until 2009. With colleague Craig Sheppard, she launched the highly successful Seattle Piano Institute, an intense summer immersion experience for gifted and aspiring classical pianists.

McCabe performs regularly throughout the United States and has made several tours of South Korea, apan, Taiwan, and China. She often appears as a jurist for international piano competitions. She served on the juries of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition 2016 and the Hilton Head International Piano Competition 2022 . In October of 2023, she made her fifth concert tour of China.

Robert Shannon has been Professor of Piano at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music since 1976. He has performed and given master classes in Europe, South America, Asia, and throughout the United States. His continuing series of recordings for Bridge Records has been widely praised in the world press.

Mr. Shannon’s repertoire ranges from Bach to Boulez, but he has been particularly noted for his performances of twentieth-century American composers. He has commissioned and premiered works by ohn Harbison, Charles Wuorinen, Tod Machover, onald Erb, and George Crumb, among others. His recordings of solo and violin sonatas of Charles Ives, with long-time duo partner Gregory Fulkerson, have received rave reviews. He has been involved in expanding the repertoire for isklavier interfaced with other media, which represents a new gamut of sounds and textural possibilities for a single performer.

In recent years, Mr. Shannon has performed in London, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Caracas, Houston, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, New York, and Seoul. He often performs in duo recitals with his wife and faculty colleague Haewon Song, and as part of the George Crumb Ensemble.

ROBERT SHANNON USA

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Mr. Shannon is Director of the Thomas and Evon Cooper Competition. This unique event combines master classes and concerts by Oberlin professors and special guest faculty, lectures by prominent musicologists, and an international competition for high school students, with concerto finals with the Cleveland Orchestra. In addition, Mr. Shannon often serves as a judge of American competitions such as the Cleveland International Piano Competition, the Concert Artists Guild of New York Competition, and the Sorantin and Wideman Competitions.

Mr. Shannon graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1967. He received degrees from Oberlin College and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and from The Juilliard School.

Hailed by critics as “frighteningly talented” (The New York Times) and “a great pianist” (The Los Angeles Times , Christopher Taylor has distinguished himself as an innovative musician with a diverse array of talents and interests. He is known for a passionate advocacy of music written in the past 100 years Messiaen, Ligeti, and Bolcom figure prominently in his performances — but his repertoire spans four centuries and includes the complete Beethoven sonatas, the Liszt Transcendental Etudes, Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and a multitude of other familiar masterworks.

Mr. Taylor has concertized around the globe, with international tours taking him to Russia, Western Europe, East Asia, and the Caribbean. In the United States, he has appeared with such orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Detroit Milwaukee Symphonies. As a soloist, he has performed in New York’s Carnegie and Alice Tully Halls, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Ravinia and Aspen festivals, and dozens of other venues. In chamber settings, he has collaborated with many eminent musicians. His recordings feature works by Liszt, Messiaen, and present-day Americans William Bolcom and Derek Bermel.

Numerous awards confirm Mr. Taylor’s high standing in the musical world. He was named an American Pianists’ Association Fellow (2000), before which he received an Avery Fisher Career Grant (1996), and the Bronze Medal in the 1993 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

In 1990 he took first prize in the William Kapell International Piano Competition and became one of the first recipients of the Irving Gilmore Young Artists’ Award.

He currently serves as the Paul Collins Professor of Piano Performance at the University of Wisconsin. He pursues a variety of other interests including mathematics (he received a summa cum laude degree from Harvard University in this field in 1992 , philosophy, computing, linguistics, and biking, which is his primary means of commuting. Christopher Taylor is a Steinway artist.

CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR USA

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COMPETITION JURY

Tatiana aubek

Pianist and conductor Ian Hobson — called “powerful and persuasive” by The New York Times — is recognized internationally for his command of an extraordinarily comprehensive repertoire, his consummate performances of the Romantic masters, his deft and idiomatic readings of neglected piano music old and new, and his assured conducting from both the piano and the podium. Maestro Hobson currently serves as Guest Conductor of the esteemed Sinfonia Varsovia and Music Director of the Sinfonia da Camera, a professional chamber orchestra affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where Mr. Hobson is the Swanlund Emeritus Professor of Music.

IAN HOBSON UNITE KING OM USA, CHAIR

Mr. Hobson has dedicated himself to studying such lesser-known masters as Ignaz Moscheles, Johann Hummel, and Richard Stöhr. He has also been an effective advocate of works by several noted contemporary composers, including Benjamin Lees, ohn Gardner, avid Liptak, Alan Ridout, and Yehudi Wyner. Mr. Hobson has to date amassed a discography of some 60 releases, including the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven and Schumann and a complete edition of Brahms’s Variations for Piano. Recently, Mr. Hobson has been recording the solo and orchestral works of Polish composer Moritz Moszkowski the first volume of orchestral works was awarded a 2020 iapason d’or couverte’ by the French magazine Diapason.

As guest soloist, Ian Hobson has appeared with many of the world’s major orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, the symphony orchestras of Baltimore, Florida, Houston, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and the American Symphony Orchestra and Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico. Abroad, he has been heard with Great Britain’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and Hall Orchestra, ORF-Vienna, Orchester der Beethovenhalle, Moscow Chopin Orchestra, Israeli Sinfonietta, and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

One of the youngest ever graduates of the Royal Academy of Music, Mr. Hobson began his international career in 1981 when he won First Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition, after having earned silver medals at both the Arthur Rubinstein and Vienna-Beethoven competitions. Born in Wolverhampton, England, he studied at Cambridge University, and at Yale University, in addition to his earlier studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Consistently praised for her brilliant technique, tonal beauty, and superb musicianship, Canadian pianist Angela Cheng is one of her country’s national treasures. In addition to regular guest appearances with virtually every orchestra in Canada, she has performed with the symphonies of Saint Louis, Houston, Indianapolis, Colorado, Utah, San iego, Fort Worth, and acksonville, as well as the philharmonic orchestras of Buffalo, Louisiana, Rhode Island, London, Israel and Minas Gerais in Brazil.

Recent performances include a return to the Edmonton Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, Minas Gerais Philharmonic, Music Toronto and the Vancouver Recital Society for the Brahms Festival. Next season will include the Richmond Symphony, Akron Symphony, Regina Symphony, and a recital at Art Spring, among others.

Angela Cheng has performed recitals and concertos at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center Washington, .C., the 92nd Street Y New York and Wigmore Hall in London. She appears regularly on recital series throughout the United States and Canada and has collaborated with numerous chamber ensembles including the Tak cs, Colorado, and Vogler uartets. North American festival performances include Banff, Chautau ua, Colorado, Great Lakes Chamber Music, Vancouver, Toronto and the Festival International de Lanaudi re in uebec.

Ms. Cheng has made several recordings for CBC, including discs of Mozart and Shostakovich concerti and a C of four Spanish concerti with Hans Graf and the Calgary Philharmonic.

In addition, an all-Chopin recital C has been released by Universal Music Canada.

ANGELA CHENG HONG KONG CANA A

Angela Cheng was the Gold Medalist of the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Masters Competition, as well as the first Canadian to win the prestigious Montreal International Piano Competition. Other awards include the Canada Council’s coveted Career evelopment Grant and the Medal of Excellence for outstanding interpretations of Mozart from the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.

A native of Hong Kong, Ms. Cheng studied extensively with Menahem Pressler at Indiana University and with Sascha Gorodnitzki at The uilliard School. She is currently on the artist faculty of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she was honored with the 2011-12 Excellence in Teaching Award.

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COMPETITION JURY

Marian Hahn holds the Singapore Conservatory of Music Chair in Piano at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore where she has been on the piano faculty since 1987. As a liaison with the new Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, she has performed and given master classes in Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand and is in fre uent demand as a competition juror and for master classes on campuses throughout the U.S. Hahn’s solo career was launched in 1976 when she became a winner in the International Leventritt Competition. She made her Carnegie Recital Hall debut as a Concert Artists Guild winner and subse uently appeared in New York recitals at the Metropolitan Museum and Merkin Hall.

A top prizewinner in the University of Maryland, and Kosciuzko competitions, Hahn has toured nationwide, performing recitals on prestigious series in Washington .C., Boston, Chicago, and Minneapolis, and as a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Pops, and five appearances with the acksonville Symphony. Critically acclaimed European tours have taken her to England, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and Germany.

MARIAN HAHN USA

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An avid chamber musician, Hahn has been a participant in the Marlboro, Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Aria festivals, and is on the faculty of the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival in Maine. She toured extensively as the pianist of the Amadeus Trio and was also a founding member of the Amabile Piano uartet. Her recordings with the Amabile uartet and Amadeus Trio appear on the Summit and Kleos labels respectively.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Oberlin College with a major in Comparative Religion, she received her MM degree from The uilliard School her teachers have included ohn Perry, Leon Fleisher and Benjamin Kaplan.

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Lauded for “superb playing” and “poised, alert musicianship” by The Boston Globe, and labeled definitely a man to watch by London’s The Independent, American pianist Spencer Myer is one of the most respected and sought-after artists on today’s concert stage.

Spencer Myer’s orchestral, recital and chamber music performances have been heard throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa and Asia. He has been soloist with, among many others, The Cleveland Orchestra, Boise, ayton, Louisiana and Rhode Island philharmonic orchestras, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the Baton Rouge, Bozeman, Canton, Chattanooga, Flagstaff, Indianapolis, uneau, Knoxville, New Haven, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Springfield MA, MO, OH , Traverse, Tucson and Wyoming symphony orchestras, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Ohio’s ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, New York City’s The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, Mexico’s Or uesta Filarm nica de alisco, South Africa’s Cape Town and ohannesburg philharmonic orchestras and Beijing’s China National Symphony Orchestra. His 2005 recital orchestral tour of South Africa included a performance of the five piano concerti of Beethoven with the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa, followed by six return orchestra and recital tours.

Spencer Myer’s recital appearances have been presented in New York City’s Weill Recital Hall, 92nd Street Y and Steinway Hall, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center and London’s Wigmore Hall, while many of his performances have been broadcast on W R New York City , WHYY Philadelphia , WCLV Cleveland and WFMT Chicago . An in-demand chamber musician, he has appeared multiple summers at the Lev Aronson Legacy Festival with cellists Lynn Harrell, Ralph Kirshbaum, Amit Peled, Tom Landschoot and Brian Thornton, and has enjoyed a recurring partnership for over a decade with the Miami String uartet at the Kent Blossom Music Festival. Other artistic partners include clarinetist avid Shifrin, sopranos Nicole Cabell, Martha Guth and Erin Wall, the upiter and Pacifica string uartets and the orian Wind uintet.

SPENCER MYER USA

Spencer Myer’s career was launched with three important prizes First Prize in the 2004 UNISA International Piano Competition in South Africa, the 2006 Christel eHaan Classical Fellowship from the American Pianists Association and the Gold Medal from the 2008 New Orleans International Piano Competition. He is also a laureate of the 2007 William Kapell, 2005 Cleveland and 2005 Busoni international piano competitions. He enjoys an esteemed reputation as a vocal collaborator since winning the 2000 Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition. Mr. Myer was a member of Astral Artists’ performance roster from 2003-2010.

A renowned pedagogue, Spencer Myer is currently Associate Professor of Piano at the Indiana University acobs School of Music, where he was named a recipient of the 2024 Trustees Teaching Award. Previously, has served as a guest faculty at the Oberlin and Baldwin-Wallace Conservatories of Music, and was a member of the piano faculty at Boston’s Longy School of Music of Bard College from 2016 to 2022.

Since 2017, Spencer Myer has released six recordings on the Steinway Sons label Piano Rags of William Bolcom, Chopin The Four Impromptus , and four discs with cellist Brian Thornton encompassing repertoire of Brahms, Chopin, ebussy, Schumann and Rachmaninoff.

Spencer Myer is a Steinway Artist.

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COMPETITION JURY

Born in Kazan, Russia, into a family of musicians, aria Rabotkina gave her first solo recital at the age of 10. Her education started at the Specialized Music School under the guidance of her parents and Nora Kazatchkova. Later, it continued in Kazan State Conservatory and Mannes College of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Vladimir Feltsman. In addition, she holds a octor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Natalya Antonova.

Concerto highlights include San Francisco and New World symphonies, Kirov Mariinsky Orchestra, Moscow State Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony, Hudson Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, Or uesta Sinfonica de Concepci n, and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. Rabotkina has collaborated with Michael Tilson Thomas, Valery Gergiev, Vladimir Feltsman, ulian Kuerti, oAnn Falletta, Benjamin Shwartz, and Giancarlo Guerrero.

DARIA RABOTKINA RUSSIA USA

As a soloist, she has given recitals at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, Ravinia’s Rising Stars, and ame Myra Hess in Chicago. Her appearances abroad include enmark, Switzerland, Germany, France, Mexico, and apan.

Winner of the 2007 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, Rabotkina received top prizes at several international competitions and participated in Russia’s White Nights, Finland’s Kuhmo, and Copenhagen’s Summer festivals. In the United States, Rabotkina has appeared at the Rockport Chamber Music, International Keyboard Institute, PianoSummer at New Paltz, and San Francisco International Piano festivals.

Her first three recordings were done with CAG Records as part of the Victor Elmaleh Collection. The debut recording features Tchaikovsky’s Grand Sonata and Prokofiev’s Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet. Her second C contains Beethoven’s iabelli Variations and Schubert’s Moments Musicaux. Rabotkina’s third project involved live recording of three concerti. The latest C MSR Classics , with humores ues by vo k, Reger, Rachmaninov, and Schumann, was released to critical acclaim in 2018.

Rabotkina joined the piano faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the fall of 2024 where she also serves as the irector of Academy Piano Studies. Previously, she presented master classes, private lessons, and lectures at the Kazan State Conservatory.

Passionate about early piano education, Rabotkina founded the FunKey Piano Project at Texas State in 2018, where she was an associate professor of piano 2016-24 .

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

ER R LV O SI NS O SP

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Chenxi Cao was born in Shanghai in 2012 and began his piano education under the guidance of Li Didi in 2017. In 2018, he began studying under Professor Luo iao of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Affiliated High School and has been doing so ever since. In 2022, he was admitted to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music High School as the top scorer in the piano major. Since entering the school, he has received the Special Award of the Niu Endi Scholarship and the People's Scholarship on multiple occasions.

In 2022, he won Second Prize in the Piano A group at the 4th Zhuhai Mozart International Youth Music Week. As the youngest winner in the history of the event, he was invited to perform Mozart's ouble Piano Concerto with Russian prodigy Elisey Mysin and the Salzburg Symphony Orchestra at the opening concert of the 5th Zhuhai Mozart International Youth Music Week in 2023.

In May 2024, he recorded the seventh part of the vinyl record Ode to the Red Flag by Lu iming with pianist Chen Sa the record was officially released in October. He also won Second Prize in the Professional Children's Group and First Prize in the Modern Works group at the International Youth Piano Performance and China-Switzerland Modern Piano Works performance at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music High School in 2024. In anuary 2024, he held his first solo concert at the Bosi Changjiang River Music Hall.

CHENXI CAO COUNTRY China AGE 13 HOST FAMILY Marleen ack Cain

R E P E R T O I R E

ROUND I Bach Haydn Medtner Hamelin ROUND II Liebermann Chopin Ravel

ROUND III Chopin 30

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prelude and Fugue No. 19 in A Major, BWV 888, WTC II Sonata in B- at Major, Hob. VI 41 Sonata tragica, Op. 39, No. 5 Étude No. 6 in minor, Omaggio a Domenico Scarlatti Nocturne No. 4, Op. 38, To Andrew Wilde Variations on Là ci darem la mano, Op. 2, from Don Giovanni Miroirs: IV. Alborada del gracioso, M. 43 Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

Matthew Chang is studying under the guidance of Dr. Martin Labazevitch and Dr. Ian Hobson. In 2024-2025, Matthew received the Silver Prize and the Special Award for the best performance of a Chopin piece at the final round of the Music Teachers National Association senior piano competition, as well as the Silver Medal and the Special Award for the best performance of a Chopin mazurka at the 31st International Chopin Piano Competition in Szafarnia, Poland. He has also received numerous accolades including winning the National YoungArts with Distinction award, the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition, and the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Competition for Young Pianists, among others.

Matthew gave his first livestream solo recital at age 11 and the second at the Polish ambassador’s residence at 12 years old. He has performed in venues across the world including in Puerto Rico, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Taiwan, South Korea, and more. Matthew has been featured with the Sinfonia da Camera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ian Hobson in Illinois and appeared on NPR’s From the Top. Recently, he was selected to be a third-year Chopin national scholarship recipient.

Comments by the NY Concert Review at the Rosalyn Tureck winner’s concert: “Chang projected the life of each distinct phrase with a joyful and intense involvement. His rhythm was not merely solid, but also full of dance-like energy.”

MATTHEW CHANG COUNTRY – United States AGE – 17 HOST FAMILY – Barbara & Jay Ellis

ROUND I Ravel Chopin ROUND II Bach Ligeti Beethoven ROUND III Chopin

Gaspard de la nuit: III. Scarbo, M. 55 Variations on Là ci darem al mano, Op. 2, from Don Giovanni

R E P E R T O I R E

Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 870, WTC II Étude No. 4 in C Major, Book I, Fanfares Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53, Waldstein Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Sixteen-year-old pianist Anwen Deng was born in Brisbane, Australia. She began piano at three years old and was accepted into Juilliard’s Pre-College program at six, currently studying with Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky. Anwen has received top prizes in numerous piano competitions including the 2025 and 2026 YoungArts Winner with Distinction, Chopin Foundation of the United States Year 1 and Year 2 Scholarships, Second Prize at the 2025 Thomas and Evon Cooper International Piano Competition, and others in Australia, Poland, the United States, and Germany. At the age of ten, Anwen was invited to perform with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Since then, she has performed as a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Sarasota Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Lumos, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Aspen Chamber Orchestra, New York Little Orchestra Society, and Brisbane Symphony Orchestra under the batons of Maestros Samy Rachid, David Alan Miller, Michael Stern, Salvador Brotons, and Antoni Bonetti.

ANWEN DENG COUNTRY – United States/Australia AGE – 16 HOST FAMILY – Barbara Sorkin

R E P E R T O I R E

Anwen has attended renowned international festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival and School and Piano Texas International Festival and Academy, performing in master classes for acclaimed pianists including Arie Vardi, Tamás Ungár, Angela Cheng, and Sa Chen. Anwen has also performed in chamber ensembles at the Kennedy Center’s Sounds of US festival and as part of Juilliard’s New Music Ensemble.

Beyond her virtuosity as a pianist, Anwen’s passion for music extends to composition. With numerous original pieces, including nocturnes, sonatas, ballades, waltzes, quartets, and a symphony, Anwen continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, showcasing her creativity and versatility.

ROUND I Bach Beethoven

ROUND II Chopin Thomas Adès Ravel Liszt ROUND III Beethoven

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G Major, BWV 860, WTC 1 Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57, Appassionata Mazurka in A minor, Op. 59, No. 1 Mazurka, Op. 27, No. 1 Le Tombeau de Couperin: VI. Toccata, M. 68 Rhapsodie espagnole, S. 254 Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

Isabel is a 9th grader from Folsom, California. She began piano lessons at the age of four with Carol Chuang and from the age of seven, also studied privately with Ilana Vered. Currently she is a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College, where she studies under Yoshikazu Nagai.

Isabel made her Carnegie Hall debut at the age of six and has since performed across the United States, Canada, China, and Italy. She is a prizewinner of numerous national and international competitions, including the MTNA Junior Piano Competition (California and Southwest Division winners and 2026 National Finalist), San Jose International Piano Competition (First Prize), Xinghai Cup National Piano Competition in China (Grand Prize), Vancouver International Music Competition (First Grand Prize across all categories), and the International e-Piano Junior Competition (Fourth Prize). She has also earned First Prizes at all three CAPMT California State Competitions and the MTAC Piano Concerto Solo State Competition, as well as a Special Prize at the Kaufman International Piano Competition.

Her orchestral appearances include solo debuts with the Folsom Lake College Youth Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Virtuosi Brunenses, Orchestra Europa Musica, Orchestra delle Cento Città, and the Florence Conservatory Orchestra.

Isabel has also been selected to participate in prestigious music programs and master classes to study with world-renowned pianists including Ruth Slenczynska, Jerome Lowenthal, Mikhail Voskresensky, Arie Vardi, John Perry, Christopher Elton, Ian Jones, Alexander Kobrin, Marcus Groh, Kevin Kenner, Dina Yoffe and many others.

Besides piano, Isabel enjoys swimming, baking, writing, and playing chess.

ROUND I Haydn Rachmaninoff Evans Koçja Chopin ROUND II Handel Ravel Chopin Chopin

ROUND III Chopin

Sonata in E Major, Hob. XVI:31 Prelude in G Major, Op. 32, No. 5 Prelude No. 1 Scherzo No. 2 in B- at minor, Op. 31

ISABEL FENG COUNTRY – United States AGE – 14 HOST FAMILY – Dede Bethke

R E P E R T O I R E

Suite in F Major, HWV 427 Sonatine, M. 40, I. Modéré Nocturne No. 2 in - at Major, Op. 27 Variations Brillantes in B- at Major, Op. 12 Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

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C O M P E T I T O R S

David Gatien, from Bellevue, WA, studies piano with Professor Yoshikazu Nagai at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Precollege. He has received top prizes at numerous competitions including First Prize awards at the American Protégé International Music Competitions (with Judges’ Distinctions), ENKOR International, AADGT International, and the San Francisco and Seattle International Piano Competitions. More recently, he was a semifinalist at both the Palm Springs PSIPC and Cooper International Piano Competitions and received Third Prize and the Ashkenazi Award for Promising Young Musician at the YeonCheon MK Young Artists International Piano Competition in South Korea. David is a current National MTNA Senior Piano Finalist and was also named a 2026 YoungArts Award Winner with Distinction in Classical Music.

DAVID GATIEN COUNTRY – United States AGE – 16 HOST FAMILY Elizabeth Edward Simmons

R E P E R T O I R E

David was a featured solo artist in the Rising Stars Concert Series at the 2024 Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival and has had master classes with renowned pianists such as Michelle Cann, Jon Nakamatsu, Aviram Reichert, Boris Slutsky, Awadagin Pratt, Boris Berman, Alvin Chow, and others. A dedicated chamber musician, avid is a member of the Academy for Chamber Music at the Seattle Chamber Music Society and has appeared on the Seattle-based radio show Northwest Focus Live on 98.1 Classical KINGFM, performing both chamber and solo works. In April 2025, avid had the extraordinary opportunity to meet and work with Evgeny Kissin after being selected as the pianist to perform the U.S. premiere of the esteemed pianist’s own composition, Piano Trio, Op. 6, during Kissin’s concert event at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall.

ROUND I Bach Vine Liszt

ROUND II Haydn Schubert Stravinsky/Agosti ROUND III Beethoven

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G Major, BWV 860, WTC I Five Bagatelles: I. Darkly, II. Leggiero e legato, V. Threnody Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514 Sonata in C Major, Hob. VI 48 rei Klavierst cke, . 946, I. Allegro assai Three Movements from L’Oiseau de Feu Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

Junye Huang (born in 2011) is a young pianist recognized for his exceptional artistry, disciplined musicianship, and rapidly growing stage presence. He began piano studies at the age of nine with Professor Vivian Li, under whose guidance he developed a refined technical foundation and a distinctive musical voice. He is currently a ninth-grade piano major at the Affiliated Middle School of the Xinghai Conservatory of Music and is a participant in the school’s Top Innovative Talent cultivation program.

At only fourteen, Junye has already distinguished himself at major national and international competitions. In 2023, he won First Prize in Professional Group A at the National Finals of the 11th Steinway Youth Piano Competition.

In 2024, he was an award recipient in both solo piano and chamber music at the 3rd Xinghai Steinway Scholarship Audition and went on to win First Prize in the school’s Yamaha Scholarship Competition. That same year, he earned First Prize in Group B of the 8th Israel Scherzo International Piano Competition in Tel Aviv.

In 2025, Junye was awarded a full scholarship to the exclusive Morningside Music Bridge program in Boston. He has also been accepted as a competitor for the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition and the Hilton Head International Young Artists Piano Competition (USA).

Outside of music, he enjoys reading, listening to both classical and contemporary music, and playing badminton.

JUNYE HUANG COUNTRY – China AGE – 14 HOST FAMILY – Anita Hotchkiss

ROUND I Thomas Adès Haydn Albéniz ROUND II Rameau Liszt Liszt

ROUND III Prokofiev

Mazurkas for Piano, Op. 27: Nos. 1 and 2 Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI:50 Navarra

R E P E R T O I R E

Pièces de clavecin, RCT 3: Suite No. 2, No. 1 Les tendres plantes, No. 8, Les cyclopes Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: IX. Les cloches de Genève Réminiscences de Don Juan, S. 418 Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Ryan Huang is a Young Steinway Artist and a Young Scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. Celebrated for his artistry and maturity, Ryan recently received a standing ovation for his encore performance at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Gala Celebration concert-Lang Lang’s Emperor.

A laureate of numerous international competitions, Ryan has earned top prizes at the XXII Nutcracker International Television Music Competition (Russia), the Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youth (Poland), the Jeune Chopin Competition (Switzerland), and the Kaufman International Piano Competition (United States), as well as the Steinway Junior Piano Competition and the Canadian Music Competition in Canada.

Since making his Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium debut at age seven and his solo recital debut at the Shanghai Symphony Hall at age eight, Ryan has performed with prestigious orchestras and ensembles including the Moscow Philharmonic (Russia), Wuhan Philharmonic (China), Vienna Opera Ball Orchestra Austria , and Newfoundland Symphony Canada , among others. He has also appeared with orchestras across Italy and Poland. In February 2026, he will be featured with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in Roy Thomson Hall.

RYAN HUANG

An alumnus of the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, Ryan currently studies in the studio of Dr. Michael Berkovsky and receives additional guidance from Dr. Marilyn Engle.

During his formative years he was under the tutelage of Dr. Olga Chichova.

COUNTRY – Canada/United States AGE – 15 HOST FAMILY – Jan & Bill Raisch

Beyond the concert stage, Ryan is a passionate volunteer who performs regularly for charity and teaches music to primary school students weekly.

He remains dedicated to the philosophy that every child deserves the opportunity to explore the beauty of music and musical instruments.

R E P E R T O I R E

ROUND I Scarlatti Hough Bach/Busoni

ROUND II Haydn Schubert/Liszt Scriabin ROUND III Grieg

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Sonata in D Major, K. 491 Fanfare Toccata in C Major Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004 Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI:50 Auf dem Wasser zu singen, D. 774 Fantasy in B minor, Op. 28 Concerto in A minor, Op. 16

Jueon started to play the piano at age seven. He studied at Yewon School, a prestigious arts middle school in South Korea, which he entered as an excellent scholarship student. His solo debut recital was in the Kumho Prodigy concerts at age 12.

Jueon has earned awards in many competitions. In 2025, he won First Prize at the Steinway Youth Piano Competition Southeast Asia-Pacific Regional Finals in Bangkok. He was invited to the Steinway Festival in Hamburg, Germany and performed in Laeiszhalle’s Grand Hall. In 2024, he won prizes at the Ettlingen International Piano Competition in Germany and the Ishikawa International Piano Competition in Japan. He won the Grand Prize at the Henle Piano Competition and First Prize at the Ewha-Kyunghyang Competition. Demonstrating his talent in chamber music, he won Grand Prize at the Music Journal Competition.

Jueon Lee has given many recitals and concerts in Korea including at the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall. In 2025, he had a solo recital at Shanghai Conservatory in China, at the invitation of the Shanghai International Piano Conference.

He has participated in master classes with Sir András Schiff, Nelson Goerner, Peter Jablonski and others. He has performed with both the Prime Philharmonic and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestras.

JUEON LEE COUNTRY – South Korea AGE – 14 HOST FAMILY – Lori & Bobby Tyson

ROUND I Mozart Ravel

Sonata No. 12 in F Major, K. 332 Gaspard de la nuit: III. Scarbo, M. 55

Liszt Unsuk Chin Balakirev

Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp Major, BWV 848, WTC I Ballade No. 2 in B minor, S. 171 Six Piano Études: No. 5 in C Major, Toccata Islamey: Oriental Fantasy, Op. 18

ROUND II Bach

ROUND III Chopin

R E P E R T O I R E

Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Kaiden is a sophomore at Northview High School in Johns Creek, Georgia.

He began studying piano at the age of seven and became seriously involved in music after beginning studies with Professor Liza Stepanova at the University of Georgia in 2024. Kaiden is a 2026 YoungArts Winner and earned Third Prize in the 2025 MTNA National Junior Division. His awards also include First Prizes from the Steinway Avanti Piano Competition, Georgia MTNA, EVMTA, DVMTA, GMTA, Sejong Piano Competition, Ralph Stilwell Piano Competition, Opus Music National Competition, and Angelo/ Micheline Addona Young Artists Piano Competition.

Beyond competitions, Kaiden pursues artistic growth through festivals and master classes. He has participated in master classes with Victor Rosenbaum, Jasmin Arakawa, Grace Huang, Robert McDonald, and Jay Hershberger through the American Liszt Society Festival at the University of Georgia. In 2024, he attended the Brevard Music Festival, and in the summer of 2025, he studied with Professor Julian Martin at the Bowdoin International Music Festival.

KAIDEN LEE COUNTRY – United States / South Korea AGE – 15 HOST FAMILY – Eileen & Jerry Durkin

R E P E R T O I R E

In addition to piano, Kaiden is an active percussionist and has performed in both the Georgia All-State Band and Georgia All-State Orchestra. Beyond music, he is deeply passionate about science. He is a two-time winner of the IAC National Science Bee (2023 and 2024), and his school Academic Bowl team earned first place at the USA National Tournament in 2024 and second place in 2025. He is currently deeply committed to the USA Biology Olympiad, with the goal of representing Team USA.

ROUND I Bach Ligeti . Peja evi Chopin

ROUND II Beethoven Stravinsky ROUND III Rachmaninoff

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prelude and Fugue No. 8 in E- at minor, BWV 853, WTC I Étude No.13, Book II, L’escalier du diable The Life of Flowers, Op. 19, V. Rose Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39 Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57, Appassionata Three movements from Petrushka: lll. Shrovetide Fair Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18

Verity Leung studies piano with Wayne Weng in Vancouver, Canada. She has participated in master classes with Wha Kyung Byun, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Krzysztof Jablonski, Boris Slutsky, Dang Thai Son, Ilana Vered, and the late John Perry. Verity’s playing has been described as “sensitively nuanced” and artistically thoughtful with beautiful uency and facile air.

Verity is the recipient of many piano awards on the provincial and national levels. She won First Prize in the 2021 and 2022 Canadian Music Competition, and the 2021, 2023 and 2024 British Columbia Provincials.

In 2024, she won the solo piano category in the Canada West Performing Arts Festival, which was open to provincial winners from British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. She was a finalist in the Kaufman International Youth Piano Competition in New York City in 2024. Verity is a three-time Gold Medalist of the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2018, 2022, and 2024 for National ARCT Piano. In 2025, she was the overall prize winner in the Steinway Competition Canada and was selected to participate in Morningside Music Bridge held at the New England Conservatory.

Verity seeks to communicate the beauty of classical music to enrich the community at large. Her CD album Childhood Memories through the Ages (2020) and her charity concert entitled In Veritate et Caritate (2024) raised over $45,000 to support refugee claimants in Vancouver.

VERITY LEUNG

Outside of piano and philanthropy, Verity is a passionate parkour practitioner, percussionist, and poet. She has a black belt in Taekwondo, and she coaches debate weekly.

ROUND I Haydn Liszt ROUND II Scarlatti Scarlatti Hamelin Prokofiev

ROUND III Mendelssohn

Sonata in E- at Major, Hob. VI 52 Concert Waltz on two themes from Donizetti's Lucia and Parisina, S. 401

COUNTRY – Canada AGE – 15 HOST FAMILY – Judy & Joe Gimbel

R E P E R T O I R E

Sonata in C-sharp minor, K. 247 Sonata in A Major, K. 113 Étude No. 6 in D minor, Omaggio a Domenico Scarlatti Sonata No. 2 in minor, Op. 14 Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Born in Shanghai, Zhehao Li began his piano studies at the age of five.

He currently attends the Middle School Affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music where he was awarded the Niu Ende Scholarship in 2023. His notable competition achievements include First Prize in Group I at the International Competition Young Virtuosos 2023 in Bulgaria and the Paris Animato Award at the 2023 China Lanzhou International Piano Competition, which earned him an invitation to perform at Salle Cortot in Paris in October 2023. As the recipient of the Audience Award, he was also invited to the Prix Animato Tarnow in Poland in April 2024, where he won First Prize. In August 2024, Zhehao made his concerto debut with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra at the 6th Shanghai International Music Festival Professional Piano Competition, winning First Prize in the professional junior group. He also collaborated with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and received Third Prize at the 2024 Khachaturian International Youth Competition.

ZHEHAO LI COUNTRY – China AGE – 17 HOST FAMILY – Lauren & Van Schwiebert

R E P E R T O I R E

In November 2024, Zhehao was selected by the Music Prodigy Search Foundation to perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 at the Shanghai Concert Hall. In 2025, Zhehao had his solo recital at Infinite Music Hub under the Morning Star Plan charity initiative, followed by another solo performance as part of Lang Lang Hangzhou Art World's Starry Sky Project.

He also served as a student delegate in the music exchange program with the Musikschule Ehingen in Germany.

Zhehao's artistic development has been enriched through master classes with internationally acclaimed pianists and pedagogues. Besides playing the piano, he also enjoys reading, calligraphy, aviation, cycling, and traveling.

ROUND I Beethoven Hamelin

Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57, Appassionata Étude No. 9 in F minor, After Rossini

Rachmaninoff Sancan

Prelude and Fugue No. 18 in G-sharp minor, BWV 887, WTC II Variations on a theme of Corelli, Op. 42 Toccata In G minor

ROUND II Bach

ROUND III Prokofiev

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26

Zihan Li began studying piano at the age of four with Liang Larisa from Russia. In 2021, she was admitted to the Piano Department of the Middle School affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music CCOM in Beijing, studying under Professor Lai Yupei. She is a laureate of multiple Chinese and international competitions. In 2019 at age ten, she won First Prize in the E. Timakin International Competition for Young Pianists in Moscow, and Second Prize in the Junior Age Group of Astana Piano Passion, an international competition for young pianists in Kazakhstan.

In 2020, she won First Prize and Special Prize in the 10-14 age group of the first International Moscow Music Competition, and Second Prize in the junior group of the Kawai Asia Piano Competition. In 2021, she received a Finalist award in the Klenev Moscow International Piano Competition junior group, online. Awards in 2022 include Second Prize in the professional group of the Chopin International Youth Piano Competition, and First Prize in the professional youth group of the German Ronisch International Piano Competition. In 2024, she won Second Prize in the professional group of the Khachaturian International Youth Competition.

Zihan is an active participant in music festivals including the Poland Arthur International Music Festival, the 16th Summer Music Festival in rzern, Germany, and the Oberlin School of Music Piano Arts Festival in 2025. She has taken master classes from Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron, Wojciech wita a, ifang Li, Bernd Goetzke, Hinrich Alpers, Ernest Barretta, effrey Cohen and others.

ROUND I Prokofiev Rameau Ravel Gao Ping

ROUND II Beethoven Rachmaninoff ROUND III Saint-Saëns

Étude No. 1 in minor, Op. 2 Gavotte et Six Doubles Gaspard de la nuit: I. Ondine, M. 55 Wu Kuang

ZIHAN LI COUNTRY – China AGE – 17 HOST FAMILY – Susan Stewart & Gregg Bryant

R E P E R T O I R E

Sonata No. 17 in minor, Op. 31, No. 2, Tempest Six Moments Musicaux, Op. 16, No. 4 in E minor Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Yeseo Nam is emerging as one of the most promising young talents of her generation. She began her piano studies at an early age and quickly demonstrated remarkable musical ability. A laureate of national and international competitions, she has performed widely as both soloist and chamber musician. In 2023, she gave her debut recital at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul as part of the Kumho Young Artist Concert Series, presenting works

by Mozart, Liszt, and Chopin. The performance was noted for its maturity, sensitivity, and brilliance.

She has also participated in master classes with distinguished pianists, gaining valuable artistic insight and inspiration. Yeseo has appeared as a soloist with orchestra, performing concertos by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. Her repertoire ranges from Bach and Beethoven to Romantic and contemporary works, including Liebermann’s Gargoyles.

Yeseo continues to pursue artistic growth with dedication and passion. With her expressive depth, technical mastery, and commitment to music, she aspires to share her artistry with audiences around the world.

YESEO NAM COUNTRY – South Korea AGE – 16 HOST FAMILY – Linda & David Dreisbach

R E P E R T O I R E

ROUND I Bach Chopin Balakirev

ROUND II Beethoven Liebermann ROUND III Tchaikovsky

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prelude and Fugue No. 9 in E Major, BWV 854, WTC I Polonaise-Fantaisie in A- at Major, Op. 61 Islamey: Oriental Fantasy, Op. 18 Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2, Tempest Gargoyles, Op. 29 Concerto No. 1 in B- at minor, Op. 23

Yixin Shen is from Shanghai, China. She began her piano studies at the age of five. Since 2020, Yixin has been pursuing studies in Piano Performance with Professor Kuanwen Wang at the Music Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Elementary epartment . In 2023, she was recommended as one of the top students to the Middle School epartment, exempted from the entrance examination.

Yixin has participated in several major international piano competitions for young artists. In 2025 she took part in the Cooper International Piano Competition, winning Fourth Prize. In 2024, she was selected among 440 applicants to compete in the 19th Ettlingen International Piano Competition.

In 2023, she was one of the 16 contestants in the unior Class of the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists. She has also won numerous competitions, including the First Prize at 2022 Irvine Conservatory International Music Competition Piano Category C and the Gold Prize at 2021 St. Petersburg International Music Competition unior Class , among others.

Beyond solo performances, Yixin is also a passionate chamber musician, leading the Modern Trio piano ensemble, which has won top honors in several Chamber Music Competitions, including the First Prize and Best Contemporary Work Interpretation Award at the 13th SHCMMS International Chamber Music Competition in 2025.

Yixin has performed on prestigious stages, including the closing concert of the 2nd Chinese Young Musicians Art Festival with the Shenzhen Bay Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall , Shanghai Symphony Hall, Shanghai Concert Hall, and Zhuhai Huafa Grand Theater, and others.

ROUND I Bach N. Shekhar Mozart ROUND II Schumann

ROUND III Grieg

Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 893, WTC II Postcards: III. Merry-go-round Sonata No. 15 in F Major, K. 533 494

YIXIN SHEN COUNTRY – China AGE 14 HOST FAMILY Trish Hussey

R E P E R T O I R E

Humoreske in B- at Major, Op. 20 Concerto in A minor, Op. 16

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C O M P E T I T O R S

A dedicated and accomplished Korean-American pianist, Christina D. Sung, currently studies under Professor Charlotte Hu at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She made her concert debut at age twelve with the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall. Since then, she has performed with various orchestras, including the American West Symphony, Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, American Fork Symphony, Chamber Orchestra Ogden, Utah Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Fort Collins Health and Wellness Orchestra in Colorado, where she performed the complete Grieg Concerto. Selected recent performances include solo recitals at the PYPA Festival, Steinway & Sons in Philadelphia, and Puffin Cultural Forum in New ersey Trio-Freesia Chamber recitals at the Gifted Music School and a collaboration with Amy Yang of the Curtis Institute.

CHRISTINA D. SUNG Country – United States / South Korea Age – 15 Host Family – Patsy Brison & Scott Camp

R E P E R T O I R E

Christina is a Chopin Foundation Scholarship recipient and a National YoungArts winner. Most recently, she was chosen as a competitor in the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and the Cleveland International Piano Competition. Additionally, Christina received the Steinway Sons Special Award at the Kaufman International Piano Competition, top prizes at the Philadelphia International Piano Competition and MTNA National Finals, First Prizes in the Emory Young Artist Piano Competition and International Keyboard Odyssiad , and the Grand Prix at the 11th ENKOR International Music Competition. Her performances have been broadcast on Classical 89.1 FM and ABC4 Television.

Christina is a frequent outreach performer for Gina Bachauer's ‘Piano Inspirato’ and was a featured soloist in the Bachauer Collaboration Concert at the Gallivan Center. She is a passionate chamber musician and speaks five languages uently, demonstrating her extraordinary linguistic intelligence.

ROUND I Bach Chopin Shostakovich ROUND II Beethoven Scriabin Kapustin ROUND III Grieg

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Toccata No. 5 in E minor, BWV 914 Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49 Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in - at Major, Op. 87 Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90 Sonata No. 2 in G-sharp minor, Op. 19 Variations for Piano, Op. 41 Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16

Fourteen-year-old pianist Yong-En Teng, born in Taipei in 2011, began her musical journey with early guidance from her parents, starting formal piano training at the age of five. She is currently a student in the unior High ivision of the Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University, studying with Professor Chiao-Han Liao. She has also benefited from guidance from distinguished artists including Ewa Pob ocka, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Natalia Trull, Bernd Goetzke, iaohan Wang, Markus Groh, Alexander Moutouzkine, Rolf-Peter Wille, Boris Slutsky, MengChieh Liu, Ning An, Ching-Yun Hu, and Steven Lin, among others. These experiences have broadened her artistic perspective and deepened her musical expression.

In 2025, Yong-En received the Third Prize and the Carl Nielsen Prize at the Aarhus International Piano Competition Category A, enmark . The same year, she was awarded an Honorable Mention at the International Master Piano Festival Rising Stars Competition and was selected for the NTSO International Music Top Talent Program 2026-2027 , as well as the International Cultivating and Sustaining Musical Talent Program in Taiwan 2024-2025 . Previous distinctions include the Second Prize and the Steinway Award at the 2019 Hamamatsu PIARA International Piano Competition, alongside top prizes at the Taipei International Piano Competition, WPTA International Competition, Kawai Piano Competition, and the National Student Music Competition.

Her recent performances include a solo recital at the National Recital Hall in Taipei in November 2025 Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 by Chopin 1st Movement with the iangjiang Symphony Orchestra uly 2025 and the Concerto No. 1 by Mendelssohn August 2024 . She made her recital debut in 2023 and performed at the Wiener Konzerthaus in 2020.

Beyond music, Yong-En enjoys table tennis and reading, balancing her studies with moments of relaxation.

ROUND I Beethoven ROUND II Bach ebussy Ligeti Chopin Chopin

ROUND III Chopin

Sonata No. 11 in B- at Major, Op. 22

YONG-EN TENG COUNTRY – Taiwan AGE – 14 HOST FAMILY Marty Neumeister

R E P E R T O I R E

Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C-sharp Major, BWV 848, WTC I Images: Book 1, L. 110, e ets ns l e Étude No. 4 in C Major, Book I, Fanfares Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4 Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21

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C O M P E T I T O R S

engjie was born in Shanghai, China in ecember 2009. His first contact with the piano was at the age of seven and he immediately fell in love with its sound. At the age of ten, he began formal studies under r. Shuo Huang, who taught at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music's affiliated secondary school. engjie was admitted to the Piano Performance department of The Middle School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music at the age of 12 with excellent grades. This is one of the best music middle schools in China. He is now a student in Grade 10. uring his time there, engjie has participated in master classes conducted by renowned international pianists including Wojciech wita a, Pascal Nemirovski, Elzbieta Pasierowska, William Fong, Ning An, and others. These experiences provided much positive feedback and have encouraged engjie to pursue his path in piano performance.

Awards include sixth place in the professional group of the 2024 Singapore International Young Pianist Competition and first place in the 2024 Royal International Competition. Although engjie does not yet have much experience in international competitions, he constantly strives to improve himself and looks forward to this opportunity at the Hilton Head Competition.

Besides classical music, engjie also enjoys traveling and playing Chinese chess.

DENGJIE WANG COUNTRY – China AGE 16 HOST FAMILY – Laura & Bret acobowitz

R E P E R T O I R E

ROUND I Bach Zhang Zhao Brahms ROUND II Mozart Liszt

ROUND III Chopin

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G Major, BWV 860, WTC 1 Numa Ame 2017 Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book1 Sonata No. 9 in Major, K. 311 Réminiscences de Norma, S. 394 Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

Zhixuan Wang was selected in 2025 for the Central Conservatory of Music’s Top Talent Training Program (“Best of Best”), a program for students with topnotch and innovative talent.

Zhixuan began piano at age four and is currently studying at the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) Middle School in Beijing. She previously studied under Professor Xinning Zhang, Deputy Director of the Piano Teaching and Research Department at CCOM, and now studies with Professor Danwen Wei, Director of the Piano Department. She has been awarded multiple scholarships during her studies.

At age nine, Zhixuan gave her first piano recital and has since performed on prestigious stages including the National Centre for the Performing Arts of China and in the Beijing Zhongshan Concert Hall. In 2024, she held piano recitals in Munich and Aachen, Germany. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Cross-Strait Art Youth United Symphony Orchestra, Xiamen Song and Dance Symphony Orchestra, Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Central Conservatory of Music and Sichuan Symphony Orchestra. Her awards include First Prize at both the 11th Mendelssohn International Piano Competition Asia-Pacific Finals and the 18th Central Conservatory of Music "School Cup", Second Prize at the 87th Steinway & Sons International Youth Piano Competition in 2023, Third Prize at the María Herrero International Piano Competition and Second Prize at the Gulangyu Piano Competition in 2025.

Beyond music, her interests include 16th–19th century European court and folk dances, badminton, table tennis, swimming and reading.

ROUND I Haydn Liszt Scriabin

Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI:48 Transcendental Études, S. 139: No. 5 Feux Follets Sonata No. 2 in G-sharp minor, Op. 19

Chopin Albéniz Vine

Prelude and Fugue No. 24 in B minor, BWV 893, WTC II Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54 Iberia, Book I, No. 2, Puerto Sonata No. 1, 1st movement

ROUND II Bach

ROUND III Chopin

ZHIXUAN WANG COUNTRY – China AGE – 16 HOST FAMILY – Janet Stallmeyer & Don Flora

R E P E R T O I R E

Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

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C O M P E T I T O R S

Melbourne-born Charlie Wu is a Year 7 student, and Concertmaster of the School Orchestra at Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia.

He studies piano with Glenn Riddle at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. In 2024, Charlie made his concerto debut performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Russian State Academic Symphony Orchestra in Moscow, conducted by Ivan Nikiforchin. Since then he has performed Haydn’s Piano Concerto in with Les Solistes de Neuch tel in Geneva, Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 Melbourne Sinfonia , Beethoven’s Triple Concerto Cloud Concert Orchestra , Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 Preston Symphony and Whitehorse Symphony Orchestras , and most recently, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Camerata Orchestra, winning First Prize in the Boroondara Open Concerto Competition. Internationally Charlie was awarded First Prize and Best Performance of a work by a Swiss composer in the Concours International Musicale de Gen ve in Switzerland and was a iplomate in the Grand Piano International Piano Competition Moscow . Locally he has been awarded the Musical Society of Victoria’s Nehama Patkin and Eda Schurmann Awards, and numerous First Prizes in various other competitions.

CHARLIE WU COUNTRY – Australia AGE 13 HOST FAMILY Victoria Holdren

R E P E R T O I R E

Charlie has presented solo recitals for the St. Paul’s Cathedral, Scots Church, St. Geroge’s Church, and the iamond Creek Concert Series. In 2026 he will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Maroondah Symphony Orchestra, Mozart’s Concerto K. 414 with the Mozart Festival Chamber Players and give a solo recital for Camberwell Music Society’s Subscription Concert series.

Charlie is a keen chamber musician, and enjoys playing tennis, swimming and chess.

ROUND I Scarlatti Vine Chopin Liszt Liszt ROUND II Haydn Prokofiev Granados Liszt

ROUND III Rachmaninoff

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Sonata in E Major, K. 162 Sonata No. 1, 1st movement Six Polish Songs, S.4 80, No. 5 in G- at Major, Mes joies Transcendental Études, S. 139 No. 4, Mazeppa Sonata in B- at Major, Hob VI 41 Sonata No. 7 in B- at Major, Op. 83, I. Allegro inquieto Goyescas, Op. 11 No. 7, El Pelele Valse de l'opéra Faust in Major, S. 407 Concerto No. 3 in

minor, Op. 30

Kongyan Xin was born China in 2008 and has since emerged as one of the most promising pianists of his generation. Currently a student at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music Middle School in Beijing, he studies under Professor Jianing Kong, a distinguished pedagogue at both the Central Conservatory of Music and the Royal College of Music.

Kongyan's exceptional talent is evidenced by his remarkable achievements in international competitions. He recently passed the preliminary selection for the 2026 Takamatsu International Piano Competition. He won First Prize at the 2025 Shenzhen Piano Open Competition, was a finalist at the 2025 International Jeune Chopin Competition for Young Pianists, and advanced to the preliminary round of the Warsaw Chopin International Piano Competition. His other achievements include the Encouragement Award at the 2024 Ettlingen International Piano Competition in Germany and the Audience Prize at the 2024 SIMA Classics Masterclass in Poland. In 2023, Kongyan won the En-Teh New and Fan Jianqin Scholarship.

Kongyan has appeared at renowned venues worldwide, including Teatro di Giovanni in Brescia, SIMA Classics Masterclass Gala Concert in Poland, Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall, and Zhuhai Mozart Concert Hall. Yamaha has invited him to perform in Japan in mid-January. His artistic development has been significantly enhanced through master classes with legendary pianists such as Dang Thai Son, Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron, Matti Raekallio, and Piotr Paleczny.

ROUND I Bach Chen Peixun Chopin Chopin ROUND II Schoenberg Beethoven ROUND III Beethoven

Capriccio on the departure of a beloved brother in B- at-Major, BWV 992 Autumn Moon Over a Placid Lake Étude in A minor, Op. 10, No. 2 Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23

KONGYAN XIN COUNTRY – China AGE – 17 HOST FAMILY – Ingrid & Craig Boatright

R E P E R T O I R E

Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19 Sonata No. 31 in A- at Major, Op. 110 Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

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M Y F A V O R I T E T H I N G S T O D O WHEN NOT PLAYING THE PIANO

CHARLIE WU Playing tennis; me at the home of the Australian Open.

ZIHAN LI Playing the violin and chamber music with friends.

CHENXI CAO Playing with our cats… endless joy.

JUNYE HUANG Playing badminton.

KAIDEN LEE Playing with Tinker and Bella.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

ZHIXUAN WANG Traveling and discovering beautiful scenery.

DAVID GATIEN Traveling and visiting new places.

ISABEL FENG Baking, especially NY-style cookies.

MATTHEW CHANG Playing tennis on the varsity team.

DENGJIE WANG Playing Chinese chess.

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M Y F A V O R I T E T H I N G S T O D O WHEN NOT PLAYING THE PIANO

YESEO NAM Traveling to different countries.

RYAN HUANG Public speaking.

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YONG-EN TENG Photography and drawing.

CHRISTINA D. SUNG Visiting art museums.

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

ZHEHAO LI Chinese calligraphy, an art inherited from my father.

JUEON LEE Thrilling activities when traveling.

ANWEN DENG Exploring new cultures like Australia, my birth country.

KONGYAN XIN Gathering with family to enjoy delicious food.

YIXIN SHEN Exploring the globe. I’m in Switzerland.

VERITY LEUNG Playing Mahjong with my brother, grandmother and aunt.

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C A R N E G I E H A L L W I N N E R ’ S R E C I TA L

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

THE HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION PRESENTS THE MONA HUFF RECITAL

JONATHAN MAMORA 2025 FIRST PRIZE WINNER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025 AT 8:00PM WEILL RECITAL HALL AT CARNEGIE HALL

WORKS BY MOZART, LISZT, SCHUBERT, SCRIABIN, AND LOWELL LIEBERMANN (NY PREMIERE) TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE CARNEGIE HALL BOX OFFICE AT 57TH STREET & SEVENTH AVENUE OR BY CALLING 212.247.7800 ON-LINE TICKET SERVICE: WWW.CARNEGIEHALL.ORG

PHOTO BY RALPH LAUER

Saturday, October 25, 2025 Engagement underwritten by the Mona Huff Carnegie Hall Recital Fund

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edisher Savitski 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . Konstantin Soukhovetski 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chu-Fang Huang 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Le 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Di Wu 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dmitri Levkovich 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Zuber 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ran Dank 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michail Lifits 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luk Vondr ek 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jin Uk Kim 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shen Lu 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chang Yong Shin 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaeyoung Park 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaeden Izik-Dzurko 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan Mamora

WINNER’S RECITAL The 2025 winner, Jonathan Mamora, performed ma nificently on ctober to a ll o se pop lated it ilton ead s pporters riends rom is days at illiard and astman and many discernin e or piano aficionados. o can read ic erdian s lo in re ie at ne yor classicalre ie .com. e ne t opport nity to attend t e inner s recital in e or ill be in b t yo can ear onat an at t e last concerts o t e season pril and .

In 2001, the competition introduced a recital at Carnegie’s Weill Hall as a component of the first prize for pianists 18-30. The goal was to attract applicants who were ualified to perform on the New York stage. The recital and resulting media exposure are extremely valuable for a pianist’s resume, enhancing the possibilities for future performances. Acknowledging the value of this performance prize, in 2022 the HHSO conducted a successful endowment campaign in honor of retired Director Mona Huff to recognize her leadership of the HHIPC. The Mona Huff Carnegie Hall Recital Fund was established as a permanent fund that will support the triennial Carnegie Hall recital for the senior division winner.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

O U R I N C R E D I B L E 3 0 -Y E A R J O U R N E Y

THE ROAD TO CARNEGIE HALL BEGINS ON HILTON HEAD The Incredible 30-Year Journey of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition 1996 – 2026

It’s February 3, 1996, and the inaugural Hilton Head International Piano Competition is about to begin. Forty-one (41) applications had been received. Sixteen pianists (ages 18- 28) were selected.

They represented eight countries: the United States, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland and Uruguay. Each competitor played a 20-minute program consisting of two pieces from contrasting periods. Ruth Laredo, a highly distinguished concert pianist of the day, was the sole judge. Heather Conner, age 20 from Pennsylvania, drew the 10 00 am slot and the first notes rang out in First Presbyterian Church—Scarlatti’s Sonata in F Major.

Ms. Conner won the competition, receiving $1,500 from a prize pool of $3,000, and an invitation to return to play with the Hilton Head Orchestra the following year. She went on to earn a doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music, balances performance and teaching careers (she is the Chancellor’s Chair of Piano at Vanderbilt University), and now proudly sends her students to Hilton Head to compete.

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HHIPC: A HISTORY

THE BEGINNING

The Board of Directors of the Hilton Head Orchestra, as it was known then, first entertained the idea of a piano competition in 1995, at the suggestion of Music Director, John Gosling.

Many things about this grand proposition did not add up, including the obvious: an event of international scope focused on classical piano in a southern town of barely 30,000 souls known primarily for its beaches and golf courses? Not to mention that the Hilton Head Orchestra had been in existence for only a dozen years and was still in the process of growing beyond its community roots. What were the odds that the HHIPC would be thriving three decades later?

Willis (“Bud”) Shay and Valerie Curry, with support from Board Chair Charles Taylor, got the ball rolling and began planning the infrastructure required for this ambitious undertaking. Curry, the Competition’s first Chair, was assisted in the early years by Barbara Cain, Gene Griz, and Nancy Hansman who created key components in place today including judging panels and community housing for competitors.

Much needed financial support was provided by Walter Graver (Youths’ Friends Association, a private foundation), John and Geneva Griz, Kathleen and Brock Rowley, and Nan and Charles Strauch. This group held the reins for nearly a decade.

For the next 20 years, the HHIPC was shepherded by three consequential individuals.

JOHN & GENEVA GRIZ AND WILLIS (“BUD”) SHAY

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

O U R I N C R E D I B L E 3 0 -Y E A R J O U R N E Y

GROWING UP

Nina Rodman stepped into a leadership role in 2003, serving the HHIPC for eight years. During these years, the competition grew considerably in scope and stature, posting numerous firsts, including Steinway Sons becoming the official competition piano. Notably, Nina was the impetus for the Young Artists competition, which she promoted passionately. Her vision came to life in 2011. This is the age cohort (13-17) we celebrate in 2026.

Nina’s successor, Mona Huff, led the HHIPC for 12 impactful years and staged the next Young Artists competition in 2013. She designed, programmed, and launched the BravoPiano! Festival, which was added to HHIPC’s 3-year rotation in 2018.

Mona also implemented livestreaming worldwide, an essential feature of top-level international competitions.

NINA RODMAN

MONA HUFF

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION PRESENTS

BRAVO

“PLAYS WELL WIT H OT HERS . . .”

February 29 – March 4, 2024 ORLI SHAHAM | RAN DANK & SOYEON KATE LEE | RENEE ROSNES & BILL CHARLAP | WYNONA YINUO WANG

Steve Shaiman became Director in 2023.

Drawing on his musical training at Oberlin College and career experience in artist management, he is adding exciting new dimensions to the HHIPC including professional management services for the winner of the 18-30 cohort. Last year, the HHIPC undertook its first commission, another characteristic of top-level competitions. This new-to-the-world piece from composer Lowell Liebermann received its world premiere on March 10, 2025, the first day of last year’s competition.

These are but a few highlights of HHIPC’s impressive growth and ascendance to the top echelon of international competitions.

DREW PETERSEN | AARON DIEHL | DAVID WONG | ANGELA CHENG | VERONA QUARTET TICKETS ONLINE AT HHIPC.ORG OR CALL 843.842.2055

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL PIANO

STEVE SHAIMAN

HHIPC.ORG

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HHIPC: A HISTORY

BRAVO TO OUR SUPPORTERS The HHIPC could not have succeeded without financial support, both direct contributions and in-kind donations. Its roster of sponsors is robust, foremost among them Steinway Sons, the competition’s Artistic Partner, which supplies the competition pianos Steinway Piano Gallery of the Carolinas eff Herrin, owner of Piano Gallery by Herrin, our able 247 technician and provider of loaner pianos for host families who need them our amazing venues, St. Luke’s Anglican Church and First Presbyterian Church. Generous grantor, Gulfstream, underwrites the Ambassador program, enabling competitors to visit Beaufort County public and private schools and senior living communities to perform at no cost. Philanthropic impresarios step forward to underwrite competition prizes and engagements featuring well-known artists.

Add hundreds of individual donors, especially our cherished 88 Key Society and Pay-for-APiper members, and the HHIPC stands on a solid foundation.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Family is a perfect metaphor for the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. More than 1,000 individuals have volunteered their time and talents across the years. They are the heart and soul of the HHIPC and the engine that makes it run. Of special note are the more than 100 host families who have opened their homes and hearts to competitors from around the globe. uring competition week, it’s all hands-on deck. Venues are buzzing with activity day and night and chauffeurs are crisscrossing the island getting everyone where they have to be on time.

At the center of it all are more than 500 aspiring artists, now spanning three generations, who took a chance applying to a piano competition in a place they had never heard of. They came from North and South America, western and eastern Europe, all over Asia, the Middle East, even Africa and Oceania - a total of 54 countries 58

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

O U R I N C R E D I B L E 3 0 -Y E A R J O U R N E Y

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

And so we return to the present when the HHIPC is both quintessentially the same and also substantively different.

Applications now number in the hundreds annually. The schedule has expanded to more than a week. From one judge in 1996, there are now three-judge selection panels, a five-judge panel for young artists and seven judges for the 18-30-year-old cohort. The value of the cash prize pool is 13 times larger than in 1996 and includes numerous performance opportunities and professional management services. We are especially proud of the Mona Huff Carnegie Hall Recital Fund, recently endowed by generous HHIPC supporters in perpetuity. The first Carnegie recital took place in 2002 and was supported for many years by Nan and Charles Strauch.

The HHIPC’s mission has been the same from Day 1: “To encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers.”

Are we succeeding? Since gracing our stage, HHIPC competitors have: ■ Won top prizes at many other acclaimed international

competitions.

■ Earned advanced degrees at renowned universities and

conservatories.

■ Joined the faculties of the institutions where they once

studied.

■ Performed in prestigious venues with the world’s best

orchestras.

■ Recorded for respected commercial labels.

■ Become Steinway and Yamaha artists.

■ Started their own competitions and festivals.

Was it luck? Not at all. Vision, strong leadership and steadfast support have made the HHIPC what it is today.

The welcome message in the 1996 program began this way: “Today symphony orchestras and lovers of classical music look ahead to the next century and wonder who will fill the concert halls. One of the components of perpetuating the vitality of classical music is to encourage and showcase young musical talent.” We’re confident that the founders would be proud of the organization to which they gave life.

HHIPC is an integral part of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra family and we are thrilled you have joined us to celebrate our 30th birthday!

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PROFESSIONAL THEATER IN THE HEART OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND.

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT! APR 22 - MAY 24

DIRECTED BY DAVID GRINDROD

Big Hair, Big Voice, Big Dreams ...

It’s 1962 Baltimore, and Tracy Turnblad is about to shake things up! From dreaming of the dance floor to fighting for racial integration on TV, this spirited teen sparks a revolution as she chases her dreams of stardom and tries to win the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. The Tony Award-winning “Hairspray” is a vibrant, feel-good musical packed with hit songs that will make you want to get up and dance! Come see why you “Can’t Stop the Beat!”

RSVP BY MARCH 20 SCAN THE QR CODE

AN EVENING WITH MENTALIST

MATT COOPER MAY 18 | 4 & 7:30 PM

Or Contact: Development Administrator Taylor Rozek trozek@artshhi.com (843) 686-3945 x 305

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Prepare to be amazed, amused, and completely baffled. World-class mentalist Matt Cooper invites you into a thrilling, high-energy show where the secrets of the human mind are brought to the stage.

MARCH 25 - APRIL 5, 2026

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

WEEK ONE M A RC H 2 5 -3 0, 2 0 2 6 PAT METHENY SIDE-EYE III+ • LARKIN POE RICHARD THOMPSON W/ MUIREANN BRADLEY

THE LONE BELLOW • THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS • PLENA LIBRE JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO FEAT. BILL STEWART & VICENTE ARCHER TANK AND THE BANGAS • DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY STEFON HARRIS & BLACKOUT • YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC WITH PHILIP DUKES • DOBET GNAHORÉ DIRK & AMELIA POWELL • ALICIA OLATUJA & CHRISTIAN SANDS CALEB KLAUDER & REEB WILLMS TORD GUSTAVSEN TRIO JONATHAN MAMORA • MIKE MARSHALL & ALESSANDRO PENEZZI SAROD TRILOGY WITH AMJAD ALI KHAN, AMAAN AND AYAAN ALI BANGASH • PHILIP DUKES & FRIENDS

W E E K T WO M A RC H 3 1 -A P R I L 5 , 2 0 2 6 OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW • ROBERT CRAY BAND LUCIUS • SIERRA HULL & JOHN CRAIGIE CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM

LEE FIELDS / MONOPHONICS • DAN TYMINSKI BAND JULIAN LAGE QUARTET FEAT. JOHN MEDESKI, JORGE ROEDER & KENNY WOLLESEN • SAHA GNAWA • DARRELL SCOTT STRING BAND WITH ROB ICKES • SEBASTIAN KNAUER • MAXIM LANDO • ATC'S DIVINE HARMONY • REVERIE ROAD • ESCHER STRING QUARTET LE VENT DU NORD / BREABACH • UNLIMITED MILES SEXTET: MILES DAVIS AT 100 • DWAYNE DOPSIE & THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS / SALLY BABY’S SILVER DOLLARS • PHILIP DUKES & FRIENDS

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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PA S T D I S T I N G U I S H E D J U D G E S

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Eteri Andjaparidze • Georgia/USA

Olga Kern • USA

Joseph Rackers • USA

Natalya Antonova • Russia

Daejin Kim • S. Korea

Matti Raekallio • Finland

Joseph Banowetz • USA

Alexander Korsantia • Russia

Edith Finton Reiber • USA

Hui-Qiao Bao • China

Norman Krieger • USA

Santiago Rodriguez • Cuba/USA

Jonathan Bass • USA

Gabriel Kwok • China

Jerome Rose • USA

Fabio Bidini • Italy

Ruth Laredo • USA

Ann Schein • USA

Andrea Bonatta • Italy

Soyeon Kate Lee • S. Korea/USA

André-Michel Schub • France

Bruce Brubaker • USA

Cecile Licad • Phillipines

Orli Shaham • USA/Israel

Angela Cheng • Canada

Marina Lomazov • Ukraine/USA

Robert Sherman • USA

Alan Chow • USA

Miyoko Lotto • Japan

Lori Sims • USA

Alvin Chow • USA

Jerome Lowenthal • USA

Logan Skelton • USA

Lucille Chung • Canada/USA

Faina Lushtak • Ukraine/USA

Boris Slutsky • USA

Arnaldo Cohen • Brazil

Julian Martin • USA

Mykola Suk • Ukraine

Heather Conner • USA

Robin McCabe • USA

Peter Takács • Romania/USA

Mirian Conti • Argentina/USA

Robert McDonald • USA

Zhe Tang • China

Jane Coop • Canada

Dominique Merlet • France

Erik Tawaststjerna • Finland

Ran Dank • Israel/USA

Evans Mirageas • USA

Christopher Taylor • USA

Simone Dinnerstein • USA

Yong Hi Moon • S. Korea

Nelita True • USA

Pavlina Dokovska • Bulgaria

Yoshikazu Nagai • Japan/USA

Valerie Tryon • England

Irina Edelstein • Russia

Hiroko Nakamura • Japan

Tamás Ungár • Hungary/USA

Christopher Elton • United Kingdom

Pavel Nersessian • Russia

Blanca Uribe • Colombia/USA

José Feghali • Brazil

Vladimir Ovchinnikov • Russia

Irma Vallecillo • USA

Peter Frankl • United Kingdom

John O’Conor • Ireland

Arie Vardi • Israel

Kemal Gekic • Croatia

Ronan O’Hora • Great Britain

Mikhail Voskresensky • Russia

John Giordano • USA

Ursula Oppens • USA

Alan Walker • England

Bernd Goetzke • Germany

Haesun Paik • S. Korea

Janice Weber • USA

Martin Goldsmith • USA

Piotr Paleczny • Poland

Nancy Weems • USA

Enrique Graf • Uruguay/USA

Jon Kimura Parker • Canada

Frank Weinstock • USA

Marian Hahn • USA

John Perry • USA

Robert Weirich • USA

Kevin Hampton • USA

Daniel Pollack • USA

Terrence Wilson • USA

Gayle Martin Henry • USA

Paul Pollei • USA

Jack Winerock • USA

Ian Hobson • England

Antonio Pompa-Baldi • Italy

Amy Yang • China/USA

Leslie Howard • Australia/England

Jorge Luis Prats • Cuba

Wei-Yi Yang • Taiwan/USA

Douglas Humpherys • USA

Awadagin Pratt • USA

Xu Zhong • China

Choong-Mo Kang • S. Korea

Menahem Pressler • Israel/USA

Yafen Zhu • China

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

PA S T P R I Z E W I N N E R S 2 0 0 0 — 2 0 2 5

2000 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Petronel Malan • South Africa Coung Hung Van • Vietnam Georgi Slavchev • Bulgaria

2001 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Edisher Savitski • Republic of Georgia Uri Blinov • Belarus Hea Jung Cho • S. Korea

2002 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Konstantin Soukhovetski • Russia Dustin Gledhill • USA Esther Jung-A Park • S. Korea

2003 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Chu-Fang Huang • China Sean Kennard • USA Jean-Francois Latour • Canada

2004 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Andrew Le • Vietnam Hong Xu • China Elizabeth Schumann • USA

2005

1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Di Wu • China ChenXin Xu • China Ryo Yanagitani • Canada

2006 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Dmitri Levkovich • Ukraine Diyi Tang • China Daniil Sayamov • Russia

2007 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Eric Zuber • USA Alexey Koltakov • Australia/USA Charlie Albright • USA

2008 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Ran Dank • Israel Yelena Beriyeva • Republic of Georgia Takashi Yamamoto • Japan

2009 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Michail Lifits Germany Chetan Tierra • USA Marouan Benabdallah • Hungary/Morocco

2010 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Luk Vondr ek Czech Republic Ilya Maximov • Russia Rina Sudo • Japan

2011 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Zhu Wang • China Drew Petersen • USA Jin-Hong Li • China

2012 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Jin Uk Kim • S. Korea Wai Yin Wong • Hong Kong Steven Lin • USA

2013 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Leonardo Colafelice • Italy Jinhyung Park • S. Korea Tony Yike Yang • Canada

2014 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Shen Lu • China Miao Huang • Germany Eunae Lee • S. Korea Brian Lin • China

2015 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Elliot Wuu • USA Xiaoxuan Li • China Elisabeth Tsai • USA JaeHong Park • S. Korea

2016 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Chang Yong Shin • S. Korea Tristan Teo • Canada Sae Yoon Chon • S. Korea Hee Jun Han • S. Korea

2017 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize Takács Classical Sonata

Ray Ushikubo • USA Andrew Li • USA Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada Biguo Xing • China Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada

2019 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Chaeyoung Park • S. Korea Jakub Kuszlik • Poland Anna Han • USA Arisa Onoda • USA

2020 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize Takács Classical Sonata

Kevin Chen • Canada Pyotr Akulov • Russia Tyler Kim • USA Catherine Huang • USA Tyler Kim • USA

2022 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada Illia Ovcharenko • Ukraine Seongwoo Moon • S. Korea Anthony Ratinov • USA

2023 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize Takács Classical Sonata

Zonghua Wei • China Donghwi Kang • S. Korea Xinran Shi • USA Zarin Mehta • USA Zonghua Wei • China

2025 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Jonathan Mamora • USA Piotr Alexewicz • Poland Jan Nikovich • Croatia Jiarui Cheng • China

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2026 DONORS

GIFTS OF $10,000 AND ABOVE

GIFTS OF $500 TO $999

Marilyn Torrens

Judy Bluestone

Jim and Florence Willard

Brenda Cahill

Paul Winum

Mary and Mike Briggs

John Austin and Susan Hartmann Austin

Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff

Darle Booher

Charles and Joan Dattelbaum Bret and Laura Jacobowitz

GIFTS OF $5,000 TO $9,999

Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson Mary Princing and Bill Clark

Tarrant and Mary Ann Putnam Barbara Harris Sorkin

GIFTS OF $2,500 TO $4,999

Chris and Mary Catherine Albright

Michael and Ginger Caporal

William and Linda DeArment David and Linda Dreisbach Chuck and Linda Eberly

Karen and Buck Edwards

Wayne Effron and Gail Kaess Jay and Patricia Elliot Barbara Fleisher

Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball

Don Flora and Janet Stallmeyer

Bob and Heather Cherichella

Lynn Gustafson

Nancy and David Borghesi Todd and Liz Clist

Marty and Richard Davis Cary Fleming

Frederick and Carol Hack

Michael and Susan Harter Mona Huff

Ray and Linda Moloney

Kathy Grote

Ted Haslam and Jeffrey Roberts Karin and George Haupstein Anita Hotchkiss

Alan and Karen Jordan Christine Lacerda

Myla Lerner and Larry Kramer Clare Mackie

Marty Neumeister

Van and Lauren Schwiebert

GIFTS OF $1,000 TO $2,499 Dede Bethke

David and Romy Coquillette in honor of Mrs. Lorene Thornbury Clair Craver

Laura Marks

Joann McElravy and Fred Wolf William and Anne Millhaem Jane and Bill Murray Mary Noonan Susan Parrish

Fred and Alice Pitts

Eileen and Jerry Durkin

Tarrant and Mary Ann Putnam Sponsoring Memorial Keys for Bud Shay and Jim Way

Dahlia and Arthur Handman

Tim and Mona Ridge

Ralph Drayer

Mary Ann and John Goodrich Barbara Holmes

Lois Wilson

Barbara Wolf

Kathy and Bill Zurilla

GIFTS OF $100 TO $499 Pam and Peter Cooper Kirsten Hotchkiss

Rick and Laurel Johnson Deborah and Larry Lee Joy McNeill

Nancy Millette

Barbara and Harwood Nichols Regina and Harry Silletti Ann Wolfe

GIFTS UP TO $99 Barbara Altman Jesus Barra

Barbara Borg Ann Cafferty

Sprite Crawford

Jason Economides Tacy Edwards

Andrew Emmett Micah Gangwer Scott Garrett

Rafe Goldman

Vasily Gorkovoy Anne Holmi

Mario Incorvaia David Katz

Stu and Nina Rodman

Paul Lott and Lorraine Jones

Craig and Sue Sigler

Angie Loizides

Lizhou Liu

Michael Jukofsky and Bonnie Brill

Charles and Frances Sampson

Robert and Joan Koenig

Ed and Elizabeth Simmons

Stephanie Mason

Mieke Smit

Sandra Nikolajevs

Lorene Thornbury

Matt Peebles

Laura and Michael Kling Sarah Meyer

Pat and Charles Sinatra

Janine Nelson

Patricia and Dennis Smith

William and Jane Murray Jack Sprague and Colleen Zimmerman William and Judy Thorpe Jane and Fred Tolhurst Carol Tucker

Donna Varner Julie Williams

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Trudy Tucker

This list was compiled as of

February 6, 2026. Occasionally,

omissions and errors occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Daniel Mumm Kelly Odell Carl Polk

Gerome Stewart Cynthia Sulko Pam Titus

Vadim and Marina Volynets Jeff and Mary Ann Watson

88 KEY SOCIETY

2026 MEMBERS

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.” You can become a member of this exclusive group with an annual donation of $500 per key.

Members enjoy special recognition and benefits including

Chris and Mary Catherine Albright

Peggi Moon

Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball

William and Jane Murray

Dede Bethke

Marty Neumeister

Darle Booher

Mary Noonan

Nancy and David Borghesi

Susan Parrish

Mary and Mike Briggs

Fred and Alice Pitts

Bob and Heather Cherichella

Mary Princing and Bill Clark

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

David and Romy Coquillette in honor of Mrs. Lorene Thornbury

Tarrant and Mary Ann Putnam also sponsoring Memorial Keys for Bud Shay and Jim Way

• Preferred seating for HHIPC events.

William and Linda DeArment

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

David and Linda Dreisbach

• Invitations to exclusive 88 Key Society special events held throughout the season including Movie Night, a casual evening featuring hors d’oeuvres, libations, and a film screening.

Charles and Linda Eberly

Clair Craver Charles and Joan Dattelbaum

Eileen and Jerry Durkin Karen and Buck Edwards Wayne Effron and Gail Kaess Jay and Patricia Elliot Barbara Fleisher Cary Fleming Mary Ann and John Goodrich Kathy Grote Lynn Gustafson Frederick and Carol Hack Michael and Susan Harter Ted Haslam and Jeffrey Roberts Karin and George Haupstein HHSO Musicians Mona Huff Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff Bill Hutchinson Bret and Laura Jacobowitz Michael Jukofsky and Bonnie Brill Laura and Michael Kling

Tim and Mona Ridge Stu and Nina Rodman Charles and Frances Sampson Van and Lauren Schwiebert Craig and Sue Sigler Edward and Elizabeth Simmons Pat and Charles Sinatra Mieke Smit Patricia and Dennis Smith Barbara Harris Sorkin Jack Sprague and Colleen Zimmerman Lorene Thornbury William and Judy Thorpe Jane and Fred Tolhurst Marilyn Torrens Carol Tucker Donna Varner Florence and Jim Willard Julie Williams Lois Wilson Paul Winum Barbara Wolf Kathy and Bill Zurilla

Robert and Joan Koenig Christine Lacerda Myla Lerner and Larry Kramer Clare Mackie Laura Marks Ray and Linda Moloney

This list was compiled as of February 6, 2026.

Occasionally, omissions and errors occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

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PAY F O R A P I P E R

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 competition supporters the chance to salute their favorite instruments and instrumentalists. We proudly present 2026’s Piper Patrons.

CELEBRATE THE CONDUCTOR

CLAMOR FOR CLARINET

Frederick and Carol Hack

Judy Bluestone

VIE FOR A VIOLIN Cary Fleming

Bret and Laura Jacobowitz Mary Princing and Bill Clark

Mary Ann and John Goodrich

Jane and Fred Tolhurst

Mona Huff

BOOK A BASSOON

Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff

Michael and Susan Harter

Joann McElravy

HIGHLIGHT A HORN

Peggi Moon VALUE A VIOLA Brenda Cahill Bob and Heather Cherichella CHOOSE A CELLO Todd and Liz Clist Marty and Richard Davis Anita Hotchkiss Donna Varner BANK ON A BASS Bob and Heather Cherichella William and Judy Thorpe FAVOR A FLUTE Charles and Joan Dattelbaum Cary Fleming Ray and Linda Moloney Barbara Harris Sorkin OPT FOR AN OBOE Mona Huff

Barbara Holmes TARGET A TRUMPET

We are grateful to these generous donors whose gifts helped us underwrite HHIPC 2026 Prizes as well as 2025-26 guest artist expenses.

Chris and Mary Catherine Albright Dr. Karen and Stephen Ball Mary and Mike Briggs Liz and Todd Clist Charles and Joan Dattelbaum

Karen and Buck Edwards

Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff

Dahlia and Arthur Handman

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz

TREASURE A TROMBONE

Joan and Bob Koenig

John Austin and

Lois Masteller / Junior Jazz Foundation

Susan Hartmann Austin Bill Hutchinson TOUT A TUBA

Linda and Ray Moloney Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson

Alan and Karen Jordan

Tarrant and Mary Ann Putnam

Marty Neumeister

Barbara Harris Sorkin

TAP INTO TIMPANI

Peter Takács

Ralph Drayer POWER THE PERCUSSION Michael and Ginger Caporal HAVE A HARP Frederick and Carol Hack Julie Williams

Mary Princing and Bill Clark Tarrant and Mary Ann Putnam Colleen Zimmerman This list was compiled as of February 6, 2026. Occasionally, omissions and errors occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

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SALUTE TO OUR IMPRESARIOS

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

A M U S I C A L F E A S T • C E L E B R AT I N G T H E H H I P C ’ S 3 0 T H

Titilayo Ayangade and Carlin Ma

The BravoPiano! Recital Series Finale features HHIPC alum, Elliot Wuu. It is just over ten years since his First Prize victory here as a 15-year-old, in HHIPC’s third Young Artists Competition (2015). A 2025 finalist for the American Piano Awards APA , Elliot will present a program of keyboard masterworks by Beethoven, Debussy, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff.

Elliot is a Young Steinway artist. His debut album, Onward, features works of Bach, Debussy, Schumann, and Schubert. It is available on popular streaming platforms, including Spotify, and on CD. Tickets are on sale now. Please join us for what will be a very special evening of music, followed by a reception.

Thanks to all who attended A Musical Feast, HHIPC’s annual benefit held January 20, 2026, at the Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa in Palmetto Dunes.

The audience of nearly 140 was highly appreciative of our magnificent performers who shared their artistry across multiple genres. Pianist George Li’s virtuosic recital featured favorite composers of the Romantic era (Ravel, Chopin, Liszt . The newly established HHSO String Quartet played Haydn and a movement of Schumann’s Piano Quintet with Li at the keys. The uartet is composed of HHSO string players, featuring principals Micah Gangwer, Brian Allen, Lizhou Liu, and aniel Mumm.

George has a special relationship with HHIPC. He came to the island in 2010 at the age of 14 to give a recital in support of the first Young Artists’ Competition, which debuted the following year 2011 . This year’s event is the seventh Young Artists competition. George has won numerous awards including a Silver Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition and an Avery Fisher Grant. Now 30, he is building an impressive career, collaborating recently with Gustavo udamel and Michael Tilson Thomas.

His performance schedule keeps him on the road for seven to eight months of the year.

photos: thefrenchguy photography

ELLIOT WUU IN RECITAL APRIL 17

Special thanks to those who donated auction and raf e basket items and to the people who bid on them. One lucky group is headed to Rome, and two groups are going to Tuscany The HHSO’s effervescent Maestro MR was in attendance and can take credit for the aggressive bidding on two packages which featured him a special Pops concert in Cincinnati and a Lowcountry Boil dinner party. The event raised record-breaking funds which will be put to work immediately to livestream the 2026 competition. A stellar volunteer committee, headed by Joan Dattelbaum, made it a great success.

Musical Feast has established itself as one of HHI’s hottest tickets. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year.

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B E PA R T O F T H E H H I P C E X P E R I E N C E

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition is more than a competition—it is an interweaving of world-class music, southern hospitality and close relationships. HHIPC strives to deliver extraordinary memories for artists and audiences alike by providing unique opportunities to be part of the experience.

• DONATE TO SUPPORT THE HHIPC The 88 Key Society and Pay-for-a-Piper programs provide essential funds for expenses including retaining the HHSO and conductor for the Concerto Finals. A $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; it also helps fund the Ambassador Program, which takes competitors and visiting artists into schools and senior residences to share their talents with the community.

• BECOME A HOST Hosting a competitor during the competition provides the opportunity to share our beautiful island home. These experiences build special relationships that last well beyond the event. If you have a piano, you may consider hosting a judge for practice time while here on the Island. These one-on-one opportunities are a fabulous chance to get involved while also being rewarded with memorable musical experiences in your home.

• VOLUNTEER AT THE COMPETITION ROUNDS In addition to being an usher, there are 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 Ambassador Program, working with host families, transportation, planning “A Musical Feast,” and more. Newcomers are always welcome!

• TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE HHIPC Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective forms of promotion. Even after 30 years, there are probably still locals who are not aware that Hilton Head hosts an internationally renowned piano competition. 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 bring a friend or neighbor with you when you attend.

• ATTEND THE BRAVOPIANO! RECITAL SERIES AT SOUNDWAVES Each season we present several performances at SoundWaves featuring acclaimed pianists and HHIPC alumni.

Themes vary. Holiday Jazz in December has been a perennial sellout.

• ATTEND “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. An engaging and entertaining evening, Musical Feast is a delight for both the ears and the 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 individuals. If you can introduce us to someone who might want to become a sponsor or take an ad in the program, please contact Steve Shaiman at sshaiman@hhso.org.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Count me in to support the Hilton Head International Piano Competition! Please contact me: NAME _______________________________________________________ PHONE ___________________________ 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 an in-school performance 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 recital venue’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” ee

es

n

or ro r m es ri tions n bene ts

88 KEY SOCIETY _____ Number of Keys ($500 per key)

Preferred Key _____ _____ _____ _____

PAY FOR A PIPER _____ Celebrate our Conductor ($1000)

_____ Back a Bassoon ($500)

_____ Vie for a Violin ($500)

_____ Highlight a Horn ($500)

_____ Value a Viola ($500)

_____ Target a Trumpet ($500)

_____ Choose a Cello ($500)

_____ Treasure a Trombone ($500)

_____ Bank on a Bass ($500)

_____ Tout a Tuba ($500)

_____ Favor a Flute ($500)

_____ Have a Harp ($500)

_____ Clamor for a Clarinet ($500)

_____ Power the Percussion ($500)

_____ Opt for an Oboe ($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 HHIPC.ORG

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HOSTS

HOST FAMILIES FOR COMPETITORS Dede Bethke Isabel Feng

Trish Hussey Yixin Shen

Ingrid and Craig Boatright Kongyan Xin

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz Dengjie Wang

Patsy Brison and Scott Camp Christina D. Sung

Marty Neumeister Yong-En Teng

Marleen and Jack Cain Chenxi Cao

Jan and Bill Raisch Ryan Huang

Linda and David Dreisbach Yeseo Nam

Lauren and Van Schwiebert Zhehao Li

Eileen and Jerry Durkin Kaiden Lee

Elizabeth and Edward Simmons David Gatien

Barbara and Jay Ellis Matthew Chang

Barbara Sorkin Anwen Deng

Judy and Joe Gimbel Verity Leung

Janet Stallmeyer and Don Flora Zhixuan Wang

Victoria Holdren Charlie Wu

Susan Stewart and Gregg Bryant Zihan Li

Anita Hotchkiss Junye Huang

Lori and Bobby Tyson Jueon Li

HOSTS FOR JUDGES’ DINNERS Mona Huff Ralph Drayer

Eloise and Bob Mason

Mary Noonan Eileen and Jerry Durkin

PIANO HOSTS FOR JUDGES Chris and Mary Albright

Cynthia and George Popiel

Lavonne Hales

Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson

Maggy-Pierre and Jean-Luc Pellissier

Mieke Smit

Mona Huff

SELECTION JURY HOSTS Eloise and Bob Mason on rme 72

2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

so

bli tion ebr

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2026 COMPETITION COMMITTEE

COMPETITION COMMITTEE Competition Director Steven Shaiman Grants/Special Projects Linda Dreisbach

SPECIAL THANKS TO… Stephen Ball - Owner, The Great Frame Up

Alan Bise - Audio and Streaming Engineer, Azica Records Vivian Chiu - Steinway & Sons Chocolate Canopy

Jean-Marie Coté - thefrenchguy photography Joan and Charlie Dattelbaum Andrew Davis, WSAV-TV

Linda and Dave Dreisbach

Hospitality Marianne Blaine, Mary Wilcox

Kelley Finley - HHSO Marketing

Host Families Barbara Holmes, Peggi Moon*

Mark Gilmour - Videorecording Engineer

Members-at-Large Mary Briggs, Bret Jacobowitz*, Chad Martin*, Barbara Sorkin Musical Feast Joan Dattelbaum, Eileen Durkin, Peggi Moon* Production Jerry Durkin, Bill Hutchinson, Mike Kling

First Presbyterian Church Peter Forbes

Charles Grace - Designer, LocalLife Magazine Susan Hartmann

Heritage Shortbread Hiton Head

Jeff and Jennifer Herrin - Owners, Kawai Piano Gallery by Herrin Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra String Quartet Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra/SoundWaves Mario Incorvaia

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz Laura and Mike Kling Bob Koenig Gayle Lang

Program Book Gayle Lang, Julie Williams

Lean Ensemble Theater

Social Media Tim Ridge

Maestro John Morris Russell and Thea Tjepkema

Tickets and Merchandise Sales Lynn Gustafson Transportation Mike Caporal Volunteers Kathy and Mike Emery

George Li

Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana Peggi Moon and Bill Hutchinson Tim Ridge - HHIPC Social Media Nina Rodman

Rollers Wines & Spirits

Savannah Hilton Head International Airport Savannah Music Festival

St. Luke’s Anglican Church Steinway & Sons

Steinway Piano Gallery – Columbia, South Carolina * Member of the HHSO Board of Directors

Studio One Awards & Engraving

Jean Tharin - First Presbyterian Church

Robert Tindle - Director of Music Ministries, St. Luke’s Anglican Church Julie Williams

HHIPC.ORG

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2026 HHIPC VOLUNTEERS

Diane Anderson Janet England Bender Marianne Blaine Sue Blake Mike Caporal Carol Couch

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!

Peggi Moon Jeffrie Natale Lou Natale Sally Nicastre Andrea Pfaef e Tim Ridge

Suzanne Crippen Joan Dattelbaum

Mark Mitchell

Catherine Sartorius

Lynn Gustafson

Emeline Hunting

Carol Gyllenhoff

Dinah Kitteridge

Bobbie Hall

Mike Kling

Mark Hall

Ed Landis

Ann Harrison

Judy Landis

Morgan Harrison

Janet Lessem

Susan Hartmann

Jan Magrane

Terry Hicks

Karen Malecha

Marti Willits

Eileen Fitzgerald

Barbara Holmes

Peg McCann

Bill Zurilla

Mary Ann Goodrich

Jan Hunter

Joy McNeill

Kathy Zurilla

Linda Dreisbach Cheryl Duren Eileen Durkin Jerry Durkin Kathy Emery Mike Emery Andrea Fister

Pam Schofield Barbara Sorkin Christine Thumm Betty Welt Mary Wilcox Julie Williams

This list was compiled as of February 6, 2026.

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

S U S TA I N I N G T H E C O M P E T I T I O N

BUSINESS SPONSORS EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SPONSOR

PLATINUM LEVEL

Artistic Partner of the HHIPC

Official Hotel of the HHSO and the HHIPC

LIVESTREAMING SPONSORS

GOLD LEVEL

GRANTORS Town Of Hilton Head

Gorodnitzki Foundation

The Mona Huff Carnegie Hall Recital Fund

SILVER LEVEL

HHIPC.ORG

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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c

e l e b ra

ti

ng

Save the

Dates!

YEARS

50th Anniversary Concert Dates CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS Friday, December 5, 2025

CELEBRATE RENEWAL Friday, March 27, 2026

CELEBRATE AMERICA Sunday, May 24, 2026

Dr. Dustin C. Ousley, Artistic Director

HHCS PRESENTS: THE VIENNA BOYS CHOIR Monday, February 23 + Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Reserve Your Tickets

TODAY!

Scan QR code • Call 843-341-3818 • Click “Tickets” at HiltonHeadChoralSociety.org HHCS concerts will be at 7:00 PM, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 540 William Hilton Pkwy.

Vienna Boys Choir concerts at Lowcountry Community Church, 801 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton

The University of South Carolina School of Music presents

The 2026 Southeastern Piano Festival, USC Piano Institute and Arthur Fraser Piano Competition June 7-13, 2026 Featuring concerts and masterclasses by

June 7-13, 2026 USC School of Music Columbia, SC

SoutheasternPianoFestival.com

Phillip Bush

Artistic Director

Caroline Earp

Executive Director

Nicholas Susi

Pedja Muzijevic

Blair McMillen

Soyeon Kate Lee

Application information at SoutheasternPianoFestival.com Deadline to apply: March 25, 2026

Festival concert tickets on sale May 1!

HHIPC.ORG

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2025-2026 HHSO ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL

C. Gerome Stewart

John Morris Russell

Charleston, SC Marina Volynets

VIOLIN I Micah Gangwer, Concertmaster Charleston, SC VIOLIN II Brian Allen, Principal Atlanta, GA SECTION VIOLIN Karel Abo Savannah,GA Barbara Borg Charleston, SC Ann Cafferty Savannah, GA Jason Economides * Macon, GA Martha Gardner Savannah, GA Rafe Goldman Charleston, SC Catherine Klimoff Hardy ^ Hilton Head Island, SC Mario Incorvaia Savannah, GA Tomas Jakubek Charleston, SC David Katz Crossville, TN Angela Loizides Charleston, SC Corey Mike Charleston, SC

Savannah, GA VIOLA Lizhou Liu, Principal Savannah, GA Scott Garrett Fort Mill, SC Vasily Gorkovoy Charlotte, NC Matthew Peebles Charleston, SC Jeffrey Watson Columbia, SC CELLO Daniel Mumm, Principal Charleston, SC Barbara Altman ^ Macon, GA Hyeok Kwon Savannah, GA Lee Richey Greensboro, NC Cynthia Sulko Atlanta, GA Mary Ann Watson Columbia, SC BASS Maurice Belle, Principal Atlanta, GA Joseph Farley Winston-Salem, NC Vadim Volynets Savannah, GA

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

FLUTE

TRUMPET

Lorraine Jones, Principal

Paul Wesley Lott, Principal Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA

Antonio Marti

Tacy Edwards

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC

Todd Jenkins

OBOE

North Augusta, GA

Reid Messich, Principal

TROMBONE

Athens, GA

Carl K. Polk, Principal

Kelly Moziek

Savannah, GA

Charleston, SC

Mark Spradley

Kelly Odell

Savannah, GA

Augusta, GA

Hollie Pritchard

CLARINET

Marietta, GA

Charles Messersmith,

TUBA

Principal

Christopher Bluemel,

Charleston, SC

Principal ^

Russell Floyd, Co-Principal

Charleston, SC

Hilton Head Island, SC Gretchen Roper

TIMPANI

Charleston, SC

Vacant

BASSOON Katherine St. John, Principal Charleston, SC

Stephen Primatic, Principal Savannah, GA

Sandra Nikolajevs

Mathew Fallin **

Charleston, SC

Statesboro, GA Ryan Leveille

HORN Stephanie Mason, Principal

Charleston, SC

Statesboro, GA

KEYBOARD

Brandon Nichols

Charles Ancheta, Principal

Charleston, SC

Savannah, GA

Debra Sherill-Ward

HARP

Charleston, SC

Mary Duplantier, Principal

Anne Holmi Charleston, SC

PERCUSSION

Cincinnati, OH * ** ^

Librarian Operations & Personnel Manager Leave of absence 2025-2026 season

Photo: thefrenchguy photography

MUSIC DIRECTOR

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra proudly presents the

Hilton Head International Piano Competition’s 2025 FIRST PRIZE WINNER

JONATHAN MAMORA in a landmark performance of

Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2.

This monumental concerto—one of the ultimate tests of musical stamina, collaboration, and interpretive depth—showcases the artistry that earned Mamora top honors on the international competition stage.

Photo: thefrenchguy photography

First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway (Business Route 278)

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 AT 4:00 PM MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026 AT 7:30 PM John Morris Russell, conductor Jonathan Mamora, piano

For more information and tickets, please visit hhso.org or call (843) 842-2055.

HHIPC.ORG 79

S AV E T H E DAT E S

2026 ELLIOT WUU IN RECITAL Friday, April 17, 7:30 pm SOUNDWAVES

Read more about this former HHIPC competitor on page 69.

JONATHAN MAMORA PLAYS BRAHMS WITH THE HHSO

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 4:00 pm & Monday, April 27, 2026, 7:30 pm FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The HHSO is excited to welcome back Jonathan Mamora, HHIPC’s First Prize winner in 2025.

He will play Brahms Concerto No. 2 under the baton of John Morris Russell.

“MOVIE NIGHT”

Thursday, May 7, 2026 SOUNDWAVES

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

2027 “A MUSICAL FEAST”

Date and location to be announced.

The HHIPC’s Annual Benefit

2026 WINNER’S RETURN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE HHSO Sunday, February 14 and Monday, February 15, 2027 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

This year’s winner will return to play with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra during the 2026-2027 Orchestra Series season. Program to be announced.

BRAVOPIANO! FESTIVAL

Thursday, March 11 – Monday, March 15, 2027

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND OTHER VENUES Join us in celebrating the piano in its many wonderous forms. There will be something for everyone!

Tickets for Elliot Wuu’s SoundWaves recital and the Mamora concert at irst resbyterian rc are on sale at so.or or call t e bo o fice

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2026 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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.

BRAVO!

TO THE HHIPC FOR 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

y u ja wa n g

a n t o n i o p o m pa - ba l d i

lang lang

olga kern

al an chow

andré-michel schub

m a r i n a l o m a z ov

w y n o n a y i n u o wa n g

ian hobson

drew pete rse n

j e r o m e l ow e n t h a l

angela cheng

pav l i n a d o kovs k a

orli shaham

robin mccabe

j o n k i m u r a pa r k e r

S T E I N WAY A R T I S T S

the world’s most discer ning pianists O ver ni nete en out of twent y profe ss i ona l pi anist s cho o s e to p e r for m on stei nway .

steinway & sons is proud to support the Hilton Head International Piano Competition.

S T E I N W AY. C O M

C TI IS ER RT N A ART P

@ s t e i nwaya n d s o n s