WELCOME FROM THE COMPETITION DIRECTOR

Greetings and welcome to the 26th Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

While this is my first competition as Director, I was fortunate to attend the finals of the 2022 HHIPC last March, where I was absolutely thrilled by the electric performances of our three finalists! Both our First Prize-winner, Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, and Second Prize-winner, Illia Ovcharenko, went on to win multiple prominent international competitions, and both are stars on the rise with burgeoning successful solo careers. The experience gave me an immediate and impactful appreciation of what the HHIPC is all about, and I am honored and excited to continue this grand tradition to support, nurture and promote talented young pianists.

Let me start with a very warm welcome to our twenty competitors! We are in for a treat to have these talented young people share their artistry with us, and the HHIPC is pleased to provide them with a variety of performing opportunities this week. I’m confident that our unique brand of Southern hospitality will make them want to return here often. (Along those lines, I should add that Jaeden Izik-Durko was also a Third Prize-winner as a ‘junior’ at our 2017 competition!)

I must thank our exceptionally talented panel of judges, each of whom is an internationally renowned pianist and distinguished educator. We deeply appreciate them dedicating their time, talents and expertise to us and to our competitors who will benefit from the feedback they receive from the jurors—in master classes, in the adjudication process and during discussions at the conclusion of the competition.

One quick lesson I learned as Director is that “it takes a village” to run the HHIPC! Accordingly, I must express my heartfelt thanks to the many members of the greater Hilton Head community who open their homes and hearts to all involved in the Competition. First to the host families and over 100 volunteers who tend to the needs of our competitors, jurors and audience. Next, I must recognize our amazing Competition Committee, which works tirelessly all year long organizing the myriad of details for the HHIPC. Then, let me say ‘BRAVI TUTTI!’ to Maestro John Morris Russell and our Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra musicians for their participation in the Finals, with added gratitude to my wonderful HHSO staff colleagues! And, last but far from least, let me express my sincere thanks to you, our audience members, who offer such enthusiastic applause and encouragement to each competitor.

We are also extremely grateful to the many businesses which support us through contributions, both cash and in-kind. The magnificent pianos are compliments of Steinway & Sons, delivered directly to us from New York City. Our two glorious venues—St. Luke’s Church and First Presbyterian Church—rearrange their own schedules to accommodate us. Dozens of local businesses/organizations place ads in the program book, and individual donors support us through the 88 Key Society, Pay for a Piper and other fundraising efforts. We could not exist without their generosity, and we are most appreciative of their assistance.

Please enjoy this extraordinary week of music!

Steven Shaiman Competition Director

WELCOME FROM STEINWAY & SONS

Dear Distinguished Competitor,

On behalf of Steinway & Sons, I would like to congratulate you on your selection to the 2023 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. That you’ve come this far is a testament to your talent, dedication, and hard work.

We are honored that Steinway is the official piano of the Competition and proud to sponsor an organization with such a noble goal—that of promoting classical piano music and showcasing the talents of committed musicians.

I sincerely hope that your experience at Hilton Head is a memory you will cherish for years to come, and that your artistry and love of the piano and its repertoire will be further enhanced as a result of your participation. I wish you all the best this week and throughout your musical career.

Best regards,

Gavin English, President Steinway & Sons Americas

MASTER CLASSES . LECTURE/RECITAL

UNDERWRITTEN BY A GIFT FROM THE GREAT FRAME UP

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023

St. Luke’s Church, 50 Pope Avenue

10:00 am - 3:30 pm

$10 admission for the general public – Free admission for 88 Key Society and Piper members

On Friday, March 17, 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 40-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 Thursday, March 16.

Master Classes

TIME

10:00 - 10:40 am

10:50 - 11:30 am

2:00 - 2:40 pm

2:50 - 3:30 pm

Lecture/Recital

JUDGE

Lucille Chung

Yoshikazu Nagai

Eteri Andjaparidze

Arnaldo Cohen

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Lecture/Recital

Alvin Chow, 2023 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Jury Chair, will give a Lecture/Recital entitled "1 Piano—2 Brothers—4 Hands” With guest pianist Alan Chow

Enjoy the renowned Chow Brothers Piano Duo as they demonstrate their approach to sharing a keyboard in practice and performance, featuring masterworks by Poulenc, Debussy, and Corigliano.