Performing Arts

AND THE WINNERS ARE: Finalists and top players at The Princeton Festival’s 2019 Piano Competition displayed their trophies in person, but this year’s winners will vie virtually for the honors.

Piano Competition Goes Virtual

And Participation Goes Global

For the past 13 years, The India, Brazil, Austria, Taiabout how they should en Princeton Festival has been wan, and China. The numter and what they should be holding a piano competition ber of participants has more doing,” said Lento. “Norfor young musicians ages 6 than doubled. mally, we’d have prelimito 24. More than 100 en“After consulting with exnaries and finals, and they trants have been known to perts to see if this was rewould have to come here a take part in the popular ally viable, we got a clear couple of times. That obvievent, coming to Princeton yes,” said Tom Lento, vice ously wasn’t going to work from the tri-state area to chairman of the Princeton virtually. So we arranged play works by major comFestival board. “Other comfor them to send videos, and posers in front of discernpetitions had actually been the adjudicators were very ing judges. doing this for a while, but comfortable with this. That

T h e p a n d e m i c h a s for professional pianists. was a surprise, too, because changed all that. The event The experts thought this it’s such a different way of is virtual this year. Judges would work very well for a judging. The criteria has accustomed to observing the youth piano competition. had to change. They’re not young musicians up close — So we spread the word inhearing on the same piano sitting with them in small piternationally through piano or acoustical environment. ano studios at Westminster teacher magazines and soThey have to listen in a dif Choir College — are instead cial media, and waited for ferent way.” making their decisions after the results. We were very During the two-hour video watching and listening to surprised at the interest, presentation, three pianists them online. but I suppose we shouldn’t in each of the six competi

A video concert by the fihave been. This is a global tion categories will perform nalists will be available on pandemic and young people before the winners are anthe Princeton Festival webare looking for outlets, and nounced. Ticket holders will site (princetonfestival.org) they don’t have them.” receive an email with a link on Wednesday, September Judges have been review24 hours before the start of 23 at 6 p.m., with the wining entries to name three fithe stream. ners to be announced at the nalists in six age categories Gregory Geehern, the Fesend. Tickets are $10 and ranging from elementary tival’s associate conductor streaming will be available (6-9) to open class (25 and and assistant to the artisuntil September 27 at 10 under). They will also pick tic director, will emcee the p.m. the winners. Contestants event. “These young artists

Festival supporters weren’t were required to play works topped a field of over 200 sure, at first, how the change by major composers such pianists from around the would be received. But they as Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and world,” he said. “All of the needn’t have worried. The Rachmaninoff, which finalentrants are talented musi2020 competition has develists and winners will play in cians, so viewers will see oped a global reach, drawthe video. truly amazing performances ing contestants from as far “We thought very carefully from the best of the best.” away as Serbia, Indonesia, —Anne Levin

ThePaulRobesonHouseofPrinceton FallVirtualEvent

AconversationabouteconomicsandAmericawith

Nobel Prize-Winning Economist and Times Columnist PAUL KRUGMAN

and

Times Economic Reporter EDUARDO PORTER

Oct 4, 2020 - 3PM EST $50

Online Music Classes Offered OPENING NEW MUSICAL DOORS: Westrick Music Academy is holding new virtual music classes for students of all ages. For information and registration, visit WestrickMusic. org/education. art form. Among the skills to social interaction and regular 23 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 By Westrick Music Academy Westrick Music Academy (WMA), home of Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir, is currently enrollinformal performance opportunities as their skills grow. Individual voice lessons are also offered. Adults will also find oppor be learned are sight reading, accompanying a singer or choir, following a conductor, harmonizing a melody, and improvising. ing students of all ages in a tunities for musical growth For more information and variety of music education with WMA, exploring the registration, visit Westrickclasses, exploring new ways piano as more than a solo Music.org/education. to build and strengthen musicianship skills. Young singers in grades 1-2 looking to develop their sing(609) 683-8900 ing voice and music skills are 242 Nassau Street, Princeton invited to join Poco Voce. This www.pizzadenprinceton.com non-performing music class explores the young singer’s voice. During each lesson, children will focus on tone development and fundamental musical skills, through engaging games and activities.

For musicians in grades 3-12, there are classes at all levels. Students can improve piano skills, explore how just four chords make up the ma1181 Hughes Drive, Hamilton NJ 08690 609-584-6930 www.greenhavengardencenter.com jority of popular music, or add cthomas@greenhavengardencenter.com color to vocal performance with improv, all online. In a group setting, students have

Architecture and Experience Designing a New Art Museum for Princeton with ArchitectSir David Adjaye and Museum DirectorJames Steward

Wednesday, September 23 , 1 pm

In 2018, architect Sir David Adjaye was appointed to create a new museum facility at the heart of the Princeton campus. Now, be among the first to discover the concepts, ideas, and insights shaping this new town square for the arts, due to open in late 2024.

Stream it live – details on our website.