PRIZEWORTHY
Winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2011



Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our


Concerto Prizes

Solo Piano Prizes


 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (CONCERTO), 2011




PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:







The American Prize winner:
Sarah S. Chan,

Rochester, NY


Brahms—Piano Concerto No.1

Mozart—Piano Concerto No. 25

Pianist Sarah Chan has concertized internationally, including engagements at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall (New York), Merkin Concert Hall (New York), Sala Ateneu (Bacau, Romania), La Cité Internationale des Arts (Paris), Meany Hall for the Performing Arts (Seattle), Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts (Annapolis), and Seattle Chamber Music Festival. As soloist with orchestra, she has performed with the National "Mihail Jora" Philharmonic of Romania, Romanian State Symphony, Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, and Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Chan was featured as "Carnegie Emerging Artist" and "Rising Artist" by New York Concert Artists and Associates in 2011 and 2010. She trained at the Eastman School of Music (D.M.A), Peabody Conservatory of Music (M.M.), Manhattan School of Music (B.M.), Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, and University of Michigan.


Among judges' comments: "...Charming, delightful opening statement, operatic phrasing for both soloist and ensemble – light and energetic; wonderful performance. Highly professional level."


2nd Place:




May Phang,

Greencastle, IN



Rachmaninoff—Second Concerto



3rd Place:




Catharine Quillen Dornin,
Concord, NH


Beethoven—Piano Concerto No. 4

 


COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:





The American Prize winner:
George Hemcher,

Frazer, PA


MacDowell—Piano Concerto No. 2

George J. Hemcher is a Senior at Hofstra University pursuing a degree in Music Merchandising. He studies privately with Professor Blanche Abram. He is an active collaborative pianist with Hofstra Opera Theatre under the dramatic direction of Isabel Milenski, and the musical direction Dr. David Ramael. In main stage theatre he was the collaborative pianist for L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Die Fledermaus. Mr. Hemcher will be playing for Don Giovanni in January 2010.


Among judges' comments: "...a steely & compelling pacing, with a reliable, iron-clad tempo as it drives to the end..."


2nd Place:




Sora Park,
Macomb, IL


Tchaikovsky—First Concerto





3rd Place:




Stephanie Ng,
Marietta, GA


Chopin—E minor Concerto





*****

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2011




PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:







The American Prize winner:
Lin-Yu Wang,

Aiea, HI


Recital of works by Scriabin, Berio and Dutilleux


Lin-Yu Wang is a Doctoral Candidate of Arizona State University. She is an active soloist and accompanist, and has been performing in the United States, Taiwan, and the Czech Republic. Her recent appearances including performance with pianist Caio Pagano, alto Maya Hoover, soprano Jaqueline Quirk, violinist Elaine Lu, and cellist Pauline Bai. She is involved with the performance of 20th century music of Taiwan, especially of female composers. She is currently teaching in Honolulu.

 

Among judges' comments: "...have never hear the Wasserklavier played so well, with such a beautiful tone."


2nd Place:




May Phang,
Greencastle, IN


works by Liszt, Bach and Gougeon




3rd Place:




Jade Simmons,
Humble, TX



music by Barber, Corigliano, Pinkston and Roumain




COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:






The American Prize winner:
Sora Park,

Macomb, IL



Sora Park is from Seoul, South Korea and is in her second year as a graduate student in Piano Performance at Western Illinois University where she studies with Dr. Tammie Walker. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Hanyang University in Seoul and attended the Sun-hwa Arts School during her pre-college years. Ms. Park is a graduate assistant in piano accompanying and is the pianist for the Western Illinois University Singers, conducted by Dr. James Stegall.

 

Among judges' comments: "... lots of energy and spirit...such a rhythmic performance."



2nd Place:




Maria Dickson,
Provo, UT











3rd Place:




Soojung Jeon,
Duluth, MN





*****

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

 





The American Prize winner:
Verina Chen,

Provo, UT


Verina Chen began piano lessons eight years ago with Dr. Irene Peery-Fox. Verina placed first twice in the Utah State Fair, the MTNA Piano, and the Encore Concerto Competitions. She has soloed with the Utah Symphony twice for their Annual Salute to Youth concert and once as a Guest Artist. She also performed with the Utah Valley and American Fork Symphonies. Verina has studied viola for ten years. She enjoys reading, swimming, and tennis.


Among judges' comments: "...wonderful to see someone of your age playing such advanced repertoire with such musicality and maturity."


2nd Place:




Aaron Potter,
Albany, OR










3rd Place:



Neha Kumar,
Wynne, AR