PRIZEWORTHY
Winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2011-2014



Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our Please scroll down for winners and runners-up in earlier competitions.

 

Winners and runners-up are listed by year in this order. Please scroll down:

Solo Piano Prizes

Concerto Prizes

Citation Recipients

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2014



 

 


PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:





The American Prize winner:


NASSIB NASSAR  

Chapel Hill  NC   

 


Nassib Nassar started playing the piano at the age of five with guidance from his father, who had studied under Zvart Sarkissian, a pupil of Marguerite Long.  At the age of 16 he began formal study with Francis Whang at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Nassar has performed the 32 piano sonatas of Beethoven in chronological order, in a series of seven recitals, and his recordings have been featured on WCPE radio.  He teaches privately in Chapel Hill.   www.nassarpiano.com

 

Among judges' comments: "The chords are masculine and richly colored, the sound is deep, the bass is always full and cantilenas always beautifully phrased."

 

 


2nd Place:




PETER MIYAMOTO 

Columbia MO



Peter Miyamoto enjoys a brilliant international career, performing to great acclaim in Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, China, and Japan, and in major US cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.  In 1990, Miyamoto was named the first Gilmore Young Artist.  He won numerous other competitions, including the APA National Fellowship Competition, the D’Angelo Competition, the SF Symphony Competition and the LA Philharmonic Competition.  Dr. Miyamoto holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale School of Music, Michigan State University, and the Royal Academy of Music.  Miyamoto’s principal teachers included Maria Curcio-Diamand, Leon Fleisher, Claude Frank, Peter Frankl, and Ralph Votapek.  Currently on faculty at the University of Missouri, Miyamoto formerly taught at Michigan State University, and the California Institute of the Arts, and is head of the keyboard area at the NY Summer Music Festival.



3rd Place:




JASON CHIU  

El Cerrito  CA

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Jason Chiu has been performing on the piano since an early age. He has received numerous prizes in local competitions, including first place in the East Bay Music Festival and the Memorial Scholarship Competition as part of the Music Teacher’s Association of California. While attending U.C. Berkeley, where he received his B.A. in Music, he performed as a soloist with the University Symphony Orchestra, and was a recipient of the Eisner Award for achievement in the creative arts. Jason earned his Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2004, studying with Sharon Mann. Since graduating, he has been teaching piano at local music studios and performing arts centers, as well as giving performances in venues all over the Bay Area.   

 

 


SPECiAL JUDGES' CITATION RECIPIENT: 
"Championing the music of Cecile Chaminade"




JULIA MORTYAKOVA  

Columbus  MS

Julia Mortyakova has performed solo recitals and concertos around the world.  Music festival appearances include: Assisi Performing Arts (Italy), Musica Nueva Malaga (Spain), Zhytomyr's Musical Spring (Ukraine), and Natchez Festival of Music.  She was the 2012 winner of the Sigma Alpha Iota Career Performance Grant.  2013 included solo recitals throughout the United States, Italy, and concerto appearances with the Assisi Festival Orchestra (Italy) and the Starkville Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Mortyakova is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Vanderbilt University, New York University, and the University of Miami.  Additional study includes Aspen Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts, and Symphonic Workshops International Piano Masterclass (Bulgaria). Dr. Mortyakova currently serves as Chair of the Department of Music at the Mississippi University for Women.  Her research includes applying the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre to piano teaching, and the life and music of Cécile Chaminade and Olga Harris.




2014 COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (SOLO):





The American Prize winner:


HYUNKI YOON  

Kansas City  MO


Hyunki Yoon, pianist, is a native of Seoul, Republic of Korea.  He completed a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance as a scholarship recipient at Chugye University for the Arts in Seoul.  Winner of the 1999 Eumyun Piano Competition and the 1998 Music Education Newspaper Competition, he has participated in concerts as soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist in Germany, Korea, and the United States.  He completed a Master of Music degree in piano performance as a full scholarship recipient at University of Missouri-Columbia.  As a graduate teaching assistant there he accompanied Show-Me Opera productions and taught applied piano class. He performed the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 1 with the MU Philharmonic Orchestra at the Missouri Theatre in 2011 and received Runner-up in the Missouri Music Teachers Association's (MMTA) Collegiate Honors Auditions in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 he was featured an Emerging Artist Competition winner at the Missouri Theatre. He is currently pursuing a Doctor or Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he studies with Dr. Robert Weirich and receives full support for his entire doctoral program.

 

Among judges' comments: "...marvelous mood and spirit..." 

 


2nd Place:




GABRIELLE CHOU  

Pembroke Pines  FL

 

Pianist and violinist Gabrielle Chou has played on both instruments with numerous orchestras, including the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra of Bacau, and National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra. She is currently in her first year of undergraduate studies at the Juilliard School, where she studies piano with Jerome Lowenthal and violin with Lewis Kaplan. Her past studies include the Colburn Young Artists Academy in Los Angeles. Gabrielle was the silver medal winner at the 6th Yamaha USASU International Senior Piano Competition, whose jury included legendary pianist Martha Argerich. She also received top prizes at the Young Composers’ Challenge, 10th Ettlingen International Competition for Young Pianists, NFMC National Composition Competition, 2nd Manchester International Piano Concerto Competition, and 21st Concorso Internazionale per Pianoforte e Orchestra Citta Di Cantu. Past festivals include the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she was a piano student and later a two-year violin fellow.



3rd Place:




INHYUN LEE  

Brookline  MA

 

Inhyun Lee started piano at the age of five in her native South Korea. She studied under Alexander Korsantia at NEC, Young-lim Ham, Hae-lim Kim and Na-young Kim, and currently is pursing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Boston University under Professor Pavel Nerssesian. Miss Lee was the winner in the American Protégé international piano competition in 2011 and performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2011. Also, she received third prize in the 1st International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival in 2012. As an enthusiastic and passionate performer, she has presented many recitals and performed as soloist with many orchestras in major concert halls in Seoul, Gwangju (South Korea), Tokyo, New York, Boston, Aspen (United States), Italy and etc. She studied under John O’Conor at the Aspen Music School. She has also performed in masterclasses of John Perry, Joseph Kalichstein, Dang Tai son, Gary Graffman and Anton Nel.





2014 HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (SOLO):





The American Prize winner:


WILLIAM HUME  

Carlisle  PA


17 year old William Hume is a senior at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has studied piano for over ten years.  He has won various awards and competitions and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, and on the National Public Radio Program “From the Top.” He was recently named a 2014 National YoungArts Foundation Winner.  William has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, playing concerti by Mozart, Bach, Grieg and Beethoven. His other interests include basketball, running and writing, and he has earned a varsity letter in Cross Country and a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers as pianist at area nursing homes and the Salvation Army.  He is a student of Dr. Jennifer Blyth.         http://williamhume.com/

 

Among judges' comments: "...exquisite dialogue and or voicing between the hands..."

 


2nd Place:




BENJAMIN GITTENS  

Mason  OH

 

Benjamin Gittens began his piano studies at age four. Benjamin has won numerous competitions and awards, including the Grand Prize, First Prize, and the Best Romantic Performance of the Carmel Debut International Piano Competition, First Prize in the Lana M. Bailey Piano Concerto competition, Second Prize in the Chopin Youth Piano Competition, the National Federation of Music Club’s Stillman Kelly Award for Region One of the United States, and the Dare to Dream College Scholarship in 2014. In 2013, he won first prize at the DePauw Young Artists Piano Competition, first prize in the Southwest Ohio District Pre-Collegiate Buckeye Competition, was a winner in the Dayton Public Radio Young Talent Search, and was the First Prize winner in the Concerto competition for Keyboard Division of the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition which gave him the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. He has also won many Merit Awards for piano institute attendance at the College – Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, the University of Indiana Summer Piano Academy and the Bowling Green State University Summer Piano Institute. More recently he was winner of the Southern Adventist University Concerto Competition and will be performing with the University Orchestra in February. He is currently a Piano Performance Major at the College-Conservatory of Music and studies with Michael Chertock.



3rd Place:




CHRISTOPHER SON RICHARDSON  

Lake Forest Park  WA

 

Christopher is a student of Duane Hulbert. He has appeared on NPR's "From the Top", KRCB 91.1 and KCTS 9 as a featured performer. Performing at the Finney Chapel in the Cooper International Festival's Artist Recital Series, his performance was broadcast live on WCLV 104.9. Selected as one of 2013 scholarship winners at the National Chopin Foundation, and a finalist at Curtis Institute 2012, he has performed in prestigious venues, including Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, the 2000 seat Music Tent (Opening Sarah Chang concert), McCallum Theater. He was a prizewinner at the 2013 International e-piano and played with the Minnesota Orchestra, second prizewinner at 2011 Virginia Waring Concerto, Tureck International Bach, 2012 LA Liszt International. He won first prize 2011 Seattle International Piano, at the International Russian Competitions (2012,2013), Ross McKee, Berkeley Etude Club, Pacific Musical Society. He won third prize at the 2012 Lennox International Young Artists Concerto.


*****

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (CONCERTO), 2014









The American Prize winner:


KASANDRA KEELING  

San Antonio  TX 
(Rachmaninoff—Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini)


 

Dr. Kasandra Keeling is currently Associate Professor and Chair of Keyboard Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  As a soloist, collaborative artist, and teacher, she has traveled throughout the US, Mexico, Canada, and China.  In 2007, she was invited to be a visiting professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, as well as at Nanjing Normal University in Nanjing.  She has performed at Steinway Hall in NYC, at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, Canada, and at the Teatro de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, as well as numerous universities, festivals, conferences, and private venues across the US.   In 2008, Dr. Keeling was awarded the Outstanding Collegiate Teaching Achievement Award by the Texas Music Teachers Association.   She received degrees in performance from the University of Houston and the University of Colorado at Boulder and her primary teachers were Janice Hodges, Nancy Weems, Alvin Chow, and Larry Graham.  

 

Among judges' comments: "The performance was seasoned and artistic..."



2nd Place:




WILLIAM HUME  

Carlisle  PA 
(Grieg A Minor Concerto, Beethoven Choral Fantasy
)

 

17 year old William Hume is a senior at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has studied piano for over ten years.  He has won various awards and competitions and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, and on the National Public Radio Program “From the Top.” He was recently named a 2014 National YoungArts Foundation Winner.  William has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, playing concerti by Mozart, Bach, Grieg and Beethoven. His other interests include basketball, running and writing, and he has earned a varsity letter in Cross Country and a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers as pianist at area nursing homes and the Salvation Army.  He is a student of Dr. Jennifer Blyth.         http://williamhume.com/



3rd Place:




HYUNKI YOON  

Kansas City  MO  
Prokofiev First Concerto

 

Hyunki Yoon, pianist, is a native of Seoul, Republic of Korea.  He completed a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance as a scholarship recipient at Chugye University for the Arts in Seoul.  Winner of the 1999 Eumyun Piano Competition and the 1998 Music Education Newspaper Competition, he has participated in concerts as soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist in Germany, Korea, and the United States.  He completed a Master of Music degree in piano performance as a full scholarship recipient at University of Missouri-Columbia.  As a graduate teaching assistant there he accompanied Show-Me Opera productions and taught applied piano class.  He performed the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 1 with the MU Philharmonic Orchestra at the Missouri Theatre in 2011 and received Runner-up in the Missouri Music Teachers Association's (MMTA) Collegiate Honors Auditions in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 he was featured an Emerging Artist Competition winner at the Missouri Theatre.

 

He is currently pursuing a Doctor or Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he studies with Dr. Robert Weirich and receives full support for his entire doctoral program.


 

*****

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2013





PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:





The American Prize winner:


PETRONEL MALAN    

Waukesha, WI


An unmistakably creative force in classical music, Petronel’s recording "Transfigured Bach." (Hänssler Classic) received three Grammy® nominations, including "Best Instrumental Solo Album." "Transfigured Mozart," "Transfigured Beethoven," and "Transfigured Tchaikovsky" followed. Petronel performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, Théâtre du Châtelet, Salle Cortot, Mozarteum, Liszt Museum (Budapest), as well as the Levoca, Ravinia and Gilmore Festivals. Petronel has appeared with orchestras throughout Europe, the UK, USA and South Africa. She was the gold medal winner at the Louise McMahon, Missouri Southern, Los Angeles Liszt "Budapest Concert" and Hilton Head Piano Competitions, Web Concert Hall Competition, Grace Welsh Prize and the Entergy Young Artist Award. South African-born Petronel studied with Adolph Hallis and Joseph Stanford, Steven de Groote, Ralph Votapek, Joseph Banowetz, and Earl Wild. She received the "Prestige Award" as one of the "10 Most Inspirational Women in South Africa," and an annual music scholarship ise awarded in her name. www.petronelmalan.com 

 

Among judges' comments: "Beautiful playing that includes the element of breathing, boldness, and suppleness of sound as resources to music-making."

 


2nd Place:




Hye kyeong Cho    

Lacey, WA



Hye kyeong Cho is a popular piano performer throughout Korea and the Northwest U.S., as well as a soloist, an accompanist, a worship pianist and pedagogue. She holds the Piano performance degrees B.M.M.M and S.M.E from Dong-A university and P. Vladigerov National Music Academy in Bulgaria with Prof. Anton Dikov and Elena Dikova. She won first prizes in several competitions including the Kyung-Hyang Piano Competition and Korea Music Association piano Competition – college division. And also she has had numerous concerts as a soloist with major orchestras, and as a chamber musician, as an accompanist in Korea, Bulgaria, Japan and the U.S. She has been invited several times to perform at the Korea-Bulgaria Music Festival as a piano soloist. She also has been gave numerous benefit concerts with her performance group (HCMC) every year. Through these benefit concerts, in 2009 she earned a certificate of appreciation from the Governor of Washington State. Currently, she is working as a piano faculty member in St. Martin's University, WA.



3rd Place (there was a tie):




Richard Fountain    

Plainview, TX

Richard Fountain enjoys a uniquely enriching career as a teacher, adjudicator, solo performer, choral, vocal and chamber collaborator, and orchestral keyboardist.  Fountain is Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX, where he teaches applied piano and accompanying.  Fountain holds both DMA and MM degrees in piano performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Taylor University. Recent performance highlights include the College Music Society National Conference, the American Liszt Festival, the International Double Reed Society, International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest, Texas Music Teachers Association Convention and the Midwest Historical Keyboard Society.  He also participated in the inaugural Westfield International Fortepiano Competition.  In 2012, Fountain released his debut solo album “American Ivory,” available on iTunes and Amazon.com as well as through www.richardfountainpianist.com.  Fountain holds the positions of Principal Keyboard with both Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.

 


3rd Place (there was a tie):




Stephen Wilber    

Chattanooga, TN

Pianist Stephen Wilber has been hailed for the "freshness and refinement" of his playing and for his "force, imagination, feelings, and lyricism" (Edita de Arad, Romania).
A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Dr. Wilber also studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He holds a Master's degree from The Peabody Institute and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland. Some highlights of Dr. Wilber’s solo and concerto engagements have been; The Festival Orchestra of Zurich,  The Great Hall, Saratov Russia; The Cultural Palace, Arad Romania; Merkin Hall, NYC; The Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn, Estonia; The Academy of Art and Music, Honolulu Hawaii. He has been a guest artist in the Music Festival of the Hamptons, NY, Gina Bachauer Foundation in Salt Lake City, Shandelee Music Festival in New York City, The American Liszt Society in Washington DC, Celebrate the Arts in Atlanta and the Festival of Nations in Rome Italy. 




2013 COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (SOLO):





The American Prize winner:


Alice Burla    

Ossining, NY


Alice Burla, 16, has been called an "extraordinary talent" by The New York Times. She made her orchestral debut at 5 and has performed two piano concertos within the same evening at ages 8, 10 and 12. Alice won 1st prize at Canadian National Music Competition, the 8th New York Music Competition and was the youngest finalist at the 13th Hamamatsu International Piano Academy Competition. She also was one of the youngest students ever accepted to The Juilliard School. Alice was featured on PBS telecasts of "Live from Carnegie Hall" and on WQXR as part of “From the Top" national radio broadcast. Since the age of 10, Ms. Burla has performed internationally playing solo and with many orchestras. Alice has played a wide repertoire, including Bach’s Goldberg Variations, suites by Rachmaninoff, 12 etudes by Chopin and 15 piano concertos. In 2010, Alice Burla appeared as a piano prodigy in the 20th Century Fox’s film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

 

Among judges' comments: "Alice is a tremendous talent, both pianistically and musically."

 


2nd Place:




Anthony Michael Cornet    

Altoona, PA

 

Anthony Michael Cornet, originally from Altoona, PA, is a recent graduate of Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance in Philadelphia. He received the Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance while studying under acclaimed pedagogue Harvey Wedeen on a full-tuition scholarship. Anthony is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Piano Performance at Duquesne University. Attending on a full-tuition assistantship, he studies with renowned pianist, David Allen Wehr. Other principal mentors have included pianists Steven Herbert Smith, Arthur Goldstein, and his father, Richard Cornet. Anthony is a prize winner in many nationally and internationally recognized piano competitions. He recently made his Carnegie Hall debut as a First Prize Winner in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. His performance was praised for its “confidence, spontaneity, and brilliance”. Maestro Istvan Jaray, a student of both Kodaly and Ligeti, proclaims, “In spite of his young age, Mr. Cornet is indeed an excellent, mature artist with a warm musicianship and an admirable talent.” 



3rd Place:




Hwayoung Noh    

Macomb, IL

 

Hwayoung Noh is from South Korea and is currently studying with Dr. Tammie Walker for a Master of Music in Piano Performance at Western Illinois University, where she is a graduate assistant in piano accompanying. She received her Bachelor's degree from Hanyang University in Seoul and attended the Kaywon High School of Arts during her pre-college years. She was placed 3rd at the ISMTA in 2012.  



*****

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (CONCERTO), 2013









The American Prize winner:


Anthony Michael Cornet    

Altoona, PA


 

Anthony Michael Cornet, originally from Altoona, PA, is a recent graduate of Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance in Philadelphia. He received the Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance while studying under acclaimed pedagogue Harvey Wedeen on a full-tuition scholarship. Anthony is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Piano Performance at Duquesne University. Attending on a full-tuition assistantship, he studies with renowned pianist, David Allen Wehr. Other principal mentors have included pianists Steven Herbert Smith, Arthur Goldstein, and his father, Richard Cornet.

 

Anthony is dedicated to merging his artistic ambitions with humanitarian efforts. In recent years, he has been able to raise thousands of dollars for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Miracle League, the Shropshire Music Foundation, and the Altoona Symphony Orchestra through his own concert series, A Special Evening with Pianist Anthony Michael Cornet. The series has received high acclaim and has established Anthony as a dynamic and engaging recitalist. In addition to music, Anthony enjoys
casual reading and writing. Subjects of particular interest include philosophy, theology, and science.

 

Among judges' comments: Liszt: Totentanz—"Very solid, well prepared performance. The moods of each variation are diverse, with a fine sense of dynamics differentiating the many sections."



2nd Place:




Sung-Eun Park    

Austin, TX

 

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Sung-Eun Park began her piano study at the age of five. She made her orchestra debut in 2003 with Jeju Philharmonic Orchestra in South Korea. Since then, she has performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Korea and the United States. SungEun has won several piano competitions including Seoul Asia International Music Competition, Tammora Music Competition, The Music Association of Korea Competition, Texas State University Concerto Competition (2010), and The University Concerto Competition at UT Austin (2012). She has earned degrees from Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary (BM) and Texas State University at San Marcos (MM). While attending TSU, she served as staff accompanist in the Opera Department. Her principle teachers include Kyung-Ae Lee, Su-yeon Lee, Jason Kwak, and Nancy Garrett. SungEun is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Texas at Austin, studying under Professor Nancy Garrett.



3rd Place:




Graciella Kowalczyk    

Alvaton, KY

 

French-born, Polish-raised pianist Graciella Kowalczyk has appeared in concerts and recitals as a soloist in over fifteen countries and four continents. She has won first prizes in numerous international piano competitions in Germany, Italy, Poland and the United States, among others, and has received scholarships and prestigious awards from internationally acclaimed institutions. Graciella received her doctorate in piano performance from the University of Kansas. She is presently enjoying a very successful musical career and also serves as Artistic Director for the international non-profit foundation, Doctors for Music...Where Medicine Meets the Arts. Graciella previously studied at the Chopin School of Music in Warsaw, Poland; Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Russia; Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas; and Park University in Parkville, Missouri.


*****

The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2013

SPECIAL CITATION: "MUSICAL ADVOCACY THROUGH PERFORMANCE"

 

Michael Rector    

Ridgeland, MS




Michael Rector's mission is to save classical music. As a pianist, he invigorates and expands the repertoire through innovative programming that re-contextualizes familiar pieces and makes vivid new and neglected works. His repertoire ranges from Haydn to Harbison and from Couperin to Carter. He is also a dedicated teacher, writer and advocate for the arts, committed to making the language of classical music vivid for people of all ages and backgrounds.

 

Highlights of recent seasons include performances at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater in Washington, DC and a concerto appearance in Chattanooga, TN. In May 2012, Michael embarked on a four-city tour of Korea that included duo concerts with pianist Sylvia Hong and lecture-recitals in local universities.

 

Michael holds the doctoral degree from Manhattan School of Music. His dissertation was an investigation of Chopin's harmonic practice as influenced by the music of Louis Spohr and Romantic philosophy. He also holds a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, where he majored in comparative literature.

 

Among judges' comments: "Fine spirited "Allegro" with excellent Mozartian wit. Bravo on your broad dynamic contrast...what a rollicking good time to hear you perform this piece with such energy and technical clarity."


PRIZEWORTHY
Winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2012



Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our Please scroll down for winners and runners-up in earlier competitions.


Solo Piano Prizes

Concerto Prizes

Citation Recipients

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2012





PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:







The American Prize winner:
Nathanael May


Pianist Nathanael May has performed recitals throughout the United States and Europe, presenting research on piano music of the modern era at the World Piano Conference and the Euro-Mediterranean Music Conference, with master classes in Turkey, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Italy. May is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the Italian soundSCAPE festival, at which over 200 new works have been premiered. He is an assistant professor at Missouri Western State University.

Among judge's comments: "Your technique demonstrates mastery of rhythmic and melodic fluidity, timbral and dynamic variety, and ease with textural adaptation."


2nd Place:




Lara Downes, CA



Ms. Downes also won a Special Citation from The American Prize. Please see below.



3rd Place:




Graciella Kowalczyk, KY








COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:





The American Prize winner:
Azariah Tan, MI


Straits Times music reviewer states, "Azariah will touch the lives of many people with his music wherever he goes." The National Arts Council-Conservatory scholar, graduated from NUS with first-class honors. He holds multiple awards, has performed with world-class orchestras, in master-classes by renowned pianists like Murray Perahia, and gives back by performing for charity. Azariah, 20, currently studies with Logan Skelton for a double Masters in Music degree at the University of Michigan under full-scholarship.

Among judge's comments: "an exceptional level of musical maturity and superb command of performance at the instrument. You engage the music with clear understanding, personal interpretive connection and expressive communication. Bravo."


2nd Place:




Kevin Kwan Loucks, NY









3rd Place:




Yuanchang Zhou, MI









HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:




The American Prize winner:
Taide Ding, MS


Taide Ding is a junior at Oxford High School in Oxford, Miss. Taide began studying piano at age 4 in Tokyo, Japan, and since moving to Oxford in 2001, he has studied with Dr. Ian Hominick. In addition, Taide is a varsity athlete for the OHS swim team, an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Grand Award recipient, as well as a columnist and reporter for OHS's nationally acclaimed student newspaper, the Charger.

Among judge's comments: "Perfect tempo, mood and touch...Your performance sparkles and light and shade seem to jump from the piano. I must compliment you on your piano and pianissimo playing as it is just exquisite."


2nd Place:




T.J. Keanu Tario, NY









3rd Place:




Michael Davidman, NY







*****

 
The American Prize in Piano Performance (CONCERTO), 2012





COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:





The American Prize winner:
Azariah Tan, MI


Straits Times music reviewer states, "Azariah will touch the lives of many people with his music wherever he goes." The National Arts Council-Conservatory scholar, graduated from NUS with first-class honors. He holds multiple awards, has performed with world-class orchestras, in master-classes by renowned pianists like Murray Perahia, and gives back by performing for charity. Azariah, 20, currently studies with Logan Skelton for a double Masters in Music degree at the University of Michigan under full-scholarship.

Among judge's comments: "heartfelt and well prepared… Thank you for playing with such sincere artistry." (Rachmaninoff Second Concerto)



2nd Place:




Azariah Tan, MI







3rd Place:




Kevin Kwan Loucks, MI









HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:






The American Prize winner:
Jim Lu, UT


Jim Lu, age 16, is currently a student of Dr. Irene Peery-Fox. He has won the Utah Valley Symphony Young Artist competition twice and soloed with the symphony when he was 9 and 11. At the age of 13, Jim won the Utah Symphony Salute to Youth competition and performed Franz Liszt's Totentanz with the symphony. He was the state winner of the MTNA competition and placed 3rd at the regional MTNA in 2010. Jim has also placed 1st twice at the Utah State Fair musical competition and is a winner of the 2012 AFAF International Competition.

Among judge's comments: "Your performance always sounded as though you were listening carefully to tone and overall musicianship….Ending was spectacular! Congratulations." (Liszt: Totentanz)



2nd Place:




Jing Luo, VA









3rd Place:




Michael Davidman, NY







*****

The American Prize in Piano Performance (CITATION RECIPIENTS), 2012

SPECIAL CITATION: UNIQUE ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

Lara Downes




Lara Downes has been awarded a special Citation from The American Prize, recognizing Unique Artistic Achievement, for her compact disc, 13 Ways of Looking at the Goldberg.

Praised by NPR as "a delightful artist with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship" and praised by the Washington Post for performances "rendered with drama and nuance", Lara Downes has appeared on many prestigious stages, including Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center. Downes' six solo recordings have met with tremendous acclaim. Her latest CD, 13 Ways of Looking at the Goldberg was released in Fall 2011.

Among judge's comments: "Excellent quality of performance that carries freshness of style and character, very smooth tonal quality and melodic shaping, as well as clarity of thought and excellent balance in sound. Wonderful playing."

 

 


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