International Goldberg Variations Charity Project
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Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition
presenting the
International Goldberg Variations Charity Project
Inviting participation of top prize winners
Official organizers All proceeds will be donated to
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International Goldberg Variations Charity Project
Purpose:
Through this project, we hope to raise funds for the Leukaemia Society through delivery of an international performance platform for outstanding up-and-coming musicians and artists worldwide through the performance of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations (Aria & 30 variations).
We also aim to revive Bach's Goldberg variations and bring it into the performance repertoire of young performers. Since the Goldberg Variations is very long (with the entire work lasting over an hour and a half), it is generally not considered to be a realistic performance repertoire for young pianists.
In this project, we will be featuring various outstanding performers worldwide to perform each variation. Video performances will be presented in our website (with biography and interviews) , as well as on social media (such as Youtube, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram, and others). This way, young musicians will have the opportunity to study and perform the Goldberg Variations in public - to share this beautiful music and raise funds for a good cause.
Inspiration and background:
The very young son of Professor Philip Cohen (the late piano professor of our founding director of this event) passed away at the age of 6. Gordie Cohen came from a family of musicians and was passionate about music. He was a prodigy and could have become a fantastic musician. Unfortunately he passed away because of leukaemia. We are aware that there are many unfortunate youth who suffer from leukaemia. We hope to raise funds for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada to help those who are affected by this disease, while sharing the love of music. Music is ultimately the best medicine...
Format:
(1) Each performer will be invited to play selected variation(s) from J.S. Bach's famous Goldberg Variations. We will piece together all the movements and the edited video will be publicized in media including Youtube, Facebook and Instagram.
(2) The performance and biography of the artistic contributors will be featured on our website. Selected performers will also be interviewed (on a voluntary basis) and presented in the video.
(3) Performer contributors are selected by special invitation only.
(4) Since this is a charity project, performers will be contributing their performances on a volunteer basis. There will be no monetary compensation. Also, to prevent any potential conflict of interests, we will only accept contributors who do not have any active contracts with any record labels, music management companies or institutions that might pose any constraints on the copyright of their performances.
(5) Efforts of performance contributors will be acknowledged with a special souvenir and a letter of appreciation. A letter of recommendation will also be available upon request for volunteering their performance in this charity event.
(6) Proceeds will be donated to the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada by the 20th July 2021.
Recordings:
(1) We will discuss and finalize the specific variation(s) to be recorded with each artistic contributor.
(2) Submission deadline for the performance video will be on the 30th June 2021
(3) Since this is a worldwide project, we hope to receive the highest recording quality possible. However, we also understand the challenges imposed by COVID. The quality of recording (if uncertain) will be pre-evaluated prior to the final submission.
(4) Upon reception of all the videos, we will compile a video with the performances of all the contributors.
Fund Raising:
(1) From donors of sponsoring organizations
(2) Donations from individuals - including members of the community, supporters of our event
(3) The founding organization of the Bach Goldberg Variations Project - Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition will match the donation received from individual donors by 30% (up to a maximum of $1000).
Donation Link:
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
ARIA
Warren Cohen (piano) & Graham Cohen (violin) - Duo - USA
Warren Cohen began his musical career as a pianist and composer. As a composer he is largely self-taught, and as a pianist he only studied with his father, the noted Montreal pedagogue Philip Cohen. When he moved to Hawaii as a young man, he worked as ballet accompanist for the Honolulu City Ballet and as Music Director of the Kumu Kahua Theatre group. He studied conducting with, among others, Gustav Meier and Paul Vermel. He has had a busy life as a conductor, at one time had assignments with five orchestras simultaneously! Presently he is Artistic Director of the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra in New Providence, New Jersey and Music Director of the MusicaNova Orchestra in Phoenix, Arizona. He has continued to perform as pianist during this time; this fall he will perform the Chaminade Konzerstuck, maintaining his life long interest in unusual repertoire.
Warren Cohen (piano) & Graham Cohen (violin) - Duo - USA
Warren Cohen began his musical career as a pianist and composer. As a composer he is largely self-taught, and as a pianist he only studied with his father, the noted Montreal pedagogue Philip Cohen. When he moved to Hawaii as a young man, he worked as ballet accompanist for the Honolulu City Ballet and as Music Director of the Kumu Kahua Theatre group. He studied conducting with, among others, Gustav Meier and Paul Vermel. He has had a busy life as a conductor, at one time had assignments with five orchestras simultaneously! Presently he is Artistic Director of the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra in New Providence, New Jersey and Music Director of the MusicaNova Orchestra in Phoenix, Arizona. He has continued to perform as pianist during this time; this fall he will perform the Chaminade Konzerstuck, maintaining his life long interest in unusual repertoire.
ARIA
Graham Cohen (violin) - USA
Graham Cohen is pursuing a Master's Degree in Viola Performance at The Juilliard School of Music. He began composing at four and violin at five. In 2010, Graham was accepted to the Juilliard School's Pre-College division as a composition major, studying with Ira Taxin. Graham also studied viola with Kenji Bunch, and Toby Appel, his current teacher. Graham played in the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Juilliard Pre-College Orchestras, Musica Nova Orchestra, and various chamber music ensembles throughout high school. He now plays in the viola section in the Juilliard Orchestra, Juilliard's Historical Performance Ensemble, the Chamber music program at Juilliard, and is principal viola and coach for the NJ Intergenerational Orchestra. In 2018 and 2019, Graham attended Yellow Barn's Young Artists program, performing several world premieres alongside standard repertoire. Graham's music has received performances across the globe, and he was the ASCAP Charlotte Bergen Award scholarship recipient in 2009.
Graham Cohen (violin) - USA
Graham Cohen is pursuing a Master's Degree in Viola Performance at The Juilliard School of Music. He began composing at four and violin at five. In 2010, Graham was accepted to the Juilliard School's Pre-College division as a composition major, studying with Ira Taxin. Graham also studied viola with Kenji Bunch, and Toby Appel, his current teacher. Graham played in the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Juilliard Pre-College Orchestras, Musica Nova Orchestra, and various chamber music ensembles throughout high school. He now plays in the viola section in the Juilliard Orchestra, Juilliard's Historical Performance Ensemble, the Chamber music program at Juilliard, and is principal viola and coach for the NJ Intergenerational Orchestra. In 2018 and 2019, Graham attended Yellow Barn's Young Artists program, performing several world premieres alongside standard repertoire. Graham's music has received performances across the globe, and he was the ASCAP Charlotte Bergen Award scholarship recipient in 2009.
Variation 1 & Da Capo Aria
Miya Peng - Canada
10-year-old Miya is a gourmet, she likes to DIY all kinds of drinks. She also likes programming, graphic design and tennis. She learned piano with Dr. Angela Chan at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts when she was 6. From 2016, She has attended several local and international competitions and won the 1st place, such as Quebec Music Competition, Lakeshore Chamber Music Student Competition. Grand Prize Virtuoso, Crescendo International Music Competition, Golden Classic Music Competition. She enjoys the stage. She has played at Carnegie Hall for 3 times. In May 2019, she was invited to perform at Philip Cohen's Memorial Concert at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall in Montreal. In December 2019, she won a first prize in Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition and was invited to play in Brussels. In 2021, she was first prize winner of Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition and also Platinum medalist of the Quebec International Music Competition, and was invited to perform as guest artist in the Bach Goldberg Variation International Charity Project.
Miya Peng - Canada
10-year-old Miya is a gourmet, she likes to DIY all kinds of drinks. She also likes programming, graphic design and tennis. She learned piano with Dr. Angela Chan at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts when she was 6. From 2016, She has attended several local and international competitions and won the 1st place, such as Quebec Music Competition, Lakeshore Chamber Music Student Competition. Grand Prize Virtuoso, Crescendo International Music Competition, Golden Classic Music Competition. She enjoys the stage. She has played at Carnegie Hall for 3 times. In May 2019, she was invited to perform at Philip Cohen's Memorial Concert at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall in Montreal. In December 2019, she won a first prize in Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition and was invited to play in Brussels. In 2021, she was first prize winner of Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition and also Platinum medalist of the Quebec International Music Competition, and was invited to perform as guest artist in the Bach Goldberg Variation International Charity Project.
Variation 3
Torsten Fras - USA
Torsten Fras is a harpsichordist born in 2007. He started learning piano when he was five, and started learning harpsichord when he was eleven, studying under the guidance of Dr. Anna Kislitsyna at the Nelly Berman School of Music. Since then, he has been awarded a variety of prizes from a number of competitions including the Boulder Bach Society’s World Bach Competition, the French International Music Competition, the Canadian International Music Competition, Kings Peak International Music Competition, Charleston International Music Competition, and the Rocky Mountain International Competition. He has attended various masterclasses given by Catalina Vicens at Brandywine Baroque, Arthur Haas at Amherst Early Music Festival, and Joseph Gascho at the University of Michigan Early Keyboard Institute. He resides in Pennsylvania with his family. When not practicing harpsichord, he enjoys reading, playing tennis and squash, traveling, and watching movies on the weekends with his family.
Torsten Fras - USA
Torsten Fras is a harpsichordist born in 2007. He started learning piano when he was five, and started learning harpsichord when he was eleven, studying under the guidance of Dr. Anna Kislitsyna at the Nelly Berman School of Music. Since then, he has been awarded a variety of prizes from a number of competitions including the Boulder Bach Society’s World Bach Competition, the French International Music Competition, the Canadian International Music Competition, Kings Peak International Music Competition, Charleston International Music Competition, and the Rocky Mountain International Competition. He has attended various masterclasses given by Catalina Vicens at Brandywine Baroque, Arthur Haas at Amherst Early Music Festival, and Joseph Gascho at the University of Michigan Early Keyboard Institute. He resides in Pennsylvania with his family. When not practicing harpsichord, he enjoys reading, playing tennis and squash, traveling, and watching movies on the weekends with his family.
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VARIATION 4
JELICA ANGELLINE ZECY YANG - Indonesia Born in 2013, Jelica started her music journey at the age of 3.5 years old and now she is currently under the tutelage of Miss Ruth Wibisono. Her interest in the classical music has turned into a passion which she has won in various competitions both national and international. At her age of 6 years old, Jelica had the privilege to make her first debut to perform at The prestigious Carnegie Hall America as The First Prize Winner of The PianoHouse International Piano Competition 2019. Recently she has also been awarded as The First Prize Winner of Virtual International Music Competition 2020 hosted by The Malaysian Chopin Society, The First Prize Winner of (Platinum Medal) of The Canadian International Music Competition 2021, The First Prize Winner of The 2021 Canada International Youth Piano Festival, The Second Prize Winner of Bangkok International Piano Competition 2020, The First Prize Winner of VI Odin International Music Online Competition hosted by European Academic Artists Association, The Laureate Prize of The Piccolo Piano Talents 2021, The Special Diploma in Debut Category of IV VLADIMIR KRAINEV MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION 2021 Moscow – Russia, The First Prize of Slobomir International Music Competition, Silver Award from the 3rd Edition of WPTA Finland International Piano Competition 2021 and many more. To date, she has received Master Classes from Indonesian Pianists such as Iswargia R.Sudarno, Ananda Sukarlan, Adelaide Simbolon and International Pianists: Adam Gyorgy, Steven Spooner, Ricky Oui, Stephanie Neeman, Aimo Pagin and Congyu Wang, Tony Yike Yang Elena Nesterenko. |
Variation 5
Ally Phan - USA
Ally Phan is a rising high school Sophomore from Federal Way, Washington. She began playing the piano at 5 1/2 years old with Ms. Maki Botkin. For two years, she also studied under Dr. Jean-David Coen. Throughout 2018 and 2019, she performed at Carnegie Hall 4 times, where she made her debut performance in the Crescendo International Music Competition Winners Recital. She was also a First Place winner in the 2019 Elite International Music Competition. Furthermore, she was a medalist in the 2019 Steinway Junior Piano Competition and the winner of the 2019 CWU Sonata-Sonatina Competition. Most recently, she won the Platinum Medal in the 2021 Quebec Music Competition, Gold and Platinum in the 2021 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition and First Place in the 2021 Sempre Online Competition. Outside of piano, she enjoys podcasting, hiking, and is a volunteer for a youth climate organization.
Variation 6
Rayming Lan - Hong Kong
Rayming LAN aged 14, currently a student of Dr. Amy Sze at the Junior Music Department of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Art. He participated in numerous concert performances, competitions and master classes. He is a laureate of many local and international competitions, such as the Europe-
Elbe Valley International Music festival 2019, Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2020 - Young Virtuoso Cup, Kyoto International Music Competition 2021, 2021 Quebec International Music Competition and Hong Kong Youth Barclampory Music Festival 2021. Rayming started learning to play the piano at age of 6. He is passionate in sharing music. He is honored to be one of the performing artist in the International Goldberg Variations Charity Project to perform the Bach Goldberg Variations with artists worldwide, to share love and music to people and to raise fund Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Rayming Lan - Hong Kong
Rayming LAN aged 14, currently a student of Dr. Amy Sze at the Junior Music Department of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Art. He participated in numerous concert performances, competitions and master classes. He is a laureate of many local and international competitions, such as the Europe-
Elbe Valley International Music festival 2019, Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2020 - Young Virtuoso Cup, Kyoto International Music Competition 2021, 2021 Quebec International Music Competition and Hong Kong Youth Barclampory Music Festival 2021. Rayming started learning to play the piano at age of 6. He is passionate in sharing music. He is honored to be one of the performing artist in the International Goldberg Variations Charity Project to perform the Bach Goldberg Variations with artists worldwide, to share love and music to people and to raise fund Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Variation 7
Anna Vienna Ho - Hong Kong
Born in Hong Kong, Anna Vienna Ho is a versatile musician who has worked professionally as a solo pianist, piano accompanist, répétiteur and composer. She has worked with many opera companies and music organizations, including Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Opera Company, Tête à Tête Opera Festival, Opera Novella, London Oriana Choir and London Gay Symphony Orchestra, among others.
She has given solo recitals and performed in various concert venues in Asia and Europe, including Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, Parco della Musica and Hong Kong City Hall. Anna gained an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma and her Master of Music in Piano Performance with distinction from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she received a number of awards and scholarships. She was the winner of numerous international competitions, including International Robert Schumann Klavier Welttbert, Concours International Leopold Bellan, Internationaler Deutscher Irmler-Klavierwettbewerb, Rome International Music Competition, International Music Competition “Таланты XXI века”, International Moscow Music Competition, 5th Propiano International Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, Montpelier Arts Center Classical Recital Competition, London Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, International Music Competition "ИСКУССТВО! ДРУЖБА! МИР!" and IYMC Classical Music International Competition, among others.
Variation 8
Calissa Poon - Hong Kong
Currently a primary 4 student of Diocesan Girls’ Junior School in Hong Kong, Calissa started playing the piano at the age of 3, and was admitted to the Junior Music Program at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) majoring in piano under the tutelage of Eva Lue at the age of 5. She has attained distinction in ABRSM Grade 8 in Piano and Vocal at the age of 8.
Calissa has received numerous prizes in local, regional and international piano competitions, including championships in the 18th Hong Kong-Asia Piano Open Competition in the Free Choice Class and Children Class, championship in the 6th Asian Youth Music Competition, champions in the grade 6 and grade 7 piano solo of the Hong Kong Schools’ Music Festival, and championships in various classes of the 2021 Hong Kong International Music and Art Festival Global Finals. Internationally, she was awarded champion of the Antonio Vavaldi Vienna International Competition under 12 category (2019) in Vienna, 1 st runner up in the Busan International Piano Competition (2019) in Korea and champion of the piano concerto category of the Italy-Hong Kong International Music Competition. Calissa also serves as the choir pianist at Diocesan Girls Junior School since primary 2.
Calissa Poon - Hong Kong
Currently a primary 4 student of Diocesan Girls’ Junior School in Hong Kong, Calissa started playing the piano at the age of 3, and was admitted to the Junior Music Program at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) majoring in piano under the tutelage of Eva Lue at the age of 5. She has attained distinction in ABRSM Grade 8 in Piano and Vocal at the age of 8.
Calissa has received numerous prizes in local, regional and international piano competitions, including championships in the 18th Hong Kong-Asia Piano Open Competition in the Free Choice Class and Children Class, championship in the 6th Asian Youth Music Competition, champions in the grade 6 and grade 7 piano solo of the Hong Kong Schools’ Music Festival, and championships in various classes of the 2021 Hong Kong International Music and Art Festival Global Finals. Internationally, she was awarded champion of the Antonio Vavaldi Vienna International Competition under 12 category (2019) in Vienna, 1 st runner up in the Busan International Piano Competition (2019) in Korea and champion of the piano concerto category of the Italy-Hong Kong International Music Competition. Calissa also serves as the choir pianist at Diocesan Girls Junior School since primary 2.
Variation 9
Alice Yacubovich - USA
Born in Israel in 2005, Alice Yacubovich is an upcoming sophomore at Sherwood High School, in Olney, MD. She began studying piano in the summer of 2010, at five years old, and has been passionately practicing, performing, and competing since. She has participated in many competitions, such as the 2016 Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition for Young Artists, where she won the 2nd Place prize for her solo, and 3rd Place prize for her duet. She also competed in the MSMTA Maryland State Spring Solo Festivals, where she won 2nd Place in 2020, and 3rd Place in 2021. Music is constantly an adventure, and an area to keep discovering. In the past couple years, Alice has discovered some of her favorite composers, such as Rachmaninoff and Beethoven, which she recently performed with excitement. Although piano is Alice’s favorite activity, she also enjoys reading mystery books and baking.
Alice Yacubovich - USA
Born in Israel in 2005, Alice Yacubovich is an upcoming sophomore at Sherwood High School, in Olney, MD. She began studying piano in the summer of 2010, at five years old, and has been passionately practicing, performing, and competing since. She has participated in many competitions, such as the 2016 Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition for Young Artists, where she won the 2nd Place prize for her solo, and 3rd Place prize for her duet. She also competed in the MSMTA Maryland State Spring Solo Festivals, where she won 2nd Place in 2020, and 3rd Place in 2021. Music is constantly an adventure, and an area to keep discovering. In the past couple years, Alice has discovered some of her favorite composers, such as Rachmaninoff and Beethoven, which she recently performed with excitement. Although piano is Alice’s favorite activity, she also enjoys reading mystery books and baking.
Variation 10
Hsuan-I “Ethan” Chou - Taiwan
Hsuan-I “Ethan” Chou currently studies the piano under Ms. Shenrouh Lin and has been playing for almost five years. In 2020, he performed four different pieces in the International Maestro Piano Festival and Competition, where he took classes with various professors. In the next year, he performed two pieces in the Singapore International Piano Competition and was awarded Second Prize for the Bach category in the preliminary and final rounds. Then, he participated in the Grand Metropolitan Piano Competition and was awarded the Gold Medal (First Prize). He has also performed in various concerts.
Hsuan-I “Ethan” Chou - Taiwan
Hsuan-I “Ethan” Chou currently studies the piano under Ms. Shenrouh Lin and has been playing for almost five years. In 2020, he performed four different pieces in the International Maestro Piano Festival and Competition, where he took classes with various professors. In the next year, he performed two pieces in the Singapore International Piano Competition and was awarded Second Prize for the Bach category in the preliminary and final rounds. Then, he participated in the Grand Metropolitan Piano Competition and was awarded the Gold Medal (First Prize). He has also performed in various concerts.
Variation 10 - David Lee (Violin)
David Lee is a 17 year old violinist in the U.S. Air Force Military DODEA School in South Korea.
He has won awards in prestigious competitions such as 3rd in MyContest Universal Harmony
Concours, 1st prize in American Protege International Concerto Competition, 1st place in 21st
Seoul National Student Music Scholarship Competition, 3rd prize in Charleston International
Baroque Competition, Grand Prix Winner in New York Concert Festival Spring International
Competition, Winner of New York Concert Festival Concerto Competition, International Russian
Silk Way Competition 3rd prize, International Ars Astra Music Competition 1st prize, International
Quebec Music Competition Platinum award, Music & Stars Bronze prize awarded, and
Internatioanl Music Competition "Bonn and Salzburg" Grand Prize Virtuoso 1st prize.
Variation 11
Charita Kumworachai - Thailand
Charita Kumworachai, 10 years old, was born in Thailand in 2011 and is a current music scholar at Harrow International School, Bangkok. She started her music studies at the age of 4 as YAMAHA group class. She began studying private piano lessons at age 6 and has been a student of Dr. Tarin Supprakorn since July 2018.
Charita has won several prizes in music competitions. Her recent achievements include First prize winner of Thailand 9th Mozart International Piano competition 2020, First prize winner of Thailand 5th Chopin International Piano competition 2019, First runner up of Kawai-Thailand ASEAN Piano Competition 2019, and Platinum Award of The 1st Bangkok Classical Music Festival 2019. Additionally, Charita was a recipient of Distinction and Top score of ABRSM Practical Piano Grade 5 in 2019.
Charita Kumworachai - Thailand
Charita Kumworachai, 10 years old, was born in Thailand in 2011 and is a current music scholar at Harrow International School, Bangkok. She started her music studies at the age of 4 as YAMAHA group class. She began studying private piano lessons at age 6 and has been a student of Dr. Tarin Supprakorn since July 2018.
Charita has won several prizes in music competitions. Her recent achievements include First prize winner of Thailand 9th Mozart International Piano competition 2020, First prize winner of Thailand 5th Chopin International Piano competition 2019, First runner up of Kawai-Thailand ASEAN Piano Competition 2019, and Platinum Award of The 1st Bangkok Classical Music Festival 2019. Additionally, Charita was a recipient of Distinction and Top score of ABRSM Practical Piano Grade 5 in 2019.
Variation 12
Demi Alba - Canada
Demi Alba is a multi-award international piano competition winner. As a student of Dr. Yoana Kyurchieva, She began her dedicated piano training at age 4. Since turning of 8, She has continually won top prizes in many competitions including first-place winner of the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival in 9 & under and Second place in 12 & under. First Place Winner (Young Musicians Category) of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music 2019. Winner of the 4th Annual Madeline Pape Memorial Competition 2019 with the Taylor Conservatory Student Scholarships, and the audience first prize for best performance of the competition. Gold Prize Winner Edmonton Fall Music Festival 2019. Gold Prize Winner 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition. First Prize winner 2021 Rocky Mountain Music Competition. Along with playing piano, she also enjoys painting and sketching.
Demi Alba - Canada
Demi Alba is a multi-award international piano competition winner. As a student of Dr. Yoana Kyurchieva, She began her dedicated piano training at age 4. Since turning of 8, She has continually won top prizes in many competitions including first-place winner of the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival in 9 & under and Second place in 12 & under. First Place Winner (Young Musicians Category) of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music 2019. Winner of the 4th Annual Madeline Pape Memorial Competition 2019 with the Taylor Conservatory Student Scholarships, and the audience first prize for best performance of the competition. Gold Prize Winner Edmonton Fall Music Festival 2019. Gold Prize Winner 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition. First Prize winner 2021 Rocky Mountain Music Competition. Along with playing piano, she also enjoys painting and sketching.
Variation 13
William Jin - USA
William Jin is 15 years old and a 9th grader in the Pianist program at Orange County School of the Arts in California. He started playing piano and cello when he was six and also performed as a violinist at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. William studies with Dr. Judy Huang, and he has been selected for conventions and awarded State Honors in MTAC CM. He won several awards in competitions, including MTAC, CAPMT, Southern California Junior Bach Festival, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Satori Young Pianist Grand Prize Competition, Great Composers Competition Best Performance, Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, London Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, AFAF International Music Competition in NYC, Pittsburgh International Piano Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, Muse International Music Competition, and North American Virtuoso International Music Competition. He has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.”
William Jin - USA
William Jin is 15 years old and a 9th grader in the Pianist program at Orange County School of the Arts in California. He started playing piano and cello when he was six and also performed as a violinist at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. William studies with Dr. Judy Huang, and he has been selected for conventions and awarded State Honors in MTAC CM. He won several awards in competitions, including MTAC, CAPMT, Southern California Junior Bach Festival, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Satori Young Pianist Grand Prize Competition, Great Composers Competition Best Performance, Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, London Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, AFAF International Music Competition in NYC, Pittsburgh International Piano Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, Muse International Music Competition, and North American Virtuoso International Music Competition. He has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.”
Variation 14
Vivian Nguyen - USA
Vivian Nguyen, 11 years old, started playing piano since she was four years old. Currently, she is studying piano at Pleasanton Academy of Music in California, the USA under the professional guidance of her teachers, Ms.Tatiana Kubatina and Dr. Alexander Lazarev. Vivian has achieved many notable accomplishments such as winning Grand Prizes and First Prizes at various competitions including New York Concert Festival International Competition, US Open Music Competition, US International Music Competition, Quebec Music Competition, and Music Through the Centuries Competition. One of her most memorable achievements was performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall when she was nine years old as a Grand Prix Prize winner from the New York Concert Festival International Competition. She enjoys performing piano and listening to other talented musicians at competitions and recitals. Vivian appreciates a broad range of music styles and repertoires as each music period presents unique characteristics which she loves to explore and master. It is her privilege to contribute to the International Goldberg Variations Charity Project with outstanding musicians around the world to support the meaningful charity cause.
Vivian Nguyen - USA
Vivian Nguyen, 11 years old, started playing piano since she was four years old. Currently, she is studying piano at Pleasanton Academy of Music in California, the USA under the professional guidance of her teachers, Ms.Tatiana Kubatina and Dr. Alexander Lazarev. Vivian has achieved many notable accomplishments such as winning Grand Prizes and First Prizes at various competitions including New York Concert Festival International Competition, US Open Music Competition, US International Music Competition, Quebec Music Competition, and Music Through the Centuries Competition. One of her most memorable achievements was performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall when she was nine years old as a Grand Prix Prize winner from the New York Concert Festival International Competition. She enjoys performing piano and listening to other talented musicians at competitions and recitals. Vivian appreciates a broad range of music styles and repertoires as each music period presents unique characteristics which she loves to explore and master. It is her privilege to contribute to the International Goldberg Variations Charity Project with outstanding musicians around the world to support the meaningful charity cause.
Variation 14
Nicole Izaguirre - Spain
Born in Barcelona, Spain 16-year-old pianist Nicole Izaguirre moved to the U.S
with her family at the age of 6 months old. At the age of 4 years old Nicole started playing the piano at Bradley University Pre-college division under the direction of
Artistic Director Mrs. Ana Nogaj in Peoria, IL.
At the age of 5 years old she won 2nd place at Granquist Memorial Music Competition in Geneva, IL. She was also awarded with 2nd place at the same
competition at the age of 6 years old.
In 2011 she won first place at the Bradley Grade School Piano Competition. Nicole moved to NJ with her family in 2012 where she continued lessons with Dr. Min Kwon and Mrs. Soeyon Park. Nicole received Honorable Mention at the IVC in 2016 and she was encouraged by her teacher to audition to Mannes School of Music. Nicole started at Mannes School of Music under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Valjaveric and won 3th Prize at the IGMC in NYC which gave her the opportunity to perform at Merkin Hall in 2016. Nicole also won 1 st place at the Rondo Young Artist Competition and had her first appearance at Carnegie Hall in 2017. She won Silver Prize at the 2017 IVC.
Honorable Mention at Piano Accolades Competition at Mannes School of Music in 2017.
In 2018 she won 2 nd Place at Rondo Young Artist Competition and she performed at the Scandinavian House. In 2018 she was awarded with Gold at the IVC in NJ and Pre-Senior Winner at the Accolades Piano Competition in Mannes.
She also was invited to perform at the Steinway Hall in 2017 and 2018. Invited Guest at First Presbyterian Church in New Vernon, NJ in 2017, 18. She was finalist at the Steinway Competition in 2018. She continued her piano studies in the Honors Program at Mannes School of Music under the direction of Lora Tchekoratova.
On Nov. 2020 Nicole was introduce by the Center for Musical Excellence (CME) on a live Zoom concert under the direction of Dr. Min Kwon where people all over the world tune in to enjoy Nicole’s performance.
2021 First Prize winner at Charleston International Music Competition.
2021 Platinum Medal at Quebec International Music Competition.
2021 First Place Winner at Rondo Vanguard Piano Competition and invited to
perform at Carnegie Hall in December 2021.
She received an invitation as a special performing artist at the International Goldberg Variation Charity Project. Currently, Nicole continues her musical studies at Mannes School of Music in NYC.
Nicole Izaguirre - Spain
Born in Barcelona, Spain 16-year-old pianist Nicole Izaguirre moved to the U.S
with her family at the age of 6 months old. At the age of 4 years old Nicole started playing the piano at Bradley University Pre-college division under the direction of
Artistic Director Mrs. Ana Nogaj in Peoria, IL.
At the age of 5 years old she won 2nd place at Granquist Memorial Music Competition in Geneva, IL. She was also awarded with 2nd place at the same
competition at the age of 6 years old.
In 2011 she won first place at the Bradley Grade School Piano Competition. Nicole moved to NJ with her family in 2012 where she continued lessons with Dr. Min Kwon and Mrs. Soeyon Park. Nicole received Honorable Mention at the IVC in 2016 and she was encouraged by her teacher to audition to Mannes School of Music. Nicole started at Mannes School of Music under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Valjaveric and won 3th Prize at the IGMC in NYC which gave her the opportunity to perform at Merkin Hall in 2016. Nicole also won 1 st place at the Rondo Young Artist Competition and had her first appearance at Carnegie Hall in 2017. She won Silver Prize at the 2017 IVC.
Honorable Mention at Piano Accolades Competition at Mannes School of Music in 2017.
In 2018 she won 2 nd Place at Rondo Young Artist Competition and she performed at the Scandinavian House. In 2018 she was awarded with Gold at the IVC in NJ and Pre-Senior Winner at the Accolades Piano Competition in Mannes.
She also was invited to perform at the Steinway Hall in 2017 and 2018. Invited Guest at First Presbyterian Church in New Vernon, NJ in 2017, 18. She was finalist at the Steinway Competition in 2018. She continued her piano studies in the Honors Program at Mannes School of Music under the direction of Lora Tchekoratova.
On Nov. 2020 Nicole was introduce by the Center for Musical Excellence (CME) on a live Zoom concert under the direction of Dr. Min Kwon where people all over the world tune in to enjoy Nicole’s performance.
2021 First Prize winner at Charleston International Music Competition.
2021 Platinum Medal at Quebec International Music Competition.
2021 First Place Winner at Rondo Vanguard Piano Competition and invited to
perform at Carnegie Hall in December 2021.
She received an invitation as a special performing artist at the International Goldberg Variation Charity Project. Currently, Nicole continues her musical studies at Mannes School of Music in NYC.
Variation 15 and 25
Louie Hehman - USA
Louie Hehman is a Kentucky-born and Louisville-based pianist and music educator who enjoys a wide spectrum of styles, but specializes in the classical and jazz traditions. Louie found a love of music at an early age but finally decided to make it his career after committing to Bellarmine University. He graduated from Bellarmine in 2014, primarily under the guidance of Professor Meme Tunnell, with additional studies under Todd Hildreth and Dave Clark.
Louie continued his studies in Indianapolis, attending Butler University under Kate Boyd and Karen Thickstun. Here, he discovered his love for teaching students of all ages. His dual passions for teaching and performing would reach new heights during his DMA studies at the University of South Carolina, where he studied performance under Charles Fugo and Bert Ligon, and pedagogy under Sara Ernst and Scott Price. While at UofSC, he presented at several major conferences including the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the MTNA Collegiate Symposium, and the MTNA National Conference. While teaching through the University’s Center for Piano Studies, Louie was also a back-to-back recipient of the annual Steinway and Sons Top Teacher Award.
Since 2020, Louie has taught at his alma mater, Bellarmine University. He currently serves as Assistant Professor, coordinating the piano and music theory areas and directing the Preparatory Program. He is also interim president of the Greater Louisville Music Teachers Association (GLMTA). Other career highlights include participation in the 2018 Vienna Summer Music Festival, the 2018 South Carolina premier of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS, and the receipt of a gold medal in the 2021 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition.
Louie Hehman - USA
Louie Hehman is a Kentucky-born and Louisville-based pianist and music educator who enjoys a wide spectrum of styles, but specializes in the classical and jazz traditions. Louie found a love of music at an early age but finally decided to make it his career after committing to Bellarmine University. He graduated from Bellarmine in 2014, primarily under the guidance of Professor Meme Tunnell, with additional studies under Todd Hildreth and Dave Clark.
Louie continued his studies in Indianapolis, attending Butler University under Kate Boyd and Karen Thickstun. Here, he discovered his love for teaching students of all ages. His dual passions for teaching and performing would reach new heights during his DMA studies at the University of South Carolina, where he studied performance under Charles Fugo and Bert Ligon, and pedagogy under Sara Ernst and Scott Price. While at UofSC, he presented at several major conferences including the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the MTNA Collegiate Symposium, and the MTNA National Conference. While teaching through the University’s Center for Piano Studies, Louie was also a back-to-back recipient of the annual Steinway and Sons Top Teacher Award.
Since 2020, Louie has taught at his alma mater, Bellarmine University. He currently serves as Assistant Professor, coordinating the piano and music theory areas and directing the Preparatory Program. He is also interim president of the Greater Louisville Music Teachers Association (GLMTA). Other career highlights include participation in the 2018 Vienna Summer Music Festival, the 2018 South Carolina premier of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS, and the receipt of a gold medal in the 2021 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition.
Variation 16
Chieh Hsi Liu was born in Taiwan in 2003 and had his first piano lessons
at the age of four. When he was six years old, he studied with Professor
Chin Chuan Chang.
Since 2019 he has been studying in the class of Mrs. Mariya Yankova at
the age of 16 as the youngest at the Hoschschule for Music and Theater
Hamburg.
And participated in many music competitions. He won
The First Prize NTUE International Piano Competition 2019
The First Prize of the International Competition for Musicians & Music
Fantasy in Moscow, Russia 2020
The First Prize of the Fujairah International Piano Competition 2020
The Second Prize of the International Music Festival-Competition “Stars
at Tenerife” 2020
The Second Prize of the France Music Competition 2 ° 2020
The First Prize of the VIVO International Music Competition 2020
The First Prize (Platinum Medalist) of the 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition.
The First Prize Città di Massa International Music Competition 2021
Variation 17
Zihan Zhu - USA
Zihan Zhu, started her piano learning since the age of 6, currently study with pianist Tian Lu.
Ms. Zhu makes outstanding academic achievements and won grand prizes at various competitions, such as： 2nd Prize at East Carolina University young artist competition, First Prize ZhongMei International Piano Competition and received full scholarship to attend 2021 Baltimore International Piano Festival. She just won First Prize at the Aegio International Piano Competition. She was invited to performed in Carnegie Hall , GuangXi Arts center, A.J.Fletcher Recital Hall, Russian Embassy in Washington DC. Besides music, Ms. Zhu enjoying dancing, watching movies, and hiking.
Variations 18, 19 & 20
Sebastian Di Bin - Italy
Sebastian Di Bin debuted at 11 years old with the Slovenicum Orchestra of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Two of his many noted international prizes won are the San José International Piano Competition (CA) and the 12th UNISA International Piano Competition (SA). Important performances include la Fenice (Venice), Verdi (Milan), Johannesburg Philarmonic (SA), Philharmonische Kammerorchester (Hannover), Salzburg Festival, “Chopin's Marathon”, etc. He has been broadcast on Italian television and in the USA, Europe and S. Africa. He recorded four CDs with Centaur Records and published a book of compositions with “Edizioni Musicali Wicky” publications (Milan).
He obtained Piano Diplomas at the Pesaro Conservatory, the Imola International Piano Academy and a Masters Degree from the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy at the Udine Music Conservatory for Composition and Film. In 1991 he was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for artistic merits and represented Italy together with Luciano Pavarotti at the UNICEF “Danny Kay” World Gala (Amsterdam). In January 2021 he won the absolute first prize (platinum award) in all three categories: Classical, Jazz and Pop in the “Canadian International Music Competition”. In 2003 he received both the Medal of the President from the Italian Republic as well as the Silver Plaque from the Italian Senate.
Sebastian Di Bin - Italy
Sebastian Di Bin debuted at 11 years old with the Slovenicum Orchestra of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Two of his many noted international prizes won are the San José International Piano Competition (CA) and the 12th UNISA International Piano Competition (SA). Important performances include la Fenice (Venice), Verdi (Milan), Johannesburg Philarmonic (SA), Philharmonische Kammerorchester (Hannover), Salzburg Festival, “Chopin's Marathon”, etc. He has been broadcast on Italian television and in the USA, Europe and S. Africa. He recorded four CDs with Centaur Records and published a book of compositions with “Edizioni Musicali Wicky” publications (Milan).
He obtained Piano Diplomas at the Pesaro Conservatory, the Imola International Piano Academy and a Masters Degree from the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy at the Udine Music Conservatory for Composition and Film. In 1991 he was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for artistic merits and represented Italy together with Luciano Pavarotti at the UNICEF “Danny Kay” World Gala (Amsterdam). In January 2021 he won the absolute first prize (platinum award) in all three categories: Classical, Jazz and Pop in the “Canadian International Music Competition”. In 2003 he received both the Medal of the President from the Italian Republic as well as the Silver Plaque from the Italian Senate.
Variation 21 & 22
Anna Pla - Spain
Who am I? What am I doing in this body? Where does my consciousness reside? How do I feel? What am I doing on Earth?
These existential questions that wake me up every morning lead me, from the age of 18, to explore and study everything I can in the fields of Western Medicine (Hospital Clínic de Barcelona), fascia therapy, acupuncture, plantar reflexology, the Rolfing method, the Feldenkrais method applied to the piano technique (by Alan Fraser), contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance and tap.
Fascinated by music and the piano from the age of 7, a double research parallel to that of health leads me to study the art of the piano, finding great masters, direct disciples of Chopin and Liszt, on my way.
My 2 worlds begin to unite and relate to the discovery of the Cos-Art Method, initiated by the famous pianist Claudio Arrau and based on body awareness and perception of movement. At the same time, life offers me a Masters on Dalcroze Method, that includes the experience of the neuromuscular system in music education. These 2 methods expand my field of pedagogy, teaching more than 500 students over the course of 20 years.
I explore various scenarios for multiple reasons: from private concerts by the main sponsors of the Orquestra de la Suisse Romande to humanitarian concerts in the Lledoners prison in Catalunya, for fundraising for the cause of Nepal and Syria in Geneva, and concerts with the VAM'Zelle trio in bars and festivals. Concerts as a classical performer and as an improviser in various styles (jazz-pop-rock).
My truths are within the balance of opposites: light and darkness, matter and immaterial world, right and left, me and you, one and all, body and soul, reality and dream, balance and imbalance, seriousness and fun.
Anna Pla - Spain
Who am I? What am I doing in this body? Where does my consciousness reside? How do I feel? What am I doing on Earth?
These existential questions that wake me up every morning lead me, from the age of 18, to explore and study everything I can in the fields of Western Medicine (Hospital Clínic de Barcelona), fascia therapy, acupuncture, plantar reflexology, the Rolfing method, the Feldenkrais method applied to the piano technique (by Alan Fraser), contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance and tap.
Fascinated by music and the piano from the age of 7, a double research parallel to that of health leads me to study the art of the piano, finding great masters, direct disciples of Chopin and Liszt, on my way.
My 2 worlds begin to unite and relate to the discovery of the Cos-Art Method, initiated by the famous pianist Claudio Arrau and based on body awareness and perception of movement. At the same time, life offers me a Masters on Dalcroze Method, that includes the experience of the neuromuscular system in music education. These 2 methods expand my field of pedagogy, teaching more than 500 students over the course of 20 years.
I explore various scenarios for multiple reasons: from private concerts by the main sponsors of the Orquestra de la Suisse Romande to humanitarian concerts in the Lledoners prison in Catalunya, for fundraising for the cause of Nepal and Syria in Geneva, and concerts with the VAM'Zelle trio in bars and festivals. Concerts as a classical performer and as an improviser in various styles (jazz-pop-rock).
My truths are within the balance of opposites: light and darkness, matter and immaterial world, right and left, me and you, one and all, body and soul, reality and dream, balance and imbalance, seriousness and fun.
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VARIATION 23
Alessia Cecchetti - Italy Diplomata in pianoforte all'età di diciotto anni con il massimo dei voti e la lode presso il Conservatorio F. Morlacchi di Perugia, Alessia Cecchetti ha al suo attivo concerti in tutto il territorio nazionale e internazionale. Ha seguito corsi di perfezionamento all'Accademia Musicale Pescarese con P. Bordoni, all'Accademia Pianistica di Imola con B.Pertushansky e E.Pace, all'Accademia di Musica di Pinerolo con B. Lupo e si è perfezionata con M. Vacatello. Interessata alla musica contemporanea, ha frequentato a Milano, in collaborazione con Divertimento Ensemble, il CFYP sulle musiche di Kurtàg (2017) e Ligeti (2018). È risultata vincitrice di numerosi concorsi nazionali e internazionali, tra cui il primo premio assoluto al concorso nazionale Città di Rieti (Rieti 2012) e il terzo premio al concorso internazionale Livorno Piano Competition (Livorno 2017). È risultata finalista all’International Master Contest (Milano, maggio 2018) con il concerto op.15 di Beethoven e semifinalista al Concorso Internazionale Côté d'Azur (Nizza, ottobre 2018). Nel 2019 è stata finalista all’Augustin Aponte piano competition (Tenerife) e ha preso parte alla World Piano Conference presso l’Università di Novi Sad (Serbia) e al Virtuoso&Belcanto Festival (Lucca). Tra il 2020 e il 2021 è risultata vincitrice dei seguenti premi: III premio al Concorso Internazionale Città di Barletta, III premio al Concorso Internazionale Sergio Fiorentino, I premio assoluto al Grand Prize Virtuoso, I premio al Canadian International Music Competition, I premio al Concorso internazionale Città di Massa, I premio al London Young Musician Competition, I premio al Quebec International Music Competition. Dal 2016 collabora con l'Ensemble Magazzini Babàr, nelle produzioni degli Amici della Musica di Perugia (Family Concert). Negli ultimi anni si è esibita in importanti sale da concerto, tra cui Palazzo Gallenga (Perugia), Teatro Morlacchi (Perugia), Teatro Cucinelli (Solomeo), Teatro delle Muse (Alessandria), Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano (Napoli), GAM (Milano), Salone d'onore della Triennale (Milano), Teatro Litta (Milano), Museo Revoltella (Trieste), Palazzo Cavagnis (Venezia), Università Chopin (Varsavia). Nel 2019 fonda, insieme al tenore Francesco Marcacci, il duo Charigot, orientato sul vasto repertorio dell'impressionismo musicale; il duo ha debuttato nell’ottobre 2019 presso il Teatro Franco Bicini di Perugia, proseguendo l’attività con un concerto presso l’Accademia di Belle Arti di Perugia (febbraio 2020). |
Variation 24
Tiffany Lim - USA
Tiffany is a rising high school sophomore from Fremont, California. She began studying piano at the age of six, and she studied piano in APAM Music Academy with Ms. Fonny Chandra. Currently, she is under the tutelage of Prof. Anna Poklewski. Throughout her nine years of playing, Tiffany has won several awards in competitions, which includes: the Platinum winner in Quebec International Music Competition (Canada, 2021), first prize winner of International Music Competition Bonn “Grand Prize Virtuoso” (Germany, 2021), first prize winner of International Music Competition Salzburg “Grand Prize Virtuoso” (Austria, 2021, 2017), Gold and Silver medals of North America Virtuoso International Music Competition (Canada, 2021), second prize winner of American Protégé International Music Talent Competition (New York, 2017), second prize winner of Encore Piano Competition (San Jose, 2016), multiple awards from US Open Music Competition (United States, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015) including a second prize of Showcase Sight Reading Solo in Junior Division. Furthermore, Tiffany is a Diploma holder of ABRSM. She passed California Certificate of Merit Advance Level in piano and was awarded with Convention and State honor.
Aside from piano, Tiffany plays violin in orchestra. She was a concert master at Hopkins Junior High and a violinist in 2020 California All-State Honor Orchestra as well as the CMEA Bay Section Honor Orchestra. Currently, Tiffany plays in Golden State Youth Orchestra Senior Symphony as a first violinist.
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Variation 26
Celicia Thendean - USA Celicia Thendean , age 13, started taking piano lesson from Prof. Anna Poklewski since the age of 5 until now. Recently, Celicia won First prize at the V Future Stars International Piano Competition in Young Musicians Category, First Prize Platinum Medalist at the 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition in Junior Performer category. First prize at the Sumy International Competition 2020. She also won Vivace Award Vivace Music Festival in Summer 2020. Celicia currently enrolled in San Francisco Conservatory of Music pre-college program studying cello under Mr. Eric Sung. Celicia has won prizes at US Open Music Competition, American Protege International Music Talent competition, US International Music Competition in the Piano, Vocal, and Chamber categories, Chopin Competition in San Francisco, Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition, KAMSA Competition, East Bay Music Competition, and MTAC VOCE Eastern Alameda Branch Competition for Cello and Vocal Ensemble categories. Celicia attended Music Fest Perugia in Summer 2019, performing Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 with conductor Paolo Ponziano Ciardi. She was selected to perform Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1 at Livermore-Amador Symphony Guild meeting. Recently, Celicia has invaluable coaching from Prof. Ilana Vered. She has had Master classes with Christopher Elton, Edward Auer, Junghwa Moon Auer, Peter Mack, Peter Bithel, Grace Chung, Marina Lomasov, Joseph Racker, and Alexander Kobrin. Besides playing piano, Celicia enjoys playing cello, oboe, singing, reading, dancing, and math. |
Variation 27
Yu-Tung Liang
My name is Yu-Tung Liang. I am from Taiwan. I am 11 years old. I am a fifth-grade student in Qingshui Elementary School. I started to learn piano at the age of four.
It is my honor to participate in the Bach Goldberg Variation International Charity Project. It is a very happy thing to let my music help many people in need. I heard from the teacher that this piece was originally composed for the Duke of Goldberg’s insomnia, so I try to figure out and hoped that my performance could soothe the listener’s soul as much as possible.
Thanks to my most beloved teacher, Qiaowen Liu, for her education. I look forward to learning piano with a happy mood forever, and having the purest heart to learn more knowledge and ideas.
Yu-Tung Liang
My name is Yu-Tung Liang. I am from Taiwan. I am 11 years old. I am a fifth-grade student in Qingshui Elementary School. I started to learn piano at the age of four.
It is my honor to participate in the Bach Goldberg Variation International Charity Project. It is a very happy thing to let my music help many people in need. I heard from the teacher that this piece was originally composed for the Duke of Goldberg’s insomnia, so I try to figure out and hoped that my performance could soothe the listener’s soul as much as possible.
Thanks to my most beloved teacher, Qiaowen Liu, for her education. I look forward to learning piano with a happy mood forever, and having the purest heart to learn more knowledge and ideas.
Variation 28
Christian Brossard-Douglas - USA
Christian Brossard-Douglas is a 4th-year student at New York University where he majors in Piano Performance in the studio of Dr. Yoojung Kim. Prior to NYU, Christian attended The Colburn School in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Miji Kim and Jeffrey Lavner (chair of piano studies). He has performed at venues such as The National Opera Center, Basilica Menor de San Francisco, Zipper Concert Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and Jose Martí Sala de Artes. He has been a top prizewinner at competitions such as Southern California Bach Festival, Prima Volta Music Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, NAACP’s ACTSO, NANM Music Awards, and the LACHSA Concerto Competition. As a soloist, he has performed with the LACHSA Symphony Orchestra and Variations Havana Chamber Orchestra, as well as played in masterclasses for André Laplante, Anthony de Mare, Eteri Andjaparidze, Gwhyneth Chen, and Alan Feinberg. Aside from solo work, Christian is an active chamber musician in the Los Angeles area and has performed with the Orford Music Academie Contemporary Improvisation Ensemble under the instruction of Ånders Åstrand. In addition to being a pianist, Christian is a composer and film scorer, and his music can be heard in short films that have appeared at MoonDance Film Festival (Los Angeles), All American High School Film Festival (New York), and the S.E. Manly Short Film Festival (Los Angeles). On top of his piano studies at NYU, he will start violin lessons in the studio of Laura Hamilton beginning Fall 2021.
Christian Brossard-Douglas - USA
Christian Brossard-Douglas is a 4th-year student at New York University where he majors in Piano Performance in the studio of Dr. Yoojung Kim. Prior to NYU, Christian attended The Colburn School in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Miji Kim and Jeffrey Lavner (chair of piano studies). He has performed at venues such as The National Opera Center, Basilica Menor de San Francisco, Zipper Concert Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and Jose Martí Sala de Artes. He has been a top prizewinner at competitions such as Southern California Bach Festival, Prima Volta Music Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, NAACP’s ACTSO, NANM Music Awards, and the LACHSA Concerto Competition. As a soloist, he has performed with the LACHSA Symphony Orchestra and Variations Havana Chamber Orchestra, as well as played in masterclasses for André Laplante, Anthony de Mare, Eteri Andjaparidze, Gwhyneth Chen, and Alan Feinberg. Aside from solo work, Christian is an active chamber musician in the Los Angeles area and has performed with the Orford Music Academie Contemporary Improvisation Ensemble under the instruction of Ånders Åstrand. In addition to being a pianist, Christian is a composer and film scorer, and his music can be heard in short films that have appeared at MoonDance Film Festival (Los Angeles), All American High School Film Festival (New York), and the S.E. Manly Short Film Festival (Los Angeles). On top of his piano studies at NYU, he will start violin lessons in the studio of Laura Hamilton beginning Fall 2021.
Variation 29
Clarissa Poon - Hong Kong
Clarisse is a 11-year-old P6 student at St. Paul Co-educational College Primary School in Hong Kong. At the age 5, she was admitted to the Junior Music Program of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in Piano under the tutelage of Eva Lue. She has achieved Grade 8 Distinction in Piano, Percussion and Vocal at the age of 8, and Distinction in ATCL Diploma for Piano Performance at 11. She was selected as one of the pianists to play piano with Lang Lang in his “101 Pianists” event at the age of 5, and selected as the
“Performance Star” among the winners of the 4 th Macau-Asia Youth Piano Competition in 2015. She has been invited to perform piano in music festivals in Macau and Beijing, and in the live 2015 TV broadcast Road Show Music Award Presentation Ceremony. She has won numerous prizes in local, regional piano competitions, including championships in the 68th ,69th and 70th and 71st Schools Music Festival, the Hong Kong International Music Competition, Asian Youth Music Competition and the Asia-Pacific Hong Kong Youth Piano Competition. Internationally, she was awarded 1st runner up in the Antonio Vavaldi Vienna International Competition under 12 category (2019) in Vienna and Winner of the Busan International Piano Competition (2019) in Korea. At school, Clarisse receives training under the Program for Musically Gifted since primary 5.
Clarissa Poon - Hong Kong
Clarisse is a 11-year-old P6 student at St. Paul Co-educational College Primary School in Hong Kong. At the age 5, she was admitted to the Junior Music Program of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in Piano under the tutelage of Eva Lue. She has achieved Grade 8 Distinction in Piano, Percussion and Vocal at the age of 8, and Distinction in ATCL Diploma for Piano Performance at 11. She was selected as one of the pianists to play piano with Lang Lang in his “101 Pianists” event at the age of 5, and selected as the
“Performance Star” among the winners of the 4 th Macau-Asia Youth Piano Competition in 2015. She has been invited to perform piano in music festivals in Macau and Beijing, and in the live 2015 TV broadcast Road Show Music Award Presentation Ceremony. She has won numerous prizes in local, regional piano competitions, including championships in the 68th ,69th and 70th and 71st Schools Music Festival, the Hong Kong International Music Competition, Asian Youth Music Competition and the Asia-Pacific Hong Kong Youth Piano Competition. Internationally, she was awarded 1st runner up in the Antonio Vavaldi Vienna International Competition under 12 category (2019) in Vienna and Winner of the Busan International Piano Competition (2019) in Korea. At school, Clarisse receives training under the Program for Musically Gifted since primary 5.
Variation 30
Bruce Leto Junior - USA
As a prize-winner in scholastic (Dora Khyatt); Collegiate (Bi-Co Concerto Competition); national (Seattle International Virtuoso Artists Festival); and international (Quebec Music Competition; Canadian International; VI Odin - EAAE Affiliate) piano adjudications - Bruce's music tenure has enabled him to perform in PA, NJ, FL, NY, and Italy. In 2021, Bruce received 1st Prize in the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition (Professional Division - Piano) - successfully winning his first-ever professional division as a soloist. Previously, Bruce received 3rd Prize in the Four-Hands category of the VI Odin International Music Competition with ensemble partner Scott Cohen; 3rd Prize in the National West Chester Piano Competition; 2nd Prize in the Seattle International Piano Festival - Virtuoso Artists 2020; 1st Prize - Platinum in the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition (Professional Division); Finalist Placing with Special Recognition- Championoing the Music of Charles and Curt Cacioppo (Judge's Citation) via the highly competitive The American Prize competition (Professional Division, Solo); recognition via the World Piano Teachers Association (IPC Finland - 2020) Honorable Mention ; and, 1st Prize Platinum with Cohen in the Ensemble Category of the Canadian International Online Music Competition. During his collegiate years, Bruce's piano study under Linda de Pasquale and Curtis Cacioppo led to acceptance at the Chautauqua Music Festival and the Orfeo International Music Festival - where he studied in 2011. Presently, he studies under Scott Cohen on a performance-based scholarship at the Cohen School of Music.
Bruce's playing has been described as "kaleidoscopic," "refined," "intelligent," "poetic," "lyrical," and "highly skilled" by piano department chairs of music schools, critically-acclaimed international pianists, professional review outlets such as Take Effect, Fanfare, and Artisan Music Reviews and Navona-affiliated composers. He has been featured in masterclasses with concert artists such as: Steven Mayer, Riccardo Piacentini, Veda Zuponcic, and Leon Bates!
"[In Seasonal Sonorities] Bruce demonstrates an impressive ability to interpret music from different eras, from romantic to impressionist, to 21st century." - David Carpenter, Composer (Navona Records)
"Played with great care and sensitivity...Bruce Leto is an intelligent and highly-skilled musician." - Charles Abramovic, Department Chair Piano Studies (Temple University)
In 2020, Bruce released a CD ("GOMITOLO! An Interpreter's Tribute to a COVID-Stricken Europe") with Navona records, which received a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards in 2021! In May 2021, Bruce's CD "Singing Style" - released with Albany Records - received airplay via WRTI 90.1 Classical, and reviews from Fanfare Magazine!
Bruce Leto Junior - USA
As a prize-winner in scholastic (Dora Khyatt); Collegiate (Bi-Co Concerto Competition); national (Seattle International Virtuoso Artists Festival); and international (Quebec Music Competition; Canadian International; VI Odin - EAAE Affiliate) piano adjudications - Bruce's music tenure has enabled him to perform in PA, NJ, FL, NY, and Italy. In 2021, Bruce received 1st Prize in the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition (Professional Division - Piano) - successfully winning his first-ever professional division as a soloist. Previously, Bruce received 3rd Prize in the Four-Hands category of the VI Odin International Music Competition with ensemble partner Scott Cohen; 3rd Prize in the National West Chester Piano Competition; 2nd Prize in the Seattle International Piano Festival - Virtuoso Artists 2020; 1st Prize - Platinum in the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition (Professional Division); Finalist Placing with Special Recognition- Championoing the Music of Charles and Curt Cacioppo (Judge's Citation) via the highly competitive The American Prize competition (Professional Division, Solo); recognition via the World Piano Teachers Association (IPC Finland - 2020) Honorable Mention ; and, 1st Prize Platinum with Cohen in the Ensemble Category of the Canadian International Online Music Competition. During his collegiate years, Bruce's piano study under Linda de Pasquale and Curtis Cacioppo led to acceptance at the Chautauqua Music Festival and the Orfeo International Music Festival - where he studied in 2011. Presently, he studies under Scott Cohen on a performance-based scholarship at the Cohen School of Music.
Bruce's playing has been described as "kaleidoscopic," "refined," "intelligent," "poetic," "lyrical," and "highly skilled" by piano department chairs of music schools, critically-acclaimed international pianists, professional review outlets such as Take Effect, Fanfare, and Artisan Music Reviews and Navona-affiliated composers. He has been featured in masterclasses with concert artists such as: Steven Mayer, Riccardo Piacentini, Veda Zuponcic, and Leon Bates!
"[In Seasonal Sonorities] Bruce demonstrates an impressive ability to interpret music from different eras, from romantic to impressionist, to 21st century." - David Carpenter, Composer (Navona Records)
"Played with great care and sensitivity...Bruce Leto is an intelligent and highly-skilled musician." - Charles Abramovic, Department Chair Piano Studies (Temple University)
In 2020, Bruce released a CD ("GOMITOLO! An Interpreter's Tribute to a COVID-Stricken Europe") with Navona records, which received a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards in 2021! In May 2021, Bruce's CD "Singing Style" - released with Albany Records - received airplay via WRTI 90.1 Classical, and reviews from Fanfare Magazine!
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804-2 Lansing Square
Toronto, ON M2J 4P8
Charitable Registration#: 10762 3654 RR0001