Three Finalists named in the Young Pianist Competition
Three finalists will perform over two days during the eighth Young Pianist Competition at Alfred University’s 2024 MostArts Festival, scheduled for July 14-20.
The 2024 Young Pianist Competition concerto round will he held Thursday, July 18 and will feature the second and third movements of a Mozart concerto of the competitors’ choice. The competitors will perform their Mozart concerti with the International Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Steven Thomas.
The competing pianists, ages 13-18, will vie for a Grand Prize of $10,000 cash. The winner will be invited back in 2025 to perform with the MostArts Festival Orchestra at the opening Gala Concert.
This year’s finalists will give solo performances on Wednesday, July 26, at 2:30 pm. in Alfred University’s Miller Theater. These recitals offer the opportunity for the soloists to show off their pyrotechnics as well as the poetic side of their artistry. The recital is free of charge and open to the public, however children under 8 are not permitted.
Their final performances will take place on Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 pm in the Miller Theater. The audience members may participate by voting for their favorite performer for a special “Audience Favorite Award” of $500; the winner will be announced at the Gala Concert on Saturday evening, July 20. Tickets to all evening performances are available online at MostArts website.
The 2024 MostArts Festival Young Pianist Competition Finalists are
Yufei Cathy Chen, 16 years old from New York City
Jonathan Mei, 16 years old from Charleston, SC
Henry Shao, 15 years old from Sylvania, OH
The MostArts Festival begins with the Opening Gala Concert at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 14, in Miller Theater. The concert will feature the talents of Anna Bray, winner of the 2023 Young Pianist Competition. Bray will perform Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the International Festival Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Yuval Zaliouk.
Other events scheduled throughout the week will include performances by renowned Russian pianist Asiya Korepanova, jazz pianist and Alfred University alumnus Dave Miller '66 and singer Rebecca DuMaine, and a special Family Night Concert. A guzheng workshop with Daisy Wu will be held Tuesday afternoon, and Dennis James will provide a special tribute to Peter Schickele, aka P.D.Q. Bach Thursday afternoon. There will also be the return of the free noontime chamber music series, “Music Under the Stars” BBQ & dance, and art exhibitions in the University’s museums and galleries.
For more information on the Festival, including a complete schedule of events, and to purchase tickets, please visit the MostArts website: pcob.alexblog.net/MostArts.
Ticket inquiries can also be made by emailing [email protected] or by calling Lisa Lantz, Artistic Director for the MostArts Festival, at 607-871-2569.