Chopin Competition Winner Bruce Liu to Perform on 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series</h1> <article> <h1>Chopin Competition Winner Bruce Liu to Perform on 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series</h1> <p>cstrauss — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:09:28 +0000</p> <span>Chopin Competition Winner Bruce Liu to Perform on 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-23T14:09:28-04:00" title="Sunday, April 23, 2023 - 14:09">Sun, 04/23/2023 - 14:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Rising Canadian pianist Bruce Liu, winner of the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, will perform the closing program on the 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series 2022-23 season. The concert is at 2:30 p.m. on April 30 in historic Finney Chapel. </p> <p>Liu will play pieces by Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt—two great pianist-composers who expanded the piano repertoire in ways that still astound and move artists and audiences. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Yan Zhang</figcaption> </figure> <p>He describes the music on his spring recital programs as "operatic and full of romantic scenes.”</p> <p>This concert features Chopin—the poet of the piano—at two distinct stages in his tragically brief career: his early time in Poland in the 1820s, and his artistic maturity during the following decade in Paris. Liu has linked each half of the recital with pieces based on Mozart's opera <em>Don Giovanni</em>—Chopin's virtuoso variations on Zerlina and Don Giovanni’s duet and the impassioned fireworks of Liszt’s <em>Réminiscences de Don Juan</em>—both riveting showcases for a pianist. The Liszt is extremely demanding technically and it's considered to be among the most taxing works in the entire piano solo repertoire. Liu will also perform Chopin's emotionally complex Second Sonata in B-flat minor.</p> <p>"I’m very excited to bring the Chopin program and also combine a Liszt piece," says Liu. "The main theme for me is the Mozart <em>Don Giovanni</em> opera—the Chopin variations and the Liszt <em>Don Juan</em>. This combination has been a dream for me for a long time."</p> <p>Following this 91ֱ�� performance, Liu will take the same program to New York for his Carnegie Hall debut on May 19—still a milestone moment in any musician's career.</p> <p>After Liu's win at the career-making Chopin Competition in fall 2021, the now 25-year-old artist was launched onto the international scene, releasing his highly regarded debut album on Deutsche Grammophon and embarking on a marathon globe-crossing tour. He has now performed in important cultural centers on four continents, including Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Tokyo, Seoul, Abu Dhabi, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Toronto, and Montreal, among many others. </p> <p>His first album, featuring the winning performances from the Chopin Competition, has received international acclaim including the Critics' Choice and Editor's Choice from <em>Gramophone Magazine</em>, and it was included in the publication's list of Best Classical Albums of 2021. </p> <p>The <em>Financial Times</em> wrote, "Spontaneity is a feature that makes his performances feel constantly alive." They continued, "This is a pianist with a captivating musical personality.”</p> <p>His solo piano recitals and concerto appearances with the world’s most prominent orchestras have been met with enthusiastic reception by audiences and critics.</p> <p>His performance with the Montreal Symphony in August 2022, earned a review on Bachtrack noting with surprise that "he displayed the poise and polish that would be more typically associated with a pianist with decades of experience."</p> <p>The Chopin Institute—the presenting organization of the Chopin Competition—maintains a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTmn2qD3aSQveuDKarRUibMEjFqJd1t1U">YouTube playlist of all of Liu's performances</a> at the competition in October 2021. His brilliant Final Round performance of Chopin's Concerto in E minor, Op. 11 has racked up more than four million views. The extraordinary reception for his music making at the competition—with live-streaming and the video access that remains online—has elevated his profile and led to near sell-outs in outing after outing. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu performing in the Finals of 91ֱ��'s Cooper International Competition with The Cleveland Orchestra in July 2012. Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni</figcaption> </figure> <p>Born in Paris to Chinese parents, Liu grew up in Montreal. His introduction to northeast Ohio audiences was in 2012 when he captured the Second Prize at the Cooper International Piano Competition, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall.</p> <p>Liu shares, "91ֱ�� has been a really special place for me because of my personal history and relationships. The Cooper International Competition was my first international competition. It's full of wonderful memories."</p> <p>He has also been a Fellow at the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy, and counts 91ֱ�� piano professor Dang Thai Son among his most important mentors.</p> <p>Dang, a legendary figure at the Chopin Competition and its winner in 1980, knows his student's strengths well. He describes that Liu "by his nature is dynamic and intense; he hypnotizes the audience."</p> <p>This will be the first time that Liu is coming back to 91ֱ�� to perform an actual concert. </p> <p>"I’m really excited for this, especially after the Chopin Competition. It’s among the first recitals I will be playing in the U.S. since 2021."</p> <p>Tickets for the 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series are available online at <a href="http://oberlin.edu/events/bruce_liu_piano">91ֱ�� Central Ticket Service</a> and are $35 ($30 OC Staff/Faculty/Alumni, Seniors, Military) and $10 for all students. For more information, contact Central Ticket Service at <a href="mailto:cts@oberlin.edu?subject=Tickets%20for%20Bruce%20Liu">cts@oberlin.edu</a> or call 800-371-0178.</p> <p><br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Finney Chapel is just one of the stops on the artist's year-long globe-crossing tour</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-23T12:00:00Z">Sun, 04/23/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2364">Artist Recital Series</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Bruce Liu performing at the Chopin Competition in October 2021.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The Fryderyk Chopin Institute</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ��-Como Piano Master Class Series Opens with Robert Spano '84</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:10:48 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��-Como Piano Master Class Series Opens with Robert Spano '84</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-11-22T12:10:48-05:00" title="Monday, November 22, 2021 - 12:10">Mon, 11/22/2021 - 12:10</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91ֱ��-Como Piano Master Class Series, a partnership between 91ֱ�� Conservatory and Italy’s esteemed <a href="https://www.comopianoacademy.org/">International Piano Academy Lake Como</a>, will return for the 2021-22 academic year with a schedule of live events that will also be presented in summer 2022 as a virtual festival.</p> <p>The first events of this year’s series feature pianist-composer Robert Spano, the longtime music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, music director of the Aspen Music Festival and School, music director designate of the Fort Worth Symphony, and a 1984 graduate of 91ֱ�� Conservatory.</p> <p>Spano will lead public master classes on <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/oberlin_como_piano_academy_master_class_robert_spano">Tuesday, November 30</a>, and <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/oberlin_como_piano_academy_master_class_robert_spano_7517">Thursday, December 2</a>, with sessions taking place each day from 4 to 6 p.m. in Clonick Hall.</p> <p>Founded in 2016 as the <a href="/news/oberlin-partners-international-piano-academy-lake-como">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a>, the 91ֱ��-Como program brings remarkable young pianists from around the world to 91ֱ�� to work with master teachers, an arrangement that benefits not just the program’s students—called 91ֱ��-Como Fellows—but all 91ֱ�� piano students.</p> <p>The 91ֱ��-Como Piano Master Class Series continues in the new year with events featuring 91ֱ��-Como Artistic Director <a href="/william-grant-nabore">William Grant Naboré</a> and 91ֱ�� Conservatory professors <a href="/stanislav-ioudenitch">Stanislav Ioudenitch</a> and <a href="/node/79936">Dang Thai Son</a>.</p> <p>Each teacher will lead a series of master classes with this year’s participants: 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Kenneth Broberg and current 91ֱ�� Conservatory students JJ Bui, Kai-Min Chang, Leo Choi, and Yangrui Cai, each of them earning the distinction 91ֱ��-Como Young Artists.</p> <p>Broberg, winner of the 2021 American Pianists Association Award and silver medalist of the 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017, is a graduate student of Ioudenitch at Park University in Missouri.</p> <p>Bui is a second-year student of Dang who earned sixth prize in the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in October.</p> <p>Chang is a third-year student of Dang and a quarterfinalist in the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition.</p> <p>Choi is a fourth-year student of <a href="/node/6726">Angela Cheng</a> and a prize winner in numerous competitions throughout China, including the 2016 Asian Youth Music Competition.</p> <p>Cai is a fourth-year student of Ioudenitch and a prize winner at international competitions in Japan and the U.S.</p> <p>Dates and times of the 2022 events will be announced at a later date.</p> <p>This year’s live-virtual hybrid format builds on the format of the <a href="/conservatory/stage-left/oberlin-como-2021-piano-festival">2021 91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival</a>, which successfully transitioned to online-only in response to the ongoing pandemic. The festival included 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Bruce Liu, a student of Dang who went on to win first prize at the <a href="https://chopin2020.pl/en/news">18th Chopin International Piano Competition</a> in October. Bui and Cai also participated in the 2021 festival.</p> <p>To date, the 20 videos that make up the 2021 festival have received more than 30,000 views.</p> <p>91ֱ��-Como programs taking place on campus throughout this academic year will be released for a virtual audience in summer 2022.</p> <p><em>The 2021 91ֱ��-Como Festival, which includes master classes and insightful interviews with each master teacher, can be viewed on the <a href="/conservatory/stage-left/oberlin-como-2021-piano-festival">91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival website</a>, which includes a complete lineup of events and links to each broadcast.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Nov. 30, Dec. 2 events to be followed by four additional artist-teacher visits, with virtual festival in summer.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-11-22T12:00:00Z">Mon, 11/22/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2366">Guest Artists & Speakers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stanislav-ioudenitch" hreflang="und">Stanislav Ioudenitch</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/william-grant-nabore" hreflang="und">William Grant Naboré</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/robert-spano" hreflang="und">Robert Spano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>The Chopin Whisperer</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:51:55 +0000</p> <span>The Chopin Whisperer</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-11-09T14:51:55-05:00" title="Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - 14:51">Tue, 11/09/2021 - 14:51</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>People who know about piano tend to know about <a href="/node/79936">Dang Thai Son</a>.</p> <p>Widely acclaimed for his interpretations of Chopin, the 91ֱ�� Conservatory professor saw his illustrious career take flight in 1980 when he won first prize at the 10th Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland—one of the world’s most revered and most rigorous musical competitions. He has devoted the four decades since to performing and teaching around the world, earning accolades everywhere he goes.</p> <p>Today, Dang’s students are following in the master’s footsteps in almost unbelievable ways.</p> <p>In October, 91ֱ�� second-year piano major JJ Bui advanced to the finals of the <a href="https://chopin2020.pl/en/news/article/437/the-winner-of-the-18th-chopin-competition!">18th Chopin Piano Competition</a>. He was joined by Bruce Xaioyu Liu, a 24-year-old pianist who has studied at 91ֱ�� as a fellow of the <a href="/news/oberlin-partners-international-piano-academy-lake-como">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a>.</p> <p>Seventeen-year-old Bui—the youngest pianist to advance to the finals this year—finished sixth, bringing members of the jury to tears with his emotive performances.</p> <p>Liu earned first prize.</p> <p>Yet another standout 91ֱ�� student and Dang protégé, third-year pianist Kai-Min Chang of Taiwan, also qualified for the competition but was ousted in the quarterfinal round, after performing through an illness.</p> <p>At the last Chopin Competition, in 2015, Dang’s students earned third, fourth, and fifth prize—<em>half of all the prizes awarded that year.</em></p> <p>In nearly a century of the Chopin Competition, Dang is the only champion to mentor another pianist to victory. He's also seemingly the only one with so many students who earn the right to compete there. His profound impact on young pianists is among the worst-kept secrets around.</p> <p>“Every day, I get emails now with parents saying, <em>My son is eight years old…can he take lessons with you?</em>” says the teacher with the oversized laugh and the gentle disposition.</p> <p><em>Not now</em> is invariably the answer, but perhaps the time will come.</p> <p><strong>The House that Dang Built</strong></p> <p>Born and raised in Vietnam, Dang Thai Son began his own piano studies with his mother, Thai Thi Lien, co-founder of what is known today as the Vietnam National Academy of Music. As a boy growing up in a remote village, he played on dilapidated pianos that were rescued from his mother’s school in Hanoi amid a rain of bombs from U.S. warplanes. Discovered during a visit to Vietnam by Russian pianist Isaac Katz, a young Dang eventually took up studies at the Moscow Conservatory, where his teachers included Vladimir Natanson and Dmitri Bashkirov.</p> <p>Since winning the Chopin Competition, he has performed with virtually every major orchestra across Europe and alongside the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich, Pinchas Zukerman, and numerous other legendary musicians.</p> <p>Still beloved in his native Vietnam, Dang has called Montreal home for many years, and he was the winner of Canada’s Prix Opus in 2016 for what was deemed the finest concert of the year. Two years later, he arrived in 91ֱ�� to begin the first true faculty position of his extensive teaching career.</p> <p>“This time is different,” he said at the time of his appointment. “I have decided to change my life by joining the music family at the 91ֱ�� Conservatory, which has truly welcomed me. I very much look forward to building our new house together.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Bruce Liu</figcaption> </figure> <p>Bruce Liu, JJ Bui, and Kai-Min Chang all gained their first exposure to 91ֱ�� through the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition for Piano: Liu in 2012, and Bui and Chang in 2018. Held on 91ֱ��’s campus, the biennial event awards some $50,000 in prizes to the top finishers. Liu and Chang each won second prize in their respective years; Bui, at 14 one of the youngest pianists in his field, was knocked out in the first round.</p> <p>In the 2018 finals, in which the three remaining participants each presented a concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra in its home venue of Severance Hall, Chang turned in a scintillating rendition of the E-minor piano concerto by—<em>who else?</em>—Chopin.</p> <p>He professed his long-held love of Chopin in a video made for this year's competition.</p> <p>“I remember the first piece I practiced by Chopin was his Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor,” Chang recalled. “I practiced this piece when I was 10 years old, and I found it so difficult because my hands were really small.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Kai-Min Chang</figcaption> </figure> <p>Dang praises Chang for his technical skill. “He’s a solid pianist with balanced sensibility,” he says. “He’s very rational and steady.” Dang adds that Chang is all but certain to return to the Chopin Competition in 2025.</p> <p>Bui also arrived in 91ֱ�� with Chopin at the ready: His finals performance of the Cooper Competition would have been the composer’s other piano concerto, the F minor.</p> <p>“Chopin is one of the composers closest to my heart,” Bui says. “I feel I really connect with Chopin on a deeper level. It comes more naturally to me than music by some other composers, and his music really speaks to me and really touches me.”</p> <p>Bui’s mentor sees another benefit: “If someone is able to play Chopin,” Dang says, “other music comes much more easily.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>91ֱ�� piano professor Dang Thai Son leads a<br> master class presented by the 91ֱ��-Como<br> Piano Academy. (photo by Dale Preston '83)</figcaption> </figure> <p>Bruce Liu, too, honed his chops at 91ֱ�� as a fellow of the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy, an exclusive partnership with the esteemed Italian institution. Each year, master teachers from both sides of the Atlantic work with three fellows selected from an international pool of candidates. Como teachers hold weeklong residencies on campus throughout the year—an arrangement that benefits not just the program’s students, but all 91ֱ�� piano students.</p> <p>Perhaps it is coincidence—or at least good fortune—that a number of Dang’s students live relatively near to him in Canada. Leading up to Chopin in the fall, Bui and Liu continued their studies with Dang through regular lessons at his home—a brief commute for Montreal-resident Liu, but a drive of some five hours from Bui’s home in Toronto.</p> <p>“In the summer, I had a ‘Chopin Olympic Training Camp,’” Dang says gleefully, referring to intensive study at his home, attended by Bui, Liu, and Chang. “Every week, we would do mini competitions, round by round. It was very much like going to the Olympics: You start in your region, then you go on to nationals, and then to internationals.”</p> <p>Fittingly, Dang refers to the musicians in his charge as his <em>team</em>. It’s a term he uses with a profound sense of affection.</p> <p>While he teaches undergraduate students exclusively at 91ֱ��, he also mentors a small number of graduate-level students at the New England Conservatory and several others in private study. Incredibly, <em>six</em> Dang students qualified for this year’s Chopin Competition, with four of them advancing at least to the second round.</p> <p><strong>Just Focus on the Music</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1927, the Chopin Competition is presented once every five years by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute. The 2020 competition—held this fall after a one-year pandemic delay—saw a record number of applicants: more than 500 in all. Among them, 160 were selected to submit video-recorded performances; from there, 87 were invited to compete in Warsaw, where Chopin himself was born and raised. Each successive round trims the field approximately in half: from 87 to 45, then from 45 to 23, and from 23 to 12. In a typical year, six prizes are awarded; jurors this year opted to honor the final eight pianists.</p> <p>“For these young artists, it’s such great exposure to the world,” says Dang, who became the first Asian-born musician to win the competition at the time of his 1980 title.</p> <p>In recent years, Dang has become something of a Chopin Competition institution, serving on the Warsaw jury an unprecedented four times: in 2005, 2010, 2015, and again this year.</p> <p>The Warsaw competition lasts three weeks—significantly longer than most other major competitions. Each successive round highlights a different facet of Chopin’s creative output: from etudes to dances to sonatas.</p> <p>“The criteria of the jury is to consider not only the talent of the pianist, but the pianist’s relationship to Chopin’s music,” Dang says. “When you play Bach or Brahms or Prokofiev, they have their own sonority. So when we have a competition like this, we ask <em>Do they have that sound?</em></p> <p>“By the third round, we care more about personality. Chopin’s music is music of emotion. Did the pianist’s Chopin touch the audience? Did it touch the jury?”</p> <p>That Dang encounters so many of his own students at the competition seems nothing more than the result of uncannily astounding mentorship: Chopin jurors play no role in the selection of participants, and they do not adjudicate performances until the field has been reduced from the initial 500 to 87. Like at most major competitions, Chopin jurors recuse themselves from evaluating performers whom they have taught. Unlike virtually all other competitions, however, the <em>actual scores</em> assigned by each juror are made public after the competition—even published on the official website.</p> <p>Those pianists who fare well at Chopin do so on their own merit. Dang just happens to prepare his students as few others can.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>JJ Bui credits his mentor for helping him block out<br> the distractions inherent at major competitions.<br> (photo courtesy JJ Bui)</figcaption> </figure> <p>“He gave me a lot of advice during the competition,” Bui says. “The Chopin is probably the most publicized piano competition in the world. There are media and cameras everywhere, and it’s very hard to focus on the music. He told me not to accept too many invitations to this and that, and he told me to isolate myself a little more and just focus on the music.”</p> <p>The strategy paid off in spectacular ways.</p> <p>“After the first round, three jurors came to me and they cried,” Dang says. The power of Bui’s performance had brought them to tears.</p> <p>“He is so young—only 17—but his music is so deep. He is very mature. He has touching and affecting musicianship. He’s a very sensitive type.”</p> <p>To Dang, the greatest challenge as a teacher is in leaving behind his own tastes and tendencies, and to become attuned instead to the nature of each student.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>JJ Bui</figcaption> </figure> <p>“He’s such an amazing teacher” says Bui, who first met Dang during a family trip to Montreal for a recording session sponsored by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “He cares so much about his students. He has a very specific standard for every student, and that’s great, because it helps each student improve at their own level, as opposed to trying to reach a level that might not be possible at a certain moment. He has very high standards, but he’s very reasonable, he’s very smart, and he knows how to help each student along individually.”</p> <p>“People say they are <em>my</em> students, but they are all so different,” Dang says. “Bruce and JJ are like sun and moon.”</p> <p><strong>A Moment to Exhale</strong></p> <p>This year's Chopin Competition was presented worldwide to hundreds of thousands of viewers each day and to packed halls at its home venue, the stately Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall. As always, top finishers earned cash prizes, recording opportunities with the Deutsche Grammophon label, and concert engagements throughout the world.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>The prestigious label Deutsche Grammophon<br> wasted no time in feting Chopin champion<br> Bruce Liu, a former fellow of the 91ֱ��-Como<br> Piano Academy.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Liu’s prize package includes 55,000 euros and a lineup of concerts from Asia to Europe to South America. “He said he’ll only be home for Christmas!” Dang beams.</p> <p>“I remember the first time I knew I wanted to go to the Chopin Competition was when I watched the livestream of the 2015 competition,” says Bui, echoing sentiments Chang shared during a competition video. “I was watching the finals, and it was really inspiring to see such great artists on that stage, and it motivated me to be part of major piano competitions.”</p> <p>In 2016, Bui was named to a list of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s “30 Under 30”—<em>at age 12</em>. In 2019, he participated in the regional Chopin Competition in Beijing, earning fifth prize. He has collected accolades in competitions all over Canada, the U.S., and Europe.</p> <p>This year, perhaps even more than others, it pays to be precocious: In addition to finishing sixth at the Chopin Competition, Bui was awarded a cash prize for being the youngest finalist.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>JJ Bui, seen here in the finals of the 2020 Chopin<br> Competition, brought jurors to tears earlier in<br> the competition. (photo courtesy JJ Bui)</figcaption> </figure> <p>He will perform in 2022 at the U.S. Chopin Foundation’s opening gala concert in Miami. It’s an invitation that was extended in Warsaw by the head of the foundation <em>before this year’s winners were even determined.</em></p> <p>Today, Bui is beginning his second year at 91ֱ�� and his first on campus, after completing his first year remotely during the pandemic. He arrived in the final week of October—nearly a month later than his classmates, in light of his obligations in Poland.</p> <p>Amid the world’s pandemic-related travel restrictions, Bui’s student status was enough to secure him permission to travel to the United States from Canada. His parents weren’t permitted to accompany him for his move in at 91ֱ��; his mentor Dang, too, was required to quarantine in Montreal before returning to campus.</p> <p>In the first days of November, Bui is still finding his way around campus and acclimating to life on his own schedule.</p> <p>“It’s been fun so far,” he says. “This is really the first time I’ve lived alone, so I’m just trying to get used to campus and learn where the buildings are.”</p> <p>He is playing piano and studying remotely with Dang, and he’s beginning to consider options for additional study. He has no courses in the College of Arts and Sciences this semester, but he looks forward to pursuing his interest in mythology. Not that he’s in any particular hurry.</p> <p>“It’s OK,” he says, “because I could use a little vacation right now.”</p> <p><em><strong>Hear performances from the Chopin Competition on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/chopininstitute/videos">Chopin Institute’s YouTube channel</a>. View master classes, interviews, and more featuring Bruce Liu, JJ Bui, and Dang Thai Son at the 2021 91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival on <a href="/conservatory/stage-left/oberlin-como-2021-piano-festival">91ֱ�� Stage Left</a> and <a href="/conservatory/stage-left/backstage-pass">91ֱ�� Stage Left's Backstage Pass</a>.</strong></em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ�� professor Dang Thai Son conquered one of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions. Now his students are doing the same.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-11-09T12:00:00Z">Tue, 11/09/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ�� piano professor Dang Thai Son (left) is a legend at the Chopin Competition. Dang's students, including second-year piano major JJ Bui, are establishing legends of their own.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy JJ Bui</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival Begins July 13</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 20:52:17 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival Begins July 13</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-06-22T16:52:17-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 16:52">Tue, 06/22/2021 - 16:52</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy, a program of study that attracts astounding young pianists from around the world to 91ֱ��, was created in 2016 as a partnership between 91ֱ�� Conservatory and Italy’s International Piano Academy Lake Como. Each year, esteemed master teachers from both institutions work with three students selected from an international pool of candidates. Como teachers hold weeklong residencies on campus throughout the year, an arrangement that benefits not just the program’s students—called 91ֱ��-Como Fellows—but all 91ֱ�� piano students.</p> <p>New for 2021 is the <a href="/conservatory/stage-left/oberlin-como-2021-piano-festival">91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival</a>, a virtual series conceived in response to worldwide pandemic restrictions—and one that will deliver the 91ֱ��-Como Academy to a worldwide audience for the first time ever. In place of artist-teacher residencies on campus, the festival unfolds online over five evenings from July 13 through 17 and is broadcast free of charge through 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s digital performance platform 91ֱ�� Stage Left.</p> <p>At the heart of the 91ֱ��-Como Academy are the program’s world-renowned master teachers, which this year include <a href="https://yefimbronfman.com/">Yefim Bronfman</a>, <a href="/william-grant-nabore">William Grant Naboré</a>, <a href="/dang-thai-son">Dang Thai Son</a>, <a href="https://www.robertspanomusic.com/">Robert Spano</a>, and 91ֱ��-Como Director <a href="/stanislav-ioudenitch">Stanislav Ioudenitch</a>.</p> <p>The 2021 91ֱ��-Como Fellows—Xiaoyu Liu of Canada, Leonardo Pierdomenico of Italy, and Anastasia Vorotnaya of Russia—are all impressive young pianists who have performed with prestigious orchestras and toured internationally. They will participate in the festival’s master classes with five current 91ֱ�� Conservatory piano students, each with their own notable achievements: JJ Bui, Yangrui Cai, Leo Choi, Daniela Jiménez-Ochoa, and Allison To. All performances were recorded in locations around the globe, and the teaching segments were conducted over Zoom.</p> <p>The themes for the master classes, chosen by each artist-teacher, encompass a broad range of topics and perspectives along with masterful works by renowned composer-pianists: </p> <p>• Dang Thai Son’s “Conversations with Chopin”</p> <p>• Yefim Bronfman’s “Piano Concerti of Beethoven and Brahms” </p> <p>• William Grant Naboré’s “The Marvel of the Baroque on the Pianoforte” </p> <p>• Stanislav Ioudenitch’s “The Golden Age of Piano Virtuosity: Legacy of Lake Como”</p> <p>• Robert Spano’s “Performing Piano Concerti: A Conductor's View”</p> <p>This year’s festival format offers the unique opportunity for audiences to hear from each master teacher in an interview segment that opens each evening’s program. Each 20-minute interview is intended to offer a window into the personality and aesthetics of each artist.</p> <p>“They talk about their lives, beginning with when they started playing the piano and touching on experiences from throughout their careers,” says <a href="/node/29971">Thea Boyd</a>, 91ֱ��’s director of artistic programming and external relations. “These interviews are about how they became the person they are—including their teachers, their influences, and their mentors.”</p> <p>Each day’s program begins at 7 p.m. ET with a master teacher interview, followed by a student performance and master class. At the same time, three additional master class segments from that teacher also will become available for viewing. These programs will remain available online indefinitely.</p> <p>To watch the festival, visit the <a href="/conservatory/stage-left/oberlin-como-2021-piano-festival">91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival website</a>, which includes a complete lineup of events and links to each broadcast.</p> <p>This past year was a difficult one for the International Piano Academy Lake Como, and not just because of the pandemic. The academy lost three of its founding members: legendary pianists Leon Fleisher, Dmitri Bashkirov, and Fou T’song. Ioudenitch dedicates the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Festival to these “extraordinary people and their legacies.”</p> <p>“We are grateful to the master teachers and students, and everyone involved, for sharing their time and talent and making a wonderful event out of unusual circumstances,” he says. “We are hoping that as the world reopens, we will all be able to come together in person for next year’s festival.”</p> <p><em>Stephanie Manning is a bassoon performance major from McLean, Virginia. She writes for the Office of Conservatory Communications.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Online format presents unique opportunity to spotlight master teacher interviews.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-06-22T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/22/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Stephanie Manning '23</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stanislav-ioudenitch" hreflang="und">Stanislav Ioudenitch</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/william-grant-nabore" hreflang="und">William Grant Naboré</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/robert-spano" hreflang="und">Robert Spano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Dang Thai Son Joins 91ֱ�� Conservatory Piano Faculty</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 00:23:04 +0000</p> <span>Dang Thai Son Joins 91ֱ�� Conservatory Piano Faculty</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2018-03-21T20:23:04-04:00" title="Wednesday, March 21, 2018 - 20:23">Wed, 03/21/2018 - 20:23</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Internationally renowned pianist Dang Thai Son will join the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music faculty as professor of piano, an appointment that begins in the fall of 2018.</p> <p>Dang is regarded as a masterful interpreter of the works of Chopin and French repertoire. He has performed extensively in top concert halls and with major orchestras around the world, and has enjoyed collaborations with artists ranging from Vladimir Ashkenazy to Pinchas Zukerman.</p> <p>"We are thrilled that the esteemed pianist Dang Thai Son will be joining our faculty,” says Professor of Piano Alvin Chow, chair of 91ֱ��’s Piano Department. “We felt an instant musical and personal connection with him. He has a most distinguished international career not only as a superb performing artist, but also as a master teacher and jury member of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions. We are truly excited about the insights and passion he will bring to our already acclaimed piano faculty."</p> <p>Dang rose to prominence in 1980 when he won first prize and the gold medal at the X Warsaw International Chopin Piano Competition, the first major international competition won by an Asian pianist.</p> <p>Born and raised in Vietnam, Dang began piano studies with his mother, Thai Thi Lien, co-founder of what is known today as the Vietnam National Academy of Music. As a boy growing up in a remote village, Dang played on dilapidated pianos that were rescued from his mother’s school in Hanoi amid a rain of bombs from U.S. warplanes. Discovered during a visit to Vietnam by Russian pianist Isaac Katz, Dang later took up studies at the Moscow Conservatory, where his teachers included Vladimir Natanson and Dmitri Bashkirov.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Dang Thai Son works with 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Aimi Kobayashi in a March 2017 master class at 91ֱ��. (Photo by Dale Preston '83.)</figcaption> </figure> <p>Dang’s extensive discography—much of it devoted to the music of Chopin—includes a pair of 2017 releases: a recording of Schubert on JVC Kenwood and a collection of works by Paderewski that includes a concerto recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Ashkenazy. In 2016, Dang won Canada’s Prix Opus for Concert of the Year, an award presented by the Fondation Arte Musica. He is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from the Music Academy in Bydgoczsz, Poland, and is the subject of the biography <em>A Pianist Loved by Chopin: The Dang Thai Son Story</em>, published by Yamaha Music Media Corporation in 2003.</p> <p>Dang has taught at Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, Taipei National Normal University, and Université de Montréal. He has presented master classes throughout the world and has been a member of the juries of numerous prominent piano competitions, among them the Clara Haskil, Cleveland, A. Rubinstein in Tel Aviv, Hamamatsu, and Chopin in Warsaw.</p> <p>In March 2017, he took part in a weeklong residency at 91ֱ�� that included a series of master classes. The residency was part of <a href="/news/oberlin-partners-international-piano-academy-lake-como">the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a>, an exclusive partnership with Italy’s International Piano Academy Lake Como.</p> <p>As a member of the 91ֱ�� piano faculty, Dang will mentor 91ֱ��-Como Fellows and will have his own studio of undergraduate pianists.</p> <p>“Over the past 30 years of teaching, I have only agreed to be a 'guest' professor, which speaks volumes about my love for independence," Dang says. "This time is different: No more being an outsider! I have decided to change my life by joining the music family at the 91ֱ�� Conservatory, which has truly welcomed me. I very much look forward to building our new house together.”</p> <p>Dang joins an <a href="/conservatory/faculty-and-staff?program=29541">91ֱ�� piano faculty</a> that includes Chow, Angela Cheng, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Robert Shannon, Haewon Song, Peter Takács, and William Grant Naboré, artistic director of the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy. Learn more at <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/piano">www.oberlin.edu/piano</a>.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2018-03-21T12:00:00Z">Wed, 03/21/2018 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">By Erich Burnett</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Famed performer’s appointment begins with the 2018-19 academic year.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alvin-chow" hreflang="und">Alvin Chow</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hirotoshi Sato</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy Enters Second Year</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 21:20:30 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy Enters Second Year</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2017-08-02T17:20:30-04:00" title="Wednesday, August 2, 2017 - 17:20">Wed, 08/02/2017 - 17:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� Conservatory will begin its second full year as the U.S. home of the International Piano Academy Lake Como with a schedule of master artist residencies beginning this fall and spanning the academic year.</p> <p>Started in 2016, the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy is an exclusive partnership with the esteemed Italian institution. Each year, up to three students, selected from applicants worldwide, begin a two-year program of study at 91ֱ�� toward an artist diploma. Called 91ֱ��-Como Fellows, these exemplary young musicians work with 91ֱ�� faculty and master artist-teachers who hold residencies at 91ֱ�� throughout the year. All master classes and recitals presented by the visiting masters are free and open to the public.</p> <p>The schedule of 2017-18 residencies is as follows (specific events TBD):</p> <p><strong>William Naboré, 91ֱ��-Como Director</strong><br> <strong>September 11-20, 2017, and February 19-23, 2018</strong><br> Originally from Virginia, William Naboré enjoyed a long career as a concert pianist in Europe—most notably Geneva, where he performed chamber music for more than two decades. In 1988 he founded Switzerland’s Amadeus Festival, and in 2002 he formed the International Piano Academy Lake Como, of which he is president and artistic director. In 2015 Naboré’s students won first prizes at the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition (Dmitry Masleev) and the Honens Competition (Luca Buratto).</p> <p><strong>Martino Tirimo, Guest Artist in Residence</strong><br> <strong>October 8-12, 2017</strong><br> London-based Martino Tirimo boasts a repertoire that includes some 80 concertos and nearly the entire solo works of the great composers. Winner of the international piano competitions in Munich and Vienna, he has performed throughout the world with countless major orchestras including the Vienna Philharmonic, the London Symphony, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Twelve of his students have won first prizes at international competitions.</p> <p><strong>Peter Frankl, Guest Artist in Residence<br> November 18-21, 2017</strong><br> Hungarian pianist Peter Frankl rose to prominence on the international circuit in the 1960s and has performed with many of the world’s great conductors and orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. He studied at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest and serves as a visiting professor at Yale University.</p> <p><strong>Paul Badura-Skoda, Guest Artist in Residence<br> March 9-12, 2018</strong><br> Even as he approaches his 90<sup>th</sup> birthday, Austrian pianist Paul Badura-Skoda continues to perform on four continents. Winner of the 1947 Austrian Music Competition, he is beloved for his interpretations of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Ravel, and other masters.</p> <p>The season-opening residency featuring William Naboré will include a master class in Clonick Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 19. The academy continues with Martino Tirimo, whose residency will include a performance in Warner Concert Hall at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 8. Additional events will be added to the 91ֱ��-Como Academy schedule throughout the year.</p> <p>91ֱ��-Como Fellows for 2016-17 included Aimi Kobayashi of Japan, Allesandro Deljavan of Italy, and Chi Ho Han of South Korea. All three will return in 2017-18, in addition to three first-year students in the program.</p> <p>“The 91ֱ��-Como Program is rapidly changing the culture of piano at 91ֱ��, giving our students an unmatchable opportunity to learn from a wide variety of masters of today and tomorrow,” says Professor of Piano Robert Shannon ’72. “And we are just getting started.”</p> <p>For more information on 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy events, visit <a href="/node/10426">oberlin.edu</a>.</p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PIANO ACADEMY LAKE COMO:</strong> Located in a 17th-century palazzo on the shores of idyllic Lake Como, the International Piano Academy Lake Como is considered one of the top piano academies in the world. Founded in 2002, it is dedicated to nurturing the development of young pianists regardless of financial resources or country of origin. Each year, more than 1,000 students from around the world vie for seven available positions at the academy, where they have access to artist faculty who are among the most celebrated pianists in the world. Current and former members include Dmitri Bashkirov, Leon Fleisher, Peter Frankl, Fou Ts'ong, Malcolm Bilson, Alicia de Larrocha, and Menahem Pressler. Students of the academy routinely go on to win major international piano competitions. “The first thing we want people to become is nice human beings,” academy founder William Naboré says. “If they also become excellent pianists, that is great. Our role is to give the maximum of information from which our students can choose. We try to open their eyes to the secrets of music.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2017-08-02T12:00:00Z">Wed, 08/02/2017 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Partnership with esteemed European institution includes public master classes and performances on campus featuring master artist-teachers.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/robert-shannon-72" hreflang="und">Robert Shannon</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alvin-chow" hreflang="und">Alvin Chow</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ��-Como Fellow Allesandro Deljavan of Italy took part in a program of music by Johann Mayrhofer during the spring semester of 2017. Deljavan is one of three returning fellows for 2017-18.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dale Preston '83</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Stanislav Ioudenitch Joins 91ֱ�� Conservatory Piano Faculty</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 21:10:52 +0000</p> <span>Stanislav Ioudenitch Joins 91ֱ�� Conservatory Piano Faculty</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2017-02-10T16:10:52-05:00" title="Friday, February 10, 2017 - 16:10">Fri, 02/10/2017 - 16:10</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch, hailed worldwide for his artistry and teaching, will join the faculty of the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music as associate professor of piano beginning in the fall of 2017.</p> <p>Born in Uzbekistan, Ioudenitch earned widespread recognition in 2001 when he won the gold medal at the XI Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The victory served as a springboard that has resulted in engagements in premier venues around the world. Since then, he has collaborated with countless esteemed orchestras and musicians, including the Munich Philharmonic, the Mariinsky Orchestra, and the National Symphony in Washington, D.C.; the Takács, Prazák, and Borromeo string quartets; and conductors including James Conlon, Valery Gergiev, and Mikhail Pletnev, among others. He has recorded for the Harmonia Mundi and Academy labels.</p> <p>Ioudenitch is a former student of the prestigious International Piano Academy Lake Como in Italy, and he later became the youngest teacher ever to present a master class there. He now serves as vice president of Lake Como, which since 2015 has enjoyed a <a href="/node/10426">partnership with 91ֱ�� Conservatory</a> that brings elite student pianists to the Ohio campus for advanced study.</p> <p>“Since my childhood years, teaching and performing have always been important to me. They have been a natural extension of my family of teachers and performers,” says Ioudenitch. “It is important to me to continue these priorities with my students and colleagues. Thus, I can draw upon my international connections with the Russian school, as represented by my former teachers, including Natalia Vasinkina and Dmitri Bashkirov; and with the great European and world traditions represented by Karl Ulrich Schnabel, Rosalyn Tureck, William Grant Naboré, and Leon Fleisher.</p> <p>“It has been my privilege and inspiration to ‘attend’ these global classrooms. Giving back these experiences, knowledge, and performance practices to my own students has always been my personal and professional passion.” Among Ioudenitch’s students is Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov, grand-prize winner of the 2009 London International Piano Competition at age 18.</p> <p>No stranger to 91ֱ��, Ioudenitch has performed recitals and led master classes on campus, and has been a longtime fixture on jury panels for the Cooper International Competition for young pianists as well as its predecessor, the 91ֱ�� International Piano Competition.</p> <p>Prior to his appointment at 91ֱ��, Ioudenitch helped create the International Center for Music and the Youth Conservatory of Music at Park University near Kansas City, Mo.</p> <p>“Stanislav Ioudenitch is one of the most highly sought-after musicians in the world today, and we are so happy to have him joining the 91ֱ�� family,” says Alvin Chow, professor of piano at 91ֱ�� and chair of the piano department. “He has proven his artistry and impeccable command of the keyboard, but what impresses me even more is his passionate commitment to teaching. He has the rare ability to articulate his feelings about the music in a way that transforms his students' playing, and so we feel he is a perfect fit to join our already distinguished piano faculty.”</p> <p>Learn more about 91ֱ��’s piano department at <a href="http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/departments/piano/">oberlin.edu/con</a>.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2017-03-23T12:00:00Z">Thu, 03/23/2017 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Piano Master Richard Goode Performs, Holds 91ֱ�� Residency in April</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 18:44:43 +0000</p> <span>Piano Master Richard Goode Performs, Holds 91ֱ�� Residency in April</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2017-04-28T14:44:43-04:00" title="Friday, April 28, 2017 - 14:44">Fri, 04/28/2017 - 14:44</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In recent weeks, pianist Richard Goode braved fierce winter storms to deliver unforgettable performances across the northeastern U.S., leaving audiences and critics alike warmed by his virtuosity. (<i>The New Yorker</i>, for one, declared the hometown hero “New York's leading eminence of the keyboard.")</p> <p>As northeast Ohio begins its sluggish thaw, Goode will perform a program of Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin at 91ֱ��’s Finney Chapel on Sunday, April 9. The 4 p.m. concert is part of the Artist Recital Series.</p> <p>The program includes Bach’s Partita in E Minor, BWV 830; Beethoven’s Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101, and Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110; and Chopin’s Nocturne in B Major, Op. 62, No. 1; Polonaise in F-sharp Minor, Op. 44; and Three Mazurkas: Op. 41 No. 2 in B Major, Op. 41 No. 3 in A-flat Major, and Op. 50 No. 3 in C-sharp Minor.</p> <p>In addition to his performance, Goode will be in residence at 91ֱ�� through the week, leading a series of master classes as part of the <a href="/node/10426">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a>:</p> <p><b>Monday, April 10:</b></p> <p>12:30-3 p.m. in Stull Recital Hall, featuring 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Chi Ho Han; and 7-9:30 p.m. in Stull Recital Hall, featuring 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Alessandro Deljavan.</p> <p><b>Tuesday, April 11:</b></p> <p>2:30-4:30 p.m. in Clonick Hall, featuring 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Aimi Kobayashi; and 7-9:30 p.m. in Warner Concert Hall, featuring 91ֱ��-Como Fellows Alessandro Deljavan and Chi Ho Han.</p> <p><b>Wednesday, April 12:</b></p> <p>2-4:30 p.m. in Stull Recital Hall, featuring 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Aimi Kobayashi and several 91ֱ�� Conservatory students; and 7-9:30 p.m. in Stull Recital Hall, featuring 91ֱ�� Conservatory student pianists.</p> <p>"Richard Goode represents the best of the Central European tradition in interpreting the great German masters,” says 91ֱ�� Professor of Piano <a href="/peter-takacs">Peter Takács</a>. “His approach is meticulous, stylistically sound, and deeply expressive without a trace of sentimentality. His recordings of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and others stand as a testament to his artistic integrity, and have inspired generations of musicians, myself included."</p> <p>Tickets for Richard Goode at 91ֱ�� are $35, or just $30 for seniors, members of the military, and 91ֱ�� faculty, staff, and alumni. All student tickets are just $10. Call 800-371-0178, visit oberlin.edu/artsguide, or stop by 91ֱ��’s Central Ticket Service at Hall Auditorium (67 N. Main St.) from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays.</p> <p>91ֱ��’s Artist Recital Series concludes Friday, April 21, with an 8 p.m. performance by The Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Davis. The program will feature principal oboist Frank Rosenwein in Vaughan Williams’ Concerto for Oboe and String Orchestra, and principal cellist Mark Kosower and violist Wesley Collins in Strauss’ <i>Don Quixote</i>. Delius’ <i>Brigg Fair</i> will also be performed.</p> <p>Learn more about the arts at 91ֱ�� at <a href="/artsguide">oberlin.edu/artsguide</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2017-03-22T12:00:00Z">Wed, 03/22/2017 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2364">Artist Recital Series</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2366">Guest Artists & Speakers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Steve Riskind</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Tamás Vásáry, Dann Competition Highlight Big Piano Week at 91ֱ��</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:01:35 +0000</p> <span>Tamás Vásáry, Dann Competition Highlight Big Piano Week at 91ֱ��</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:01:35-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:01">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Hungarian pianist Tamás Vásáry will devote the week to teaching at 91ֱ�� Conservatory, a visit that includes a <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/lake_como_residency_guest_master_class_tamas_vasary_piano#.VxUX_nBb8WE">free public master class</a> with 91ֱ�� students on Thursday, April 21. The class takes place at 7 p.m. in the Bertram and Judith Kohl Building’s Clonick Hall (77 W. College St.).</p> <p>Also this week, renowned pianists Boris Slutsky and Steven Spooner will lead a pair of free public master classes in conjunction with the <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/arthur_dann_piano_competition_4603#.VxUXtHBb8WE">2016 Arthur Dann Piano Competition</a>, which takes place at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 24, in Finney Chapel (90 N. Professor St.).</p> <p><a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/guest_master_class_boris_slutsky_piano_arthur_dann_judge#.VxUX3nBb8WE">Slutsky’s class</a> begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in Stull Recital Hall (third floor of Bibbins Hall, 77 W. College St.); <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/guest_master_class_steven_spooner_piano_arthur_dann_judge#.VxUXkHBb8WE">Spooner’s class</a> will be held Sunday, April 24, also at 7 p.m. in Stull Hall.</p> <p>Vásáry’s residency is part of the inaugural year of the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy, a groundbreaking partnership that makes 91ֱ�� the North American home of Italy’s esteemed International Piano Academy Lake Como. Each year, up to three students are selected from around the world to be 91ֱ��-Como Fellows, a designation that is accompanied by intensive instruction on campus with 91ֱ��’s piano faculty as well as exclusive access to legendary performers—such as Vásáry—who serve 91ֱ��-Como residencies at 91ֱ�� during the academic year.</p> <p>This week, Vásáry is working in private sessions with 91ֱ��-Como Fellow Dàvid Bekker as well as Tony Yike Yang and Zitong Wang, first- and second-place winners, respectively, of the <a href="/news/tony-yike-yang-crowned-2014-cooper-international-competition-champion">2014 Cooper International Competition at 91ֱ��</a>. Bekker, the first student enrolled in the 91ֱ��-Como program, was named a 2016-17 Rising Star by the European Concert Hall Organization, an honor that ensures numerous solo recital opportunities for the young pianist throughout Europe in the coming year.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2016-04-18T12:00:00Z">Mon, 04/18/2016 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Partners with International Piano Academy Lake Como</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:02:52 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Partners with International Piano Academy Lake Como</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:02:52-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:02">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The <a href="https://www.comopianoacademy.org/">International Piano Academy Lake Como</a>, an exalted institution dedicated to advancing the education of elite student pianists, has formed a partnership with the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music that will yield an exclusive U.S. home for the Italy-based program.</p> <p>Beginning with a pilot program in fall 2016, two students, selected from applicants worldwide, will take part in the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy, a two-year program of study toward an artist diploma. In future years, three students will be selected each year.</p> <p>“Lake Como is a true community of artists and so is a perfect match for 91ֱ��, where faculty and students come together with a shared commitment to artistic excellence and curiosity to create a vibrant musical world,” says Andrea Kalyn, dean of 91ֱ�� Conservatory.</p> <p>Located in a 17th-century palazzo on the shores of idyllic Lake Como, the International Piano Academy Lake Como is considered one of the top piano academies in the world. Founded in 2002, Lake Como is the creation of William Naboré, with pianist Martha Argerich as honorary president. It is dedicated to nurturing the development of young pianists regardless of financial resources or country of origin.</p> <p>Lake Como’s relationship with 91ֱ�� came about through the academy’s interest in working with a major American conservatory. Impressed by the performances of pianists participating in 91ֱ��’s annual Cooper International Competition and by the conservatory’s piano faculty, Naboré sought out 91ֱ�� to be that U.S. home. The partnership was cemented during a spring semester visit to 91ֱ�� by Naboré.</p> <p>“Limiting this experience to one place is not enough,” he says. “I love the idea of a liberal arts college connected with a conservatory, and 91ֱ�� has great prestige. I mention it to my colleagues and they say, ‘That’s great—you’ve picked the right place.’”</p> <p>The partnership will enable three exceptional piano students each year to live and study at 91ֱ�� Conservatory as 91ֱ��-Como Fellows. They will work with 91ֱ�� faculty as well as faculty from Como Academy, who will hold four weeklong residencies on campus each year. As in the Italian program, 91ֱ��-Como studies will focus on lessons, chamber music, ensemble projects, and collaborative piano projects.</p> <p>The 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy will be an asset to 91ֱ�� undergraduate students as well.</p> <p>"This is a great development for our students, who will rub shoulders with 91ֱ��-Como Fellows and participate in master classes given by visiting faculty,” says 91ֱ�� Professor of Piano <a href="/node/6776">Robert Shannon</a>. “91ֱ��’s incredible resources in all areas of art, music, and jazz will be of great value to the Como Fellows as well. We have the potential to truly transform our programs and to enhance our connections with European music-making."</p> <p>“The master teachers who will be a part of this program are all legends in the piano world, and their residencies on our campus are sure to be highlights of every student's academic career at 91ֱ��,” adds Associate Professor <a href="/node/6736">Alvin Chow</a>, chair of the Piano Department.</p> <p>“Having 91ֱ��-Como Fellows on our campus will have a direct influence on the 91ֱ�� piano program, as they will provide examples of serious musicians striving to reach the pinnacle of their art. They will inspire our students not only with their performances, but also their work ethic and professional standards.”</p> <p>To celebrate the launch of the program, a concert featuring three pianists from the International Piano Academy Lake Como will take place in Finney Chapel in fall 2015.</p> <p>Applications for 2016-17 will be available through <a href="/node/301">91ֱ�� Conservatory Admissions</a> beginning in fall 2015.</p> <p><b>ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PIANO ACADEMY LAKE COMO:</b> Each year, more than 1,000 students from around the world vie for seven available positions at the International Piano Academy Lake Como, where they have access to artist faculty who are among the most celebrated pianists in the world. Current and former members include Dmitri Bashkirov, Leon Fleisher, Peter Frankl, Fou Ts'ong, Malcolm Bilson, Alicia de Larrocha, and Menahem Pressler. Students admitted to the International Piano Academy Lake Como study free of charge, with emphasis placed on development of the highest artistic achievement amid a rich and inspiring cultural life. Students of the academy routinely go on to win major international piano competitions. “The first thing we want people to become is nice human beings,” academy founder William Naboré says. “If they also become excellent pianists, that is great. Our role is to give the maximum of information from which our students can choose. We try to open their eyes to the secrets of music.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2015-04-30T12:00:00Z">Thu, 04/30/2015 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">William Naboré selected 91ֱ�� to be the U.S. home of the International Piano Academy Lake Como.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>