Six young musicians visiting MostArts Festival for Young Pianist Competition
The MostArts Festival’s Young Pianist Competition has been at the heart of the Festival since its inception in 2014, and this year six teenage classical pianists will compete again for a $10,000 grand prize during the week of July 23. The winner of the competition will be announced following the closing Gala Concert Sunday July 29, in Miller Theater.
As per MostArts tradition, the winner will return to Alfred University in 2024 to perform on opening night of the next MostArts Festival.
This year, the competitive round of concertos will be held beginning at 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday, July 27 and 28, and will feature the 2nd and 3rd movements of a Mozart concerto of the competitors’ choice. Three competitors will perform their Mozart concertos each day with the MostArts Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Steven Thomas.
The winner will be invited back in 2024 to perform with the MostArts Festival Orchestra at the opening Gala Concert.
This year’s finalists also will give solo performances at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 in the Miller Theater. These recitals offer the opportunity for the soloists to show off their pyrotechnics as well as the poetic side of their artistry. Both recitals are free of charge and open to the public; however. children under 8 are not permitted.
The MostArts tradition includes audiences voting on their favorite pianist for the “Audience Favorite Award” of $500. That winner also will be announced at the Gala Concert July 29, which begins at 7:30 pm.
Tickets to all evening performances are available online at MostArts website.
The 2023 MostArts Festival Young Pianist Competition Finalists are
Anna Bray, 16 years old from Sterling, VA
Landon Fringer, 16 years old from Santa Monica, CA
Sophia Lin, 16 years old from Falls Church, VA
Katherine Liu, 18 years old from Wellesley, MA
Collin Parker-Szekely, 17 years old, Abington, PA
Emily Qi, 13 years old from Sammamish, WA
Tickets are on sale at www.alfred.edu/MostArts and at the Box Office of Miller Theater prior to each concert.