Judge Ma Changzi explained, “We selected these composers (Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin) because they are the most well-known and traditional of composers. They exemplify the best of classical music, and are the most influential pianists of today’s generation. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that their pieces are simply beautiful.”
The event started with Bach preludes, which exude a spiritual and contemplative quality. Taiwanese bronze medal winner Wei Chen, 22, from the University of Freiburg in Germany gave an atmospheric and concise interpretation of the grand master with Baroque’s BWV 857.
Howard Na, 22, of the United States also performed a portrait of Bach’s music that emulated an eternal stream of sound, weaving the tones seamlessly together—a quality heard in all of his playing.
The congenial and bilingual hosts of the evening, Leeshai Lemish and Jenny Fang, explained that in the time of the great composers, music was regarded as a means to promote divine beauty, harmony, and joy. The composers felt it was their responsibility to uplift the human spirit to righteousness and humanity.
The playful joy of Mozart was displayed in the performance of four pieces from his sonatas. Yu Ta-Wei, 28, and Alice Chen, 60, second bronze winner Weiwen Ma, 22—all of the United States—and Daniel Lin, 23, of Canada all offered balanced and spirited renditions.
Next up was Beethoven’s signature sonatas. The highly demanding “Appassionata” Opus 57 was performed by Ai-Ying Chiu, 25; and Yan Yu, 26, played Opus 53 bursting with pulsing energy.
Beethoven’s op. 10 No. 3, known as “Pathetique,” was performed by 18-year-old silver award winner Lian Na with powerful virtuosity and a thorough maturity. Chi Kai Chang, 26, delivered a poetic Beethoven Sonata op. 109, carefully forming every single note as a dynamically refined storyteller. Renditions of “Appassionata” Opus 57, and Opus 53 were also performed.
The virtuosity of Chopin marked the highlight of the evening with ballades and sonatas displayed by Wang Jingjing, 26, and Kelly Lin, 25.
The evening concluded with the eagerly anticipated award ceremony. The audience gave its warm applause not only to the winners but also to the generous sponsors of the event. Ricard de la Rosa, President of Pro Piano, came on stage to present the $10,000 check and a recording contract to Gold winner Steven Lin to launch the young musician’s first solo album.
De la Rosa, who usually works with the world’s renowned pianists, remarked that he was very proud to be a sponsor of the competition and was happy to be around these talented young people.
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