CHOPIN FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, INC. Officers & Directors Krzysztof Penderecki - Honorary Chairman Fall 2015 Blanka A. Rosenstiel - Founder & President Volume XXV / Number 1 Olga Melin - Vice President Richard Lubman - Treasurer Rebecca Baez - Secretary TABLE OF CONTENTS Dr. Adam Aleksander - Artistic Advisor Jadwiga Viga Gewert - Executive Director Message from the Founder and President...... 2 Directors Chopin Foundation Donors and Contributors...... 3 Agustin Anievas, Roberta O. Chaplin, Rosa-Rita Gonzalez, Dr. William J. Hipp, Renate Ryan, Lorraine Sonnabend Message from the Executive Director...... 4 Regional Councils Highlights from Last Season ...... 5 Mack McCray - San Francisco Chopin Council Allan Park - Northwest Chopin Council 2015 National Chopin Competition Winners...... 6 Christopher Onzol - Southwest Chopin Council Scholarship Committee Competition Moments ...... 7 Dr. Adam Aleksander, Agustin Anievas, Dr. Hanna Cyba Reflections on the Competition by Eric Zuber...... 8 Advisory Board Bonnie Barrett - Yamaha Artist Services Sponsor Spotlight: Harvey Chaplin...... 9 Joel Harrison - American Pianists Association Gary Ingle - Music Teachers National Association 2015-16 Season of Winners...... 10 & 11 Ron Losby - Steinway & Sons 2015 Scholarship Recipients & MTNA Chopin Awards...... 12 International Artistic Advisory Council Agustin Anievas, , Emanuel Ax, Jeffrey N. Babcock, Chopin Foundation Scholarship Program...... 13 John Bayless, Luiz Fernando Benedini, John Corigliano, Ivan Davis, Christopher T. Dunworth, Charles Dutoit, Nelson Freire, San Francisco Chopin Council ...... 14 Bruno Leonardo Gelber, Gary Graffman, Horacio Gutierrez, Marta Istomin, Byron Janis, James Judd, Cyprien Katsaris, NW Chopin Council ...... 15 Zoltan Koscis, , Paloma O’Shea, Daniel Pollack, , Abbey Simon, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, SW Chopin Council ...... 16 Michael Tilson Thomas, Charles Wadsworth, Susan Wadsworth, Our Sponsors ...... 17 Editorial XVII International Chopin Competition ...... 18 Polonaise is published semi-annually by the Chopin Foundation of the USA 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141 International Federation of Chopin Societies ...... 19 Editorial Office: 305-868-0624 • 305-865-5150 (Fax) 2015 Chopin Competitions Conference ...... 19 E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.chopin.org Publisher: Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel Chopin Master Class Weekends...... 20 Executive Editor: Jadwiga Viga Gewert Editor: Barbara Muze Support Young American Pianists...... 21 Contributors: Mack McCray, Chris Onzol, Allan Park, Beata Paszyc, Lynne Schaefer, Eric Zuber Design: Rick Tuckerman, Zoom IQ Copyright © Chopin Foundation of the United States, Inc. All rights reserved. Message from Founder

“It’s not that people don’t like classical music.

It’s that they don’t have the chance to understand and to experience it.” Gustavo Dudamel

Blanka A. Rosenstiel Founder and President

t is hard to believe that it is has been 40 years since we first If you are not among the lucky few who were able to get tickets to this presented the American Chopin Piano Competition. This past pivotal event, we encourage you to watch the activities broadcast via live streaming on your computers. Best of luck to the contestants and Spring, the Chopin Foundation celebrated this anniversary with I may the best Chopinist win! the 9th National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami. We were very impressed with the 24 contestants who were selected to participate in Each new day brings something to look forward to at the Chopin 10 days of intense music making. The 9 distinguished jurors had the Foundation. In addition to our annual programming which includes the difficult task of deciding who among these young American pianists Southern Wine & Spirits’ Chopin for All Free Concert Series, the Salon would take home a total of $159,000 in cash prizes. In the end, 6 Concerts at the lovely La Gorce Country Club, and the Scholarship finalists were chosen with the First Prize of $75,000 going to Eric Lu, Program for Young Pianists, we are always looking for ways to further a brilliant 17 year-old who is studying at Curtis Institute of Music. In our mission of supporting young talented musicians. This year we addition to his cash prize, the largest of any such competition in the US, are looking into the possibility of presenting Chopin Master Classes the Chopin Foundation has arranged an extensive concert tour for Eric. with members of our Competition Jury. We are also actively building The tour includes solo performances and appearances with orchestra, an endowment for the Foundation so that the seeds we have planted and has taken him to Atlanta, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Newport will continue to be fertilized and will keep blooming long into the Music Festival in Rhode Island and Duszniki, – to name just a future. Once we achieve our endowment fund goal, we will qualify for few - where he has received terrific reviews. matching funds from the State of Florida. Please consider making a donation to the Chopin Foundation Endowment Fund this year so that Eric, along with Second Prize winner, Rachel Naomi Kudo, has gained all of our great programs can continue for years to come. automatic acceptance to the XVII International Chopin Competition in taking place from October 2 through October 23, 2015. I will be As always, my deepest appreciation goes to all of our caring members, there along with a delegation of US-based Chopin enthusiasts to cheer supporter, sponsors and volunteers without whom our mission could for our young Americans. not become reality.

2 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Our Donors We extend our deepest thanks to those whose vision and support have helped us this year with our mission: to develop the next generation of great musicians! May we continue to add to this esteemed roster others who would join us in support of our mission.

FOUNDER PATRONS Joseph Lavinio Jack Cohen Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel Idelia Alvarado Drs. Dipnarine Maharaj & Jacqueline Gouvea Raymond Copell Hilda Andrews Miami Foundation Ann Marie Crawford GRAND BENEFACTORS Isa Baez Avis Neiman Dory Cruz The Beveridge Family Foundation Phillip Balbi Bac Hai Nguyen & Bao-Tran Doan Rosemarie Curasi Harvey & Roberta Chaplin Erica Balogh & Jim Barklow Sabrina Noto Grecia Falcon The City of Coral Gables Irene Barowska-Gladek Packman, Neuwahl & Rosenberg Candido Font Brenda Bruce Fountain Jewel Bertman Dr. Carlos Perez Jean Fraser Funding Arts Network Lina Blondet Palisades Contractors - in memory of Paul Roth Nancy Hanna Florman Family Foundation Andrzej Bytnar Mike Periu Petrina Hurlbert Marvin & Isabel Leibowitz Michael Caldwell Elizabeth & Ralph Piotrovsky Sandra Ivy Ann E. Leibowitz Fund S. Peter Capua, Esq. Luis Pujol Yasmin Jacob Richard & Theresa Lubman Kay Carpenter & B G Carter Daisy Richardson Kurien Jacob Olga & David Melin Buddy & Diane Cohen Hedwig Ringger Claire Jacobson Miami-Dade County Lucette Comer Carole Romer Jessica Jetley Miami Salon Group Carmen Cuenca Carol Sadowski Gary Johnson The Sascha Gorodnitzki Foundation Alfred Cuzan Vivian San Juan Patricia Laland Rosenstiel Foundation Eldris De La Torre Alicja Schoonover Barbara Levy Joy Segal Shelby Dennis Winstead Peter & Lisa Seite Stephen Lipster The State of Florida Dr. Carlos & Carmen Dominguez Fred Seltzer Annabella Lou Stephen & Lorraine Sonnabend Dr. Allan & Susan Dunn Sophia Sieczkowski Iona Luke Southern Wine & Spirits of America Norman Edelcup Clara Sredni C.S. Mason Joseph & Ligia Wiegand Family Foundation Wendy Erickson Barbara Stephens Susan Mattes Olga Figueras Richard & Margarita Tonkinson Teresa Mestre Florence Fowlkes Duane & Liliana Treeman Marlon Migala BENEFACTORS Roberto & Marie Friedman Jacqueline Tuozzolo Cheng Mitch Agustin & Carol Anievas Margarita Garcia Louise Valdes-Fauli Li Chiung Moyant American Council for Polish Culture Mario Garcia Migdania Vega David Niemiec Audrey Love Charitable Foundation Pamela Jo Garrison Gerrit & Tatiana Verburg Yolaine Numa Manuel & Rebecca Baez Lenore Gaynor Jerry Wang Marta Olchyk George Berberian Donna Genet Jean Warner Raul Recasens Chopin Vodka Marcia Green Julie & Bob Williamson Lulu Rosen The Garvin Family Foundation Olga Gulinsky Linna Wing Eugene Ross Rosa-Rita Gonzalez Clifford & Norma Hall Lawrence Wong Leonard Sanginario Keith & Agnes Gray Joseph Hegleh Leslie Silverman Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Madeline Hillsberg Peter Steeger Janine Lennox FRIENDS Christopher Humberstone & Luisa Ruffin Peter Steinberg Jadwiga Henderson David Adler William Hutchinson Dean Taylor William & Frankie Hipp Sonia Alcazar IBM Arlene Terrinoni Maestro William Noll Marian Alperstein Alma Kadragic Richard Vaz Maestro Grzegorz Nowak Robert Arnebeck Laura Keith Carol Warsawer Renate Ryan Naomi Barrettara Leda Kwiatek Allan Behm Maria Wiesmann Dr. Steven Lagerberg Julia Benavides Joanna Zaremba Norman & Margaretha Leathers James Butt Evhen Zasadney Little Keswick Foundation James Campbell Maria Zayas

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 3 Executive Director’s Message

he Ninth National Chopin In November we will start the new season of concerts, presenting new and Competition made the last past laureates who will return to South Florida to play for us. It will be a real T season very special for us. We Season of Winners! Please visit our website www.chopin.org to learn more hope that if you were not with us in about our programs and activities. Miami, you watched its sessions via In the world of piano competitions, there are many perspectives and live streaming. thoughts on the merits and shortcomings of these endeavors. The jurors Now we all look forward to the XVII come with very personal notions as to what they look for in a pianist International Chopin Competition in based on years of training and knowledge gained from experience. The Warsaw, and keep our fingers crossed audience has its own set of expectations. And then there are the contestants for our winners! who enter the event with a certain outlook and with hopes of achieving Jadwiga Viga Gewert specific goals. In a wonderful moment of personal insight, a prize winner Executive Director In addition to the National Competition, last season featured five concerts within of this year’s 9th National Chopin Piano Competition, Eric Zuber, shared the annual Chopin for All FREE concert series, two salon concerts and his thoughts about this competition and competitions in general on his two other performances in collaboration with partner organizations. Our Facebook page – just two days after the awards ceremony. We reprint it audiences were able to listen to some of the new winners, and other here with Eric’s permission. While it is only one pianist’s perspective, we great young artists – please see the photos on the next page. We have feel his words will resonate with anyone who has ever participated in a also awarded ten new scholarships for young American piano students, competitive event as a spectator, juror or contestant. and two Chopin Prizes at the MTNA’s Piano Performance Competition. We invite you to read Eric’s essay on page 8.

Winners, Jurors and Supporters of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition

4 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Highlights from Last Season

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 5 Competition Prize Winners & Underwriters Ninth National Chopin Piano Competition Miami, FL February 20 – March 1, 2015

First Prize $75,000 – Eric Lu Underwritten by the Rosenstiel Foundation. Fourth Prize $10,000 – Eric Zuber Presented by Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel. Underwritten and presented by Plus automatic acceptance to the XVII International Olga & David Melin. Chopin Piano Competition, and concert performances in the United States and abroad.

Second Prize $35,000 – Rachel Kudo Underwritten by the Board of Directors of the Chopin Foundation, with major support from Mr. Fifth Prize $5,000 – Joshua Wright and Mrs. Stephen Sonnabend, and with additional Underwritten by the Ann E. Leibowitz Fund support from Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Baez. and Dr. Joy Segal. Presented by Mrs. Roberta Chaplin. Presented by Isabel and Marvin Leibowitz. Plus automatic acceptance to the XVII International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw.

Third Prize $20,000 – George Li Sixth Prize $4,000 – Alexander Beyer Underwritten by the Joseph & Ligia Wiegand Family Underwritten by the American Council for Foundation in Memory of Joseph Wiegand. Polish Culture. Presented by Dr. John McAuliffe. Presented by Ms. Judy Tompkins.

Special Prizes Best Mazurka $1,000: Joshua Wright - Underwritten by Maestro William Noll Semi-finalists not advanced to the finals $1,000 each Best Polonaise $1,000: Rachel Kudo - Underwritten by Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Baez Underwritten by the Sasha Gorodnitzki Foundation, presented by Mrs. Miyoko Lotto Best Sonata $1,000: George Li - Underwritten by Mr. George Berberian Third through sixth prize winners also received an all-expense-paid trip to Warsaw, Best Concerto $1,000: Eric Lu - Underwritten by Ms. Rosa Rita Gonzalez Poland to attend the Preliminary Round of the XVII International Chopin Piano Competition in April 2015, underwritten by Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Leibowitz.

6 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Competition Moments

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 7 From Eric Zuber’s Facebook page…March 3, 2015

’m finally home, at seeing what I had come to consider to be ‘good taste’ consistently trampled without least for a short while. consequence, and performances that I would consider exploitative, shallow, and I What a memorable selfish hailed for their ‘sensitivity and artistry.’ All this has left me wondering whether week I had in Miami! I feel the musical road signs that I had constructed for myself, and the ones that others honored to have made had constructed for me, are perhaps artificial and unnecessary in the world of art. In the finals once again and short, I have never been less sure of what is ‘good’ or what constitutes ‘over-the-top,’ to have received a prize. and question whether these labels are even necessary in a world where audience In competitions, whether members know less and less about the substance of what they hear. they be of the sports or of These days, both in and out of the competition circuit, I hear more and more playing the music variety, the only that is less and less connected to the score, playing that goes for audience points and truly satisfied person is quick emotional fixes, as if we as musicians have become both the needle and the the one who walks away drug that periodically injects our users (the audience) with their desired ‘ooh that’s with the gold medal, but it nice’ moment, whether it be of the subtle coloristic or of the bravura variety (I call it is unrealistic to think that the “Lang Lang School of Emotional Manipulation,” peace be upon him). It certainly one can win gold every feels nice to be able to manipulate an audience into feeling a certain way emotionally, time-- there are simply and judging from audience reactions to this type of performance, they obviously don’t too many fabulous young talents, and too many varying jury opinions on what seem to mind being manipulated. But I have to ask myself-- are we really giving the constitutes a winning performance. More importantly, I was very happy to have audience the kind of transcendent experience that the composer had envisioned, or had the opportunity over the last three months to get back to so many of Chopin’s have we become puppet-masters to willing subjects, merely pulling their strings to incredible masterpieces that I had played in the past, and to add some new ones satiate our own cravings for acceptance and validation? to my repertoire. The depth and variety of emotions that this music allows us to express as performers and to feel as listeners never fails to astonish and inspire me, Some other questions that I have been pondering: Does integrity matter if no one and this week was a great and personal reminder of why I’m so thankful as a pianist knows what it is? Do I even know what it is or have I been fooling myself into to spend my days in the company of such incredible statements of the human spirit. thinking that it is something tangible, quantifiable, and achievable? Who am I to tell an audience what they should enjoy? Can anyone play a simple melodic phrase without For me, these emotions were made even more visceral and immediate by the jerking it into incomprehensibility anymore? Does that kind of subtlety-free emoting recognition that this was to be my final competition. As the finale of the Chopin equate with sensitivity? Does any of this even matter? Concerto came to a close, I felt a great sense of joy and gratitude overwhelm me, partially brought on by the rousing finish that Chopin had so magnificently As for me, and perhaps this is a personal credo as I go forward into the next phase penned, and partially because all of the unforgettable moments of my past ten of my career, if I wished to be known for anything, I would hope to be thought of as years as a competitor came rushing back to me. Say what you will about the merit the type of artist that works to glorify the music that means so much to me. If I am of competitions, but they have given me the chance to travel to so many amazing not that now, then I consider it a personal failing and I wish to become it. When an places around the world, to meet some of my closest friends, and to play on many audience listens to me it is my hope that they would be exhilarated, not by me, but of the world’s greatest stages. Perhaps more importantly, they have afforded me by the music of the great composers who spilled their heart and soul on paper so the opportunity to stare down my biggest fears and emerge on the other side- that we could come to a communion with them and feel what they felt at that - sometimes victorious and sometimes not-- but always standing. And that is a moment of creation. priceless thing. That competitions are about the musician and not the music is understandable-- it comes with the territory. But this is the very thing that makes me feel most Musically, I leave the world of competitions more humbled, and in some ways more uncomfortable about them, and it is the thing that I will miss the least. As I hang confused than ever before. I grew up as a young musician thinking that there were up my competitive cleats for the final time, I look back with great fondness at the some objective truths to be had regarding the method of making good music, and moments I have had over the past decade, and I look forward with excitement to a for 20 years I have been meticulously taught to navigate the razor-thin boundary new chapter in my career and an opportunity for a new perspective on music-making. between artistry and selfish indulgence. But I now have years of experience

8 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Sponsor Highlight

The Chopin Foundation of the United States is honored to recognize Harvey and Roberta Chaplin for their generous support and in particular for sponsoring the Chopin for All Free Concert Series for many years. This concert series enriches the cultural lives of thousands every year – many who might not otherwise be able to attend such high quality classical music performances. Thank you Harvey and Roberta for all the good you do for our community. May your acts be an inspiration to many.

y the time that Harvey Chaplin graduated increasingly active in many causes, including from Brooklyn Boy’s High School in 1946, and the fine arts. he had already begun his career in the B In 2002, Harvey and Roberta married, and together wine and spirits industry as a part-time mailroom they have helped many thousands through their employee at Schenley Industries in Manhattan. extraordinary generosity. He eventually worked his way up the ladder to become assistant director of marketing at In addition to their tremendous support of the Schenley. In 1969, Mr. Chaplin joined Southern Chopin Foundation, Harvey and Roberta have been Wine & Spirits of America, along with other recognized and honored by many international founding executives. and national charities. Their indelible footprint has impacted the South Florida community, as they Prior to becoming its Chairman and CEO in 1994, have spread their generosity amongst many well- Mr. Chaplin served in numerous senior executive deserving organizations and philanthropies. roles running day-to-day operations of the Harvey & Roberta Chaplin company from 1969 to 1993. The Chaplins reside in Miami. He has three children – daughter Terry Jove and sons Paul, an orthopedic Roberta Chaplin is a native of Brooklyn, New doctor, and Wayne, who currently serves as the York’s Brighton Beach area. She graduated from President and CEO of Southern Wine & Spirits of Brooklyn College and began a career in interior “Do all the good you can America. Harvey is the proud grandfather of nine decorating. After moving to Florida in 1978, she grandchildren – Monica (Chaplin) Starosta, Katie, established a thriving commercial and residential To all the people you can, Elizabeth, David, Mark and Jennifer Chaplin; Scott, interior decorating consulting practice and became In every way you can. Ryan and Tyler Jove. As long as you can.” Harvey Chaplin

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 9 2015-2016

CHOPIN FOR ALL 2015-16 FREE Concert Series Presented by Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

All concerts are presented in two locations February 27 & 28, 2016 Saturdays at 3 PM Sundays at 3 PM TBA Broward County Main Library & Granada Presbyterian Church A finalist of the 2015 International Chopin 100 S. Andrews Ave 950 University Drive Competition in Warsaw, Poland. Fort Lauderdale Coral Gables

November 7 & 8, 2015 March 19 & 20, 2016 ERIC ZUBER A prize winner of the 2015 & 2010 HANA CHU National Chopin Piano Competition. Also Semi-finalist of the 2015 National Chopin Piano a major prize winner at the Cleveland, Competition & prize winner of the Korean Nationwide Rubinstein & other competitions. Music & New York International Piano Competitions.

December 5 & 6, 2015 GEORGE LI April 16 & 17, 2016 A prize winner of the 2015 National Young Pianists Concerts Chopin Piano Competition & Silver Selected local piano students in an all-Chopin program. Medalist of the 2015 Tchaikovsky Competition.

January 16 & 17, 2016 May 14 & 15, 2016 JOSHUA WRIGHT A prize winner of the 2015 National ERIC LU First Prize Winner of the 2015 National Chopin Chopin Piano Competition plus the Piano Competition Washington, Seattle & New York International Piano Competitions.

10 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Season of Winners

CHOPIN SALON CONCERTS CHOPIN AT KEY BISCAYNE Followed by wine reception & optional dinner March 6, 2016 at 5 pm 4:00 PM - La Gorce Country Club FREE Concert – Artist TBA 5685 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida Key Biscayne Community Center Salon Concerts with reception are FREE for Members 10 Village Green Way, Key Biscayne Non-Members are also welcome: $45 Elegant buffet dinner (wine & tip included) for only $55 Presented in partnership with the Village of Key Biscayne. Reservations required: (305) 868-0624

For more information or to reserve tickets, please call (305) 868-0624 November 22, 2015 or visit www.chopin.org Jon Nakamatsu Chopin Foundation of the United States 1995 winner of the National Chopin 1440 79th St. Causeway, Suite 117 Piano Competition & 1997 winner of Miami, FL 33141 the Van Cliburn

January 10, 2016 Krzysztof Jablonski Laureate of the 1985 International Chopin Competition & other prestigious competitions

March 13, 2016 1990 top winner of the National Chopin Piano Competition & International Chopin Competition

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 11 2015 Scholarship Recipients Chopin Prizes Awarded at the 2015 Music Teachers National Year 1 Association Piano Competition David Sacks, 15 The Chopin Foundation was once again pleased Valerie Narumi, 16 Amanda Mac, 15 Greenwich, CT Yorba Linda, CA to award the Chopin Prize at the MTNA Junior Concord, CA Stanford University Valencia High School and Senior Solo Piano Competitions. They were Northgate High School Online Piano Teachers, Dr. Piano Teacher, High School presented during the Annual MTNA Conference Grace Fong / Dr. Jed A. Galant Piano Teachers, held in Las Vegas, NV this past March. Dr. Ron Anderson Miyoko Lotto / Ursula Oppens

Year 2

Trenton Chang, 17 Christopher Richardson, 16 Logan, UT Lake Forest Park, WA Logan High School and Shorecrest High School Utah State University Piano Teacher, Youth Conservatory Duane Hulbert Piano Teacher, Gary Amano

Jessica Zhang, was awarded a Chopin Prize of $500 by the Chopin Foundation of the United States for the Best Chopin Performance by Junior Solo Piano. Pictured with Jessica is Evren Ozel, 16 John Schindler, 16 Lewis Zou, 15 Barbara Muze, Marketing/Development Manager of the Chopin Minneapolis, MN Hartland, WI Solon, OH Foundation of the United States, presenter, and Fei Xu, teacher. Walnut Hill School eAchieve Academy Solon High School for the Arts - Piano Teacher, Piano Teachers, Natick, MA Margarita Kontorovsky Emanuela Friscioni / Piano Teacher, Alvin Chow Wha Kyung Byun

Year 4

Michael Davidman, 18 Kadar Qian, 17 New York, NY Westford, MA Curtis Institute of Music Westford Academy Piano Teachers, Piano Teacher, Efrem Briskin / A Ramon Rivera Robert McDonald Daniel Eras was awarded a Chopin Prize of $1,000 by the Chopin Foundation of the United States for the Best Chopin Performance by Senior Solo Piano. Daniel moved to the United States from San José, Costa Rica, in 1996. He is a piano student of Alexander Braginsky.

12 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Scholarship Program for Young P ianists

Requirements, Repertoire and How to Apply - Online Applications Only! The purpose of the Chopin Foundation Scholarship Program is to support and encourage young, talented American pianists through up to four years of preparation for the National Chopin Piano Competition of the United States, which is held in Miami, Florida, every five years. Up to ten (10) renewable scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year on a competitive basis to outstanding young American pianists who demonstrate a special affinity for the interpretation of Frédéric Chopin’s music. In addition, the Scholarship may grant half-awards in the amount of $500 to qualified applicants. A half-award may be granted to an applicant only once during the four-year program.

Eligibility Procedure The Scholarship Program is open to all qualified American pianists (US citizens or As of 2015, all Scholarship applications must be submitted online. Please legal residents) not younger than 14 and not older than 17 years of age on May 15 visit the Chopin Foundation website, www.chopin.org for a link to the online of their first year of application. Scholarship application. PLEASE READ ALL ONLINE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION. The following are required and must be Renewal uploaded with the application: The scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient continues to study piano, maintains satisfactory academic progress, and each year 1 Statement of career goals. submits an application including a video recording of an unedited performance of 2 Two recommendations from piano teachers or professional piano performers. the Chopin works required for that year for evaluation. The Scholarship Committee The recommendation letters may be uploaded and submitted with your may accept an application of the returning applicant even if one year was skipped application; or they can be mailed directly to the Chopin Foundation – within the four-year period. Any applicant who was not awarded a scholarship postmarked on or before May 15; or emailed to [email protected] directly may reapply the following year, submitting a new recording of the music of his/her from the recommender, with a date on or before May 15. choice from the repertoire required for the year in which he/she was not accepted. 3 A video recording of Chopin’s works as required for Years 1 – 4 (listed Reapplication is allowed only once while in the Scholarship Program. previously), must be recorded in one session - but must be saved and Repertoire uploaded as separate files. For example, Year 1 applicants would upload Year 1: 2 Etudes, 2 , and your choice of: a Ballade or Barcarole in three files: one with the 2 Etudes, one with the 2 Nocturnes and one with the F-sharp Major Op. 60 or Fantasia in F Minor Op. 49 chosen piece. The recording must be of professional quality, but cannot be edited. Please label the uploaded files with the name of the piece(s) and the Year 2: 6 consecutive from Op. 28 played in order, 2 , edition used or you may upload the list of pieces and editions as a separate and 2 document in the optional upload area. Year 3: 1 Sonata and 1 of the following : Andante Spianato and Grand 4 Proof of current school enrollment/statement of being home-schooled. Polonaise in E-flat Major Op. 22 or Polonaise in F-sharp Minor Op. 44 or 5 Non-refundable $25.00 application fee. Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat Major Op. 61 6 Optional: Upload additional page(s) to list significant repertoire studied. Place Year 4: 1 of Chopin’s two Concertos – all movements - with orchestra or a an asterisk (*) by works performed in public. Include copies of programs/ 2nd piano reviews, if possible.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. For a link to the online application, please visit www.chopin.org. Applications, along with all attachments listed above, must be received by May 15th. Scholarships will be announced by July 15th. Please contact the Chopin Foundation with any questions: Phone: (305) 868-0624 • Web: www.chopin.org • Email: [email protected]

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 13 Chopin Foundation Council of San Francisco

his season has been a busy and successful In February 22, 2015, we enjoyed our annual Concert celebrating Chopin’s one for the San Francisco chapter. In birthday at the City’s venerable Old First Church. This year was a gala T December we had our traditional holiday celebration, a three-hour concert featuring ten of the Bay Area’s most concert and reception at the Queen Anne Hotel distinguished pianists, including Jacqueline Divenyi, Daniel Glover, Nancy (beautiful as always, its dark-paneled public room Lee Harper, Heidi Hau, Mack McCray, Corey McVicar, Gwendolyn Mok, full of amazing historical Christmas decorations), at Robert Schwartz, Hanson Tam and William Wellborn. which our 2014 Competition winners performed We are already looking forward to inviting one of the winners of the again. Joining them was San Francisco Conservatory National Chopin Competition to perform in San Francisco on February student Ning Zhou, from Shanghai, who has been 21, 2016. accepted into the 2015 preliminary round of the Warsaw Chopin Competition. Mack McCray, President

Birthday Concert Artists 2015 Chopin Young Pianists Competition Winners

Winners of the 2014 Chopin Young Pianists Competition after Annual Holiday Concert with members of the Board

On June 6 we had our nineteenth annual Chopin Young Pianists Competition. Francisco Conservatory in a Winners Concert in which they received their The Competition has become so popular and so big that we have had to diplomas, monetary awards, and a beautiful flower. They will perform again use two sets of judges to accommodate all the contestants in the three at the Chopin Christmas concert in December. categories. The winners performed the following evening at the San Winners of the 2015 Chopin Young Pianists Competition FIRST AGE CATEGORY (THROUGH 9) SECOND AGE CATEGORY (10-12) THIRD AGE CATEGORY (13-15) First Prize Ray Chen First Prize Leo Jergovic First Prize Andrew Semenza Second Prize Mia Kao Second Prize Dominic Pang Second Prize Cami Akioka Third Prize Katharine Vari Third Prize Gawon Choi Third Prize Leyla Kabuli Honorable Mention Mai Arai Honorable Mention Anna Guan Honorable Mention Andrew Lin Honorable Mention Alex Lin Honorable Mention Irene Geng

14 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Chopin Foundation Council of the Northwest

ur 2015 Chopin Festival attracted of Washington, Brechemin Auditorium the very next day and the Silver Medalists 147 children from 6 different states. performed in Kirkland, WA, two weeks later. Our very capable and passionate OWe awarded 13 Gold Medalists with board was ready to celebrate their artistry by showering them with medals, scholarships totaling over $1000, and one flowers and refreshments. Complete video performances of the Gold and Silver concerto winner the opportunity to perform with Medalists can be found at: www.chopinnw.org. Federal Way Symphony. We are also pleased to announce an addition of two board members: Dr. Yelena Our adjudicators this year were Dr. Jack Winerock, Balabanova, a Steinway Artist, and Kurt Kolb, a pianist and one of the founders Nancy Weems and Dr. Judith Widrig. They judged of University of Washington Presidential Piano Series Concerts. Along with new over 25 combined hours at the beautiful Bellevue board members from 2014, Dr. Hanna Cyba and Dr. Adam Aleksander, our Presbyterian Church in three different auditoriums. Northwest Chopin board has no shortage of brilliant minds and wonderful hearts. The Gold Medalists performed at the University Allan Park, President 2015 NW Chopin Festival winners: Division A (ages 9 and under) Division D (ages 16-18) Gold Medalists: Constantina Tsang, Alison Tan, Catherine Chong Gold Medalists: Andrew Barnwell, Christopher Son Richardson, Jason Dan Silver Medalists: Andre Ye, Jerry Li, Mia Chen Silver Medalists: Kyler Schubkegel, Val Wold, Micah Hollen, Kennadi Hawes Division B (ages 10-12) Division E (ages 19 and up) Gold Medalists: Edward Zhang, Eashan Vagish, Adrian King Gold Medalists: Hyun Su Seo Silver Medalists: Daniel Chen, Dora-Ziyan Chen, Alex Zhang, Jaden Zhang, Daniella Tsang, Silver Medalists: Chelsea Bloomberg, Mari Okamoto Allyson Kim, Anna Wang, Paige Everling, Sandy Huang, Kaia Burgos, Nicole Yang, Jeremy Lin Division F (Concerto & Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise) Division C (ages 13-15) Winner to Perform with Federal Way Symphony: Christopher Son Richardson Gold Medalists: Shannon Cassady, Bryan Zhao, Stephen Binondo Alternate: Millicent McFall Silver Medalists: Andrew Ma, Mya King, Alex Camai, Emily Pan, Jenna Everard, Honorable Mention: Frederick Huyan Emily Kim, Ariel Stiber, Casey Sim, Lauren Yoon, Preston Lee

Our next Festival will take place on January 23, 2016. As always, we plan to award Adjudicators for the 2016 competition are Dr. Jeffrey Biegel from Brooklyn gold and silver medals in each age category, and select the winner of the Concerto College, Dr. Rachelle McCabe from Oregon State University and Dr. Milica Division, who will perform with the Orchestra Seattle, Clinton Smith conducting. Jelaca Jovanovic from Western Washington University.

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 15 Chopin Foundation Council of the Southwest

Our main event of the Fall 2015 season was a concert by the winner of he Southwest Council of the Chopin the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition, Eric Lu, who will soon be Foundation of the United States was competing in the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland T founded in 2014, and held its inaugural beginning in October. took place on Sunday August 30, 2015 concert on December 6, 2014 in Agoura Hills, at the historic South Pasadena Library with a full house including film, California. The concert featured The Rice fashion, music, and arts celebrities and esteemed guests such as the Consul Brothers, performing an all Chopin recital titled for Culture, Science, Education and Polish Community, Ignacy Zarski, who “Chopin’s Heart, Your Heart.” Stacey Medina following the introductory words of Christopher Onzol, President of the and Anjey Mossakowski acted as masters of Southwest Council, graciously outlined the meaning and historic significance ceremony and introduced the organization and of the International Chopin Piano Competition. its directors to the audience. Chris Onzol, President Since then, members of the board have participated in Polish cultural events throughout Southern California, hosted by other Polish-American organizations in an effort to promote our new organization and establish connections for future cooperation. In the first months of our existence we focused on building membership and trying to establish a series of events, such as house concerts, media presentations, lectures, and an annual festival to promote young talents.

L-R order: Christopher Onzol, Katarzyna Pytlarczyk , Eric Lu, Consul Ignacy Zarski , Maja Trochimczyk, Director, Polish Music Center

Mr. Lu delighted the audience with 31 Chopin works. His performance was followed by a standing ovation, including high praise from many well- known pianists and pedagogues from the Los Angeles area. Excerpts and interviews from the concert were filmed by the Road 28 Productions team for a news segment on TV Polonia 24. Please stay tuned for news about future happenings and we hope to see you at our next event. For additional information please visit www.chopinswcouncil.com Johnny & Chris Rice

16 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Our Sponsors The Chopin Foundation’s programs are sponsored in part by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami- Dade County Mayor and the Board of Commissioners; the City of Coral Gables; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council of Arts and Culture; numerous generous individuals; and the following:

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 17 XV11 International Fryderyk Chopin P iano Competition

Warsaw, Poland Held under Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland Presented by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute

Competition Calendar Competition Jury October 1 – 23, 2015 Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron, Chair National Philharmonic Hall, Warsaw The competition sessions will be broadcast Dmitri Alexeev live at http://chopincompetition2015.com Martha Argerich Dang Thai Son Akiko Ebi October 1, 8 pm Inaugural Concert, Martha Argerich, Nelson Goerner & Warsaw Philippe Entremont Philharmonic Orchestra, Jacek Kasprzyk, conductor Nelson Goerner October 2, 6 pm Inaugural Concert, Garrick Ohlsson, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Andrzej Jasinski and Male Choir, Wojciech Rajski, conductor Garrick Ohlsson October 3 - 7 First Stage Janusz Olejniczak October 9-12 Second Stage Piotr Paleczny October 14-16 Third Stage Ewa Pobłocka October 17, 8 pm Celebrations marking the 166th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin’s John Rink death. Mozart Requiem, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, Wojciech Switała Jacek Kasprzyk, conductor; Holy Cross Church, Warsaw Dina Yoffe October 18-20, 6 pm Finals Yundi Li

October 21 Winners’ Concert October 22 Second Winners’ Concert October 23 Third Winners’ Concert

18 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 The International Federation of Chopin Societies First Conference of Chopin Competitions in the World

The International Federation of Chopin Societies was established Warsaw/Radziejowice, Poland, April 21 through 23, 2015 in 1985 in Zelazowa Wola, Poland, the birthplace of Frédéric Chopin, as a global organization representing Chopin Societies Organized by The Fryderyk Chopin Institute (NIFC), this meeting was from all over the world. Since 1989 the Federation has been a the first opportunity for the organizers of the Chopin competitions from part of the International Music Council, which is a member of all over the world to meet and discuss issues concerning their programs. UNESCO. More than 15 competitions from 13 countries (and four continents) were represented at the conference. Three other organizations (including The Board of the Federation is elected by the General Assembly for a five- the Alink-Argerich Foundation) were guests at the assembly. year term. During the conference, participants had the chance to present Current Board of Directors information on their respective competitions, as well as to become President: Theodor Kanitzer (Austria - Vienna) familiar with the activities, achievements and problems of the other participants. The conference was held in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which fostered the exchange of ideas and a willingness to Vice-Presidents: Ivan Klansky (Czech Rep.- Marianskie Laznie) cooperate across the borders. Antoine Paszkiewicz (France - Paris)

General Secretary: Elzbieta Artysz (Poland - Warsaw)

Treasurer: Andrzej Merkur (Poland - Duszniki)

Members of the Board: Rosa C. Ferra (Spain - Valdemosa) Jadwiga Gewert (USA - Miami) Kazimierz Gierzod (Poland - Warsaw) Sookie Schober (Germany - Hannover) Ilse Schwarz Schiller (Germany - Taunus Oberursel) Horoyuki Takashima (Japan - Tokyo) The NIFC was represented by its Director, Dr. Artur Szklener, Deputy Director, Dr. Wojciech Marchwica, Coordinator of the International Chopin Competition, Mr. Jerzy Michniewicz, and the VIP Coordinator, Mrs. Monika Strugala. All participants shared a desire to intensify collaboration among the Chopin competitions, facilitate information exchanges and create a worldwide Chopin competition system under the leadership of The Fryderyk Chopin Institute. The Chopin Competition Conference will provide a platform for such a system and for teamwork among its membership. Delegates attending the meeting of IFCS in Torun, Poland, May 2015, with local government officials

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 19 Master Class Weekends

Jon Nakamatsu Krzysztof Jablonski Kevin Kenner Margarita Shevchenko Agustin Anievas FEATURING THE JURORS OF THE 2015 NATIONAL CHOPIN PIANO COMPETITION

The Chopin Foundation of the United States is offering a new Chopin Master Class Expenses program for young pianists (ages 17-25) within the 2015-2016 season in Miami. A registration fee of $400 covers three days of master classes, including The proposed program will consist of three Master Class Weekends, each including lunches. It also includes the cost of the concert and a post-concert dinner at a concert by one of the jurors of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition: the La Gorce Country Club. Participants will be housed by host families in the Miami area. If host families are not available/not desired, local hotels will be November 21 - 23, 2015 – Jon Nakamatsu suggested, in which case participants would be responsible for housing costs. January 9 - 11, 2016 – Krzysztof Jablonski Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from Miami, as well as March 12 - 14, 2016 – Kevin Kenner local transportation. The above mentioned pianists will be a part of that respective weekend’s Master Application deadlines Class, along with two other jurors, Margarita Shevchenko and Agustin Anievas. The October 1, 2015 for November 21 - 23 weekend three-day sessions would give every participant an opportunity to study with these great internationally acclaimed master musicians. November 15, 2015 for January 9 - 11, 2016 weekend January 15, 2016 for March 12 - 14, 2016 weekend During the pilot year of this program, only five young pianists will be accepted for each Master Class Weekend. In keeping with the Foundation’s mission, preference Please submit a letter of application via email to [email protected] including the will be given to American pianists (born or naturalized). Participants will be selected names of piano teachers and the number of years studied. Include your age, on a first-come, first-served basis. place of birth, citizenship status, and schools attending/attended. Please also list the 5 pieces you wish to perform and a paragraph stating how you hope to This project will focus exclusively on the music of Frederic Chopin, and especially benefit from the Master Class Weekend. on the program required for the National and International Chopin Piano Competitions. Participants will choose up to five pieces from the repertoire of For more information contact the Chopin Foundation at (305) 868-0624 or by the 2015 Chopin Competition to play during the Master Class Weekend. Every email to [email protected] participant will be guaranteed one hour with each of the teachers.

Day One: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Teacher: Agustin Anievas MORE GOOD NEWS! Day Two: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Teacher: Margarita Shevchenko; We are pleased to welcome Kevin Kenner to Miami! 4:00 PM – Concert & dinner An internationally acclaimed pianist and top prize winner of the 1990 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Kenner is joining Day Three: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Teacher: Jon Nakamatsu / the faculty of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Krzysztof Jablonski / Kevin Kenner

20 // POLONAISE FALL 2015 Contributions DONATION FORM Please be generous and join us in our mission YES, I want to help talented, young musicians!

The Chopin Foundation of the United States, Inc., is a national non-profit Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of: $______organization headquartered in Miami, FL, and dedicated, since 1977, to the support of young American rising-star classical musicians through scholarships, Please apply my donation to: performance opportunities and international exchange programs. The Foundation also offers these talented young pianists a chance to compete l General Programming l Endowment Fund in the National Chopin Piano Competition of the USA, held in Miami every l Competition Fund l Scholarship Fund five years. The Chopin Foundation is committed to making classical music In Memory of ______accessible to ALL by presenting a FREE Concert Series in two locations in l South Florida. Our mission is carried out on the West Coast by councils in San Please make check payable to: The Chopin Foundation Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles. The Chopin Foundation is a member of the National Music Council and the International Federation of Chopin Societies. NAME: ______

With your support, young talented American artists will receive the COMPANY: ______encouragement they need and the recognition they deserve. Thanks to your generosity, the music of Frédéric Chopin will be kept alive, enriching our lives ADDRESS: ______and preparing new generations of classical music lovers. CITY: ______STATE: ______ZIP: ______

HOME PHONE#: ______

EVENING PHONE#: ______

What Your Contribution Helps Fund E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______

• National Chopin Piano Competition of the USA Mail to: • Chopin for All FREE Concert Series in South Florida Chopin Foundation of the United States 1440 79th St. Causeway, Suite 117 • Four-year Scholarship Program for Young American Pianists, ages 14-17 Miami, FL 33141 • Winners Exchange Program with European counterparts To donate by credit card, please visit www.chopin.org • Semi-annual Polonaise magazine, sent to all major music schools and or call (305) 868-0624 for more information. music teachers across the USA; Chopin Societies around the world; our Scholarship Recipients, Young Pianists and Competition Applicants; and Please contact me about: our Members. l In-kind contribution l Planned Giving l Estate Planning l Volunteering

Donations to the Chopin Foundation of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Foundation is a non-profit corporation qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

POLONAISE FALL 2015 // 21 CHOPIN FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 PAID Miami, Florida 33141 MIAMI, FLORIDA PERMIT NO. 573