Winners: The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo), 2021

The American Prize wishes everyone safety and health during this difficult time.

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David (Volosin) Katz, founder and chief judge, is honored to announce the winners, runners-up, citation recipients and honorable mentions of The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo), 2021, in professional, college/university, community and high school divisions. Congratulations!

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog. Please use the chronological tool in the right-hand column to find specific results.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com

COVID EXTENSIONS to APPLY for 2022: Because of the current national and international situation, many rules have been changed and requirements eased to make it easier to apply for The American Prize, 2022. In addition, application deadlines have been extended with further extensions available by email request. 

We will accept applications from COMPOSERS, CLASSICAL VOCALISTS, PIANISTS, CHAMBER ENSEMBLES and INSTRUMENTAL SOLOISTS will be accepted until Tuesday, June 22, 2021. 

Applications from CONDUCTORS, STAGE DIRECTORS, CONDUCTED ENSEMBLES, ARTS ADMINISTRATORS (arts marketing, arts education) in the performance of American Music (BACON AWARD) and in the new category of VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE will be accepted until Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Visit theamericanprize.org for complete contest information.

The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo), 2021, (professional division)

The American Prize winner:
Liana Paniyeva    
Quincy MA  

Liana Paniyeva    

Liana Paniyeva has won prizes in numerous competitions internationally and has performed at festivals in Norway, Hungary, Austria, Canada, England, Italy, South Africa, and Israel. Her recitals have taken her to Carnegie Hall, legendary Worcester's Mechanics Hall, the Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago, to note highlights. Ms. Paniyeva has been a prizewinner in numerous international competitions including: "Iowa International Piano Competition” in 2015, "George Gershwin International Competition” in 2019, Grand Prize at the "Metropolitan International Piano Competition", "in Memory of E. Gilels", “Music World” in Italy, the Cargill Foundation Prize in the 2014 Scottish International Piano Competition in Glasgow, prize in memory of Bracha Eden for a most impressive performance during the competition "The Voice of Music" Jerusalem, "Golden Era of Romantic Music.” Hailed by the New York Concert Review as "Ms. Paniyeva impresses this listener right away as a sensitive player.” Her solo recital in 2016 at the Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago was broadcast live on WFMT Radio. A graduate of the Donetsk Music Academy in Ukraine, she earned her Professional Studies Diploma from the Manhattan School of Music and an Artist Diploma from The Hartt School of the University of Hartford. Ms. Paniyeva is a founder and artistic director of the Young Stars International Piano Competition. 


2nd Place:
Chi-Chen Wu    
Laramie WY  

Chi-Chen Wu    

Praised by Fanfare Magazine for her “astonishing” and “poetic piano playing” and “symphonic, expansive texture of breathless virtuosity” (Historical Keyboard Society), pianist Chi-Chen Wu has appeared as recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Aspen Music Festival, among others. Musicians and conductors with whom she has concertized include Karl-Heinz Steffens, Gil Rose, Jonathan McPhee, Zuill Bailey, and members of the Juilliard String Quartet. American Record Guide chooses her recording of Schumann duo sonatas as one of the top recordings, and recommends its reader to “Stick with Kremer and Argerich (Nov/Dec 1987) or DiEugenio and Wu (Sept/Oct 2015) for more enthusiastic performances.” This recording received two gold medals from the Global Music Awards. It was also named in the Top 10 "Best Classical Recordings of 2015" by The Big City, New York. Chi-Chen’s newest album of Schumann Fantasie and Carnaval has won a silver medal and Best Classical Album from the same competition.  Website: http://www.ccwPiano.com 


3rd Place:
Leah Kang    
Urbana IL  

Leah Kang    

Leah Kang is a musician of diverse interests who studied biology at UCLA prior to pursuing professional music studies. She has performed in Germany, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, and across the United States. Her performance as a winner of the Siegfried Weishaupt International Piano Competition was broadcast on SWR of Germany. She has been featured with the Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra, Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra, and the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra. Leah has held faculty positions at Antelope Valley College and Citrus College, served as Associate Instructor of Music Theory at Indiana University and as a teaching assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Leah earned her MM and Diploma from IU, studying with Arnaldo Cohen, and her DMA from UW Madison with Christopher Taylor. As a two time recipient of the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst fellowship, Leah conducted research as a visiting scholar at the Beethoven-Haus and has presented at various international conferences commemorating Beethoven's 250th anniversary.   www.leahkang.com

Finalist—Special Judges' Citation: "Championing the Music of Marc Chan"
Ann DuHamel    
Morris MN

Ann DuHamel    

Pianist Ann DuHamel’s performances have been described as poetic and “… a delight for the ears and the soul” (Encuentro Universitario Internacional de Saxofón, Mexico City). She’s performed in 16 countries on 4 continents, including concerts at Sala Verdi in Milan, Italy; Trinity College in Oxford, England; and Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in New York. She has served as Head of Keyboard Studies at the University of Minnesota Morris for over a decade. In demand as a collaborative pianist, Ann has performed chamber music with members of both the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, as well as with Martha Councell-Vargas, flute; Preston Duncan, saxophone; and Clara Presser, mezzo-soprano.  Her latest project, “Prayers for a Feverish Planet,” expands and revolutionizes the modern piano recital. Featuring new works about the climate crisis, this music asks urgent questions of the listener: How can our actions create positive change for the environment? How can we live more mindfully and conscientiously as global citizens? More at: annduhamel.com.

Finalist—Special Judges' Citation: "Championing the Music of Curt & Charles Cacioppo"
Bruce Leto jr.    
North Hampton NH 

Bruce Leto jr.    

As a prize-winner in scholastic (Dora Khyatt), collegiate (Bi-Co Concerto Competition), national (West Chester National Piano Competition), and international (Quebec International Music Competition) piano adjudications, Bruce Leto’s music tenure has allowed him to perform in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, New York, and Italy. During his collegiate years, Leto’s piano study under Linda de Pasquale and Curtis Cacioppo led to his acceptance at the Chautauqua Music Festival and the Orfeo International Music Festival where he studied in 2011 under Vladimir Koklov’s supervision.

Finalist Honorable Mention
Elina Christova    
Norwalk CT

Elina Christova    

A versatile pianist with an affinity for modern and contemporary music, Elina Christova has been lauded by critics for her “deeply considered interpretations,” “facile pianism,” and “sure musical instincts.” In 2019 she recorded Scriabin’s ten piano sonatas at Oktaven Audio in NY. The double album is scheduled for release in Fall 2020.  Elina most recently performed at Carnegie Hall, Ignacio Cervantes Hall in Havana, Union College Memorial Chapel in Schenectady, and The National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria. She has studied with Hans Graf at the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna, Jenny Zaharieva at the National Music Academy in Sofia, and Herman Ulhorn at the University of the Arts in Utrecht. In 1996 she moved to New York as a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Master’s and Doctoral Degree from Manhattan School of Music where she graduated from the studio of Dr. Solomon Mikowsky.  www.elinachristova.com

Finalist Honorable Mention
Yoon-Wha Roh    
Pullman WA 

Yoon-Wha Roh    

(Website: www.yoonwharoh.com) Pianist Yoon-Wha Roh has been appearing as a celebrated soloist with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, New Jersey Garden State Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, and New York Classical Symphony Orchestra. She has also been featured in Korean monthly music magazines, and , for her orchestra performances and interviews. She has won awards and special prizes from Manhattan International Music Competition, National Artists Competition, Piano Texas Concerto Competition, and Hakata Fukuoka International Piano Competition among others.   Other notable performances have been presented at the Carnegie Weil Recital Hall, Lincoln Center Bruno Walter Auditorium, Seoul Arts Center IBK and Recital Hall, New York Steinway Hall, Jordan Hall, and Barnes Hall in Cornell University. Roh holds Doctor of Music in Piano Performance and Literature from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She recently joined Washington State University as Faculty Artist Teacher of Piano.

Finalist Honorable Mention
Heidi Louise Williams  
Tallahassee FL  

Heidi Louise Williams  

Praised by New York critic Harris Goldsmith for her ‘impeccable soloistic authority’ and ‘dazzling performances,’ American pianist Heidi Louise Williams has appeared in solo and collaborative performances across North America and internationally, having won numerous awards. An ardent promoter of new music, Williams has worked with many distinguished American composers, including Carlisle Floyd, Ned Rorem, John Harbison, Augusta Read Thomas, Chen Yi, James Primosch, Daniel Crozier, Ladislav Kubík, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. Her Albany Records solo album Drive American was named among the top 10 classical albums of 2011 in the Philadelphia City Paper, featured in Fanfare’s 2012 Critics’ Want Lists, and described as ‘veritably operatic,’ ‘bold yet thoughtful,’ ‘provocative and stimulating’ (Fanfare), possessing ‘the muscularity and poetic power to bring this demanding repertory to life’ (American Record Guide). Her 2018 release on Albany Records with soprano Mary Mackenzie, entitled Vocalisms, features American songs and cycles by Crozier, Harbison, Primosch, and Rorem. Her playing has been published in the Modern Classical American Songbook, Volume 1, and is also featured on the Naxos and Neos labels. Williams joined the College of Music piano faculty at Florida State University in 2007. She completed her BM, MM, and DMA degrees at the Peabody Institute, where she studied with Ann Schein and coached chamber music with Earl Carlyss, Samuel Sanders, Stephen Kates, and Robert McDonald. For more information, visit www.heidilouisewilliams.com 
 

The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo), 2021, (college/university division)

The American Prize winner:
Jen-Hao Yeh    
New York NY   

Jen-Hao Yeh    

Jen-Hao Yeh, born in 1998 in Taipei, Taiwan (R. O. C.), is a pianist who had graduated from two of the top music gifted classes in Taiwan at the Jr. High Division of Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University and Sr. High School of Zhong-zheng Senior High School. He is currently studying with Prof. Alexandre Moutouzkine at Manhattan School of Music. He recently has won several international competitions such as the First Prize of Glissando International Youth Piano Competition, the Third Prize of XI Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, CT, the Second Prize of Quebec Music Competition (International Online) and the Second Prize of World Piano E-Competition “Napolinova.”


2nd Place:
Yera Kim     
State College PA

Yera Kim     

Yera Kim is a DMA student in piano performance from the studio of Prof. Guzman at Penn State University. She got her bachelor’s degree from Chung-Ang University with the highest honors and master’s degree from Baylor University, Texas. She received the top prizes in competitions including Texas Semper Pro Musica Competition, Texas Young Artist Competition, and Chung-Ang University Concerto Competition. She also received the Roger L. Keys Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in Piano and full master’s scholarships at Baylor University. She has nominated Excellence in Academic Record Award at Chung-Ang University. She has studied or been coached with Christopher Guzman and Krassimira Jordan. Her most recent performances included recitals at Carnegie Weil Recital Hall, NY, and Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC. Her performance was nominated by the Korean Culture and Arts Council. She has been also invited to present her recital in the National Performing Arts Center in Korea. She has been chosen as a second-place winner of the American Protege International Piano Competition 2020 and will have the winners recital at Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in December 2020.

3rd Place (there was a tie):
Bogyeong Lee  

Iowa City IA

Bogyeong Lee  

Bogyeong Lee is native Korean, started playing piano at the age of six. Her musical talent soon blossomed when she was admitted to the Incheon Korean Educational Center for Gifted Children. Later on, she pursued studying piano at the Incheon Arts High School and the College of Music of Dankook University. Miss Lee was proud to be admitted, and graduate, as a top fellowship student - receiving magna cum laude from both institutions. She also earned a Master of Music Degree, studying with professor Emile Naoumoff, at the Jacobs School of Music in Indiana University with Graduate Tuition Award and Artistic Excellence Fellowship. Currently, she is pursuing her DMA degree under Dr. Nosikova Ksenia at the University of Iowa School of Music, while holding the position of Teaching Assistant of piano as well. 

3rd Place (there was a tie):
Junwen Liang 

State College PA

Junwen Liang 

Junwen Liang, a native of China, earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Ithaca College and a Masters of Music degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Junwen has performed in major cities in China, Canada and the United States. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, as well as in public broadcast as soloist to perform Prokofiev Third Piano Concerto with Ithaca College Orchestra on WSKG radio in New York. Junwen has participated in the Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy, Orford Musique, Art of the Piano at CCM and Aspen Music Festival, and has won major prizes in the New York International Piano Competition, Naftzger Young Artist Award Competition and Crescendo International Music Competition. Junwen is currently pursuing his Doctoral of Musical Arts degree at Penn State, where he serves as Graduate Assistant in Piano and studies with Christopher Guzman. 

Finalist Honorable Mention

Changhee Lee

Montreal QC

Changhee Lee

Changhee Lee is currently pursuing a doctorate of music in piano performance at the Université de Montréal under the tutelage of Jean Saulnier. He earned his MM and BM degrees also in piano performance from the Eastman School of Music as a student of Douglas Humpherys. He is passionate about keyboard improvisation and has taught musicianship courses at the Université de Montréal, McGill University, and Eastman. For more information, please visit changheemusic.com.

Finalist Honorable Mention
Haoyue Liang

Denton TX

Haoyue Liang

Haoyue Liang graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music,where she studied with Keng Zhou, then continued working for his Master’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Jon Nakamatsu, and for his Doctor Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of North Texas with Vladimir Viardo. As a concert pianist, he has performed both in China and the United States. Additionally, he has won the following prizes in National and International: the silver medalist in the second Deutscher Irmler-Klavierwettbewerb, and Second Prize in the Third Asia Kawai Piano Competition in Shanghai division.

The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo), 2021, (community division)

The American Prize winner:
Michael Shui   
Tempe AZ

Michael Shui   

Michael started playing piano at eight, and has found it fascinating throughout his learning process. He has given performances in Asia, Europe and North America. He was also invited to play at piano masterclasses by the world’s renowned pianists like Menahem Pressler, Sofya Gulyak and Tomislav Baynov. He wishes classical music would receive more attention in the world and more people would appreciate the greatness of the composers. Michael now resides in Arizona, USA.


2nd Place:
Luisa Kay Reyes 
Tuscaloosa AL

Luisa Kay Reyes 

Luisa Kay Reyes enjoys delving in all aspects of the arts.  She was a soloist ballerina in college.  And she loves to play the piano.  She started off as a double-major in piano and mathematics in undergrad and was described as a warm lyrical pianist, but much to her chagrin she opted to just major in mathematics.  She also sings opera with some of her favorite arias being those written by Puccini.  And she has been published extensively in various literary magazines and anthologies. 

3rd Place:
Karen Salicath Jamali
Winter Park FL

Karen Salicath Jamali

Karen Salicath Jamali is a multi award-winning composer, pianist, and American artist, painter, sculptor and photographer for the last 30 years, living and working in NYC & Florida / BMI member. But it wasn’t until an accident that caused a head injury and a near-death experience that Karen started to play music. Previously unable to play the piano, the head injury amazingly opened up a new world for Karen, and she began to play beautiful and meditative music. The music will put the listener into a relaxed state of consciousness. The accident that occurred in 2012 and after a long recovery in 2015, she began to hear music in her dreams and decided to record & play what she was experiencing. After 5 years of playing the result are 7 beautiful Albums & 2000+ music compositions and more than a million listeners. She just released  her new album "Sound of Angels" in collaboration with Orpheus Classical. She have also preformed solo 7 times in Carnegie Hall. For more info please vist www.KJAMALImusic.com

The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo), 2021, (high school division)

The American Prize winner:
Jeslyn Zhu Cai    
Spokane WA

Jeslyn Zhu Cai    

Jeslyn Zhu Cai is both an accomplished pianist and a violinist.  As a pianist, she was the 3rd place winner of the Berlin Rising Star Grand Prix International Competition in Germany, and the 2nd place winner of the National MTNA Performance Competition.  As a violinist, she was a finalist of the HPS Carnegie Orchestra Competition both in New York and at the Royal Albert Hall in London.  She is also a winner of the Vivaldi violin concerto competition.  Her piano teachers are Karlyn Brett and Dr. Peter Mack.  She studies the violin with Jan Coleman.


2nd Place:
Natalie Chow

Livingston NJ

Natalie Chow

Natalie Chow, age 15, began studying piano at age 5 and currently studies with concert pianist Beatrice Long.   Natalie established herself early as a young artist through a myriad of competitions. She was selected by audition to perform in the JCC Sylvia and Jacob Handler Master Class given by New York Philharmonic pianist Jonathan Feldman at 6 and made her Carnegie Hall debut at 7.  Her recent accomplishments include 2019-2020 National YoungArts winner in Classical Music, first-prize finishes in the Music Educators Association of NJ Concerto Competition, the VIVO International Music Competition, the Princeton Steinway Society Classical Competition, the NJ Federation of Music Clubs Piano Competition, as well as second prize in the  Camerata Artists International Music Competition and the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA) NJ senior piano competition. In addition, she is a scholarship award recipients in the NFMC Claire Ulrich Whitehurst and the Suburban Music Study Club Grace Gimbel Competition. 

3rd Place:
Amy Liu

Setauket NY

Amy Liu

Amy Liu, 16, is a junior at Ward Melville High School on Long Island, New York. She began her piano studies at the age of five. She currently studies with Nina Svetlanova at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division. She is a three-time All-State pianist. Amy has attended numerous summer festivals and programs over the years. In 2015, Amy participated in the Stony Brook International Piano Festival, while in 2016 and 2017 she was a student at the Indiana University Piano Academy at the Jacobs School of Music. Most recently, in 2018 and 2019, Amy attended the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Piano Program. In her spare time, Amy giving back to her community through music. She has performed in community outreach recitals at hospitals, assisted living centers, libraries, art galleries, and churches. Amy also organizes free music lessons for young students in her community.

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Congratulations!