There is something about Andre . . .

Yes, I borrowed this enigmatic statement from Andre’s father. And it is true! There is something about Andre. Jo Anne’s dad used to describe it as the X factor. Just as in music itself, one cannot explain it in words. It has a mystical, spiritual, non-discursive element that can only be felt - be experience - by a sixth sense. Our beloved teacher, Martin Marks, used to say that “some have it and some don’t” with a twinkle in his eye knowing darn well that HE had it in droves! This, I believe, is why a very notable international pianist described André at Piano Texas as somehow “a cut above the rest”.

Andre has grown exponentially over this astonishing year. I actually have lost count, but I believe Andre performed at one period this season 12-13 weekends in a row - recitals, concertos, auditions, recordings - etc., etc. Because of all of these performances, this year in particular has built him into a monumental performer. He has achieved amazing power, brilliance, beauty, and conviction. In other words - he has found his voice. He is “at home” in his own musical skin. This has profound implications for his future pianism.

Andre presented full recitals at The Rosemary and Meredith Wilson Harmony for the Mayo Clinic’s Concert Series in Rochester; The Salon se Leve Concert Series in Minneapolis; pre-concert recitals for both the Minnesota Orchestra as a music ambassador as well as the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. Andre gave an enormous benefit recital for the “Save our Steinways Fund” for Viterbo University. As a Semi-finalist for the 2nd year in a row at the International Young Artist Concerto Competition in Chicago, Andre performed with the Seen Worldwide Orchestra at Chicago’s fable Symphony Center. As a 3-time winner of the Piano Texas International Festival & Academy Concerto Competition, Andre performed for the 2nd time with the world-class Fort Worth Symphony at stunning Van Cliburn Hall on the TCU campus. He performed the 1st movement of Rachmaninov’s Concerto No. 1 (more on this later). He has been invited to this world renowned festival & academy an unprecedented 5 years in a row.

As the Winner, First Prize of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Young Artist Concerto Competition, Andre was awarded a performance with this wonderful orchestra (and great conductor) at the renowned Concerts on the Square of the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds in Madison. The vast throng numbered in the tens of thousands. As a result of winning the Golden Valley Orchestra Young Artists Competition, Andre will appear with the orchestra in October again playing Rachmaninov’s Concerto No. 1. Remarkably, Andre has been engaged by the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra to perform the Prokofiev Concerto No. 1 in D-flat Major. It is fiendishly difficult - unremitting in its musical and technical complexities. The concert will take place in December at a regularly scheduled Subscription Concert!

In addition to all of this, Andre was the Winner, First Prize of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Young Artist Competition - Senior Level, State Division. He was also the Winner, 2nd Prize of both the Minnesota Orchestra Concerto Competition and the Mankato Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition.

What an extraordinary season for an extraordinary young artist. Way to go, my dear Sir Andre! There is something about you!

Yours in Music -

Joe & Jo Anne