Last weekend, as the Winner of the Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum (MMTF) Mozart Concerto Competition, Andre Peck (13), gave an absolutely stunning performance of the 2nd and 3rd movements of Mozart's Concerto in C Major, K. 467. Performed for a large audience at St. Albert The Great Church in south Minneapolis, Andre's slow movement was a model of beauty with the melody floating in a serene stream above the orchestral counterpoint. His daredevil and thrilling (yet masterfully controlled) 3rd movement drove the audience to a fever pitch which exploded in a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation. This latest potent performance of Andre's gives further evidence of a burgeoning major talent. He is one to watch.
Happening at the same time this past weekend, Deling Chen (16), performed the first movement of Beethoven's Concerto No. 1 in C Major in the Finals of the La Crosse Symphony Rising Stars Competition. This is a very unusual and rather special regional competition as the 3 selected finalists are presented by the orchestra in a prestigious subscription concert. This event, held at the Concert Hall of Viterbo University, was supported by a very enthusiastic community of music lovers giving such a rare opportunity to high school students of all instruments. Deling was the only pianist selected for the finals which included a cellist and a violinist. This was Deling's first performance with orchestra and it was a very satisfying foray into a major concert setting. She performed with her signature warmth, enthusiasm, and her very special ability to "draw in" the audience to the work at hand. She received a very enthusiastic response from the audience receiving ultimately the Bronze Award (3rd Place).
Last but not least, our great Will Gannon (17), performed in the finals of the Schubert Club Competition held Saturday at Landmark Center. One of the most prestigious and challenging regional competitions in the country, Will played magnificently. He performed the finale of Beethoven's Sonata in D Major, Opus 10, No. 3, and the stupendously difficult Liszt Transcendental Etude No. 8, Wilde Jagd ("Wild Chase"). Will was awarded Third Place with his greatest performance of the
Liszt to date. We were deeply satisfied with his performance.
More later . . .
Yours in Music -
Joe & Jo Anne