André Previn Peck took Second Place in The St. Paul Piano Teachers (SPPTA) Concerto Competition last Saturday! André just turned eleven years old and has been a member of our Premier Class just since last January. He is the youngest member of our studio to ever score so high up in this respected, long-standing, and rewarding event. He performed the first movement of Mozart’s great Concerto in C Major, K. 467, including the stupendously difficult and complex cadenza by Dinu Lipatti. Andre is a resident of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Until the pandemic hit, he made the five-hour-plus round trip every week for his lessons. André will be added to our Student Showcase Page very shortly.
Our great William Gannon (15) – who is also new to our studio just since last January - was awarded Fourth Place in the same event. Will performed the first movement of Chopin’s masterpiece, Concerto No. 1 in E minor. With his MTNA State Alternate award earlier this fall, Will is off to a strong start at the beginning of his first full year with us.
Both young men received rave reviews from the three judges.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the competition was a virtual event.
For those new to our studio, our wonderful Orion Kim was the First Place Winner in last year’s event. As a result, he was awarded an appearance with the Mississippi Valley Orchestra, conducted by Ho-Yin Kwok. Orion performed the first movement of the Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Opus 22.
More later!
Yours in Music –
Joe & Jo Anne
