The positive power of competitions: it is about providing artistic development, educational enhancement, scholarships, seminars, master classes and performance opportunities

American Music Teacher, April-May, 2003 by Melvin Stecher, Norman Horowitz

Highlights of the evening consisted of performances by Di Zhu, first-prize winner, performing Danzas Argentinas, by Ginastera; Jonathan Coombs, second-prize winner, performing the fourth movement from the Sonata in B Minor, Op. 26, by Barber; and Soo Yeon Cho and Coombs, one-piano, four-hands first-prize winners, performing Adagio, No. 3, and Allegro, No. 2, Op. 60, by Weber. Prior to their performances, the contestants and audience had no indication who the judges had selected as prize recipients. At the opening ceremony at Steinway Hall, the previous Sunday, all contestants were informed that the winners should be prepared to perform approximately an eight-minute segment of their choice of repertoire at the closing ceremony, immediately upon hearing the names of the prize winners. The audience responded with standing ovations and endless enthusiasm.

Our final message to the twenty-two contestants contained the following: "When you leave the competition to return to your respective homes, we pray that you will carry with you memories that will be with you for a lifetime. You have made new friends. You have been encouraged and you have experienced an atmosphere of nurturing and love. In our eyes you are all winners, and there isn't one contestant who doesn't have something very special.

"It is time to wish you well and to extend a lifelong invitation to call us at any time. You can even reverse the charges, should you need advice or an ear to talk to. That is our mission in life, and we cordially invite you to participate."

As the executive directors of the NYPC, we are prepared to forge ahead with additional concepts that can only enhance the lives of those we embrace in these trying and uncertain times. We are committed to the youth of today, the educators of tomorrow and the leaders of the future.

To learn more about the NYPC, including the results, the prizes, the contestants and the history of The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation, check the website www.nypianocomp.org.

Comments from the Judges

Abba Bogin, screening judge, pianist and conductor

"I must tell you I was unbelievably impressed with what I heard and saw last night! The idea of not eliminating talented kids, encouraging each one of them with scholarship prize and still picking out a few extraordinary ones, is marvelous. I knew when we heard some of the tapes that there was some lovely playing coming up, but at that time it was impossible to get the overall impression that all of you could come to after this past week.

"My congratulations to everyone involved, and especially to the two of you for what should become an ongoing major competition."

Anthony LaMagra, screening judge, director of music and department chair, Manhattanville College

"The whole concept of the event and the manner in which you carried it out was thoroughly first class and truly unique in the history of piano competitions. I am proud to have been a part of it."

Tong-Il Han, judge

"It was a pleasure for me to participate in The Inaugural New York Piano Competition for young pianists, all of whom are in their formative stages of their lives. The standard was very high, and it was a joy to witness the progress of each contestant as the competition progressed. It made me smile with joy and satisfaction. Thank you for inviting me to participate in your inaugural season, and I want to congratulate you for holding the most successful competition for young people."