Alexander Agate
Alexander Agate began studying piano at 11 years old with Mona Wu DeCesare in his hometown of Moorpark, California.
While he participated in child acting, Tae Kwon Do, writing, and other instruments including violin and viola, at 16 he decided to pursue classical piano performance as his career path of choice and studied with Robert Thies before beginning his collegiate journey at California State University, Northridge, under Dmitry Rachmanov. Following CSUN, Alexander received a full-tuition scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music under Andre-Michel Schub, where he completed his Master’s degree and currently is pursuing his Doctorate. Alexander has participated in various summer festivals, including in 2019 and 2020 the Music Academy of the West Summer Festival as one of eight fellows working under Jeremy Denk and Conor Hanick among other guest artists. Alexander frequently participates in international competitions. He is the recipient of the Second Prize at the 2022 American International Paderewski Competition and is competing for one of the top three spots at the 2022 Dallas International Piano Competition in June 2022. Other competition prizes include semifinal placings at the 2021 Suzhou International Piano Competition, the 2020 National Chopin Competition, and First Prize wins at the Munz Chopin Competition and Artur Balsam Duo Competition. He has worked with several internationally renowned pianists, including John Perry, Robert McDonald, John Corigliano, Victor Rosenbaum, Nina Lelchuk, and Seta Tanyel, among others. Currently, Alexander balances a private teaching studio, concertizing, participating in competitions, working on a doctoral degree, and napping.
Virtual First Round
Bach: Prelude and Fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 16 in g minor, BWV 861
Scriabin: Etude in b-flat minor, No. 11, Op. 8
Prokofiev: Etude in c minor, No. 3, Op. 2
Haydn: Sonata in b minor, Hob. XVI: 32
I. Allegro moderato
II. Menuet
III. Presto
Rachmaninoff: “Elegie,” from Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3, No. 1
In-Person Second Round
Carl Vine: Resolve
Godowsky: Studies on Chopin’s Études: Etude No. 4 on Op. 10, No. 2
Godowsky: Studies on Chopin’s Études: Etude No. 9 on Op. 10, No. 5
Bach: Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother
I. Arioso: Adagio
II. (Andante)
III. Adagiosissimo
IV. (Andante con moto)
V. Allegro poco
VI. Fuga
Corigliano: Etude Fantasy
Chopin: Variations on “Là ci darem la mano,” Op. 2
Semifinal Round – Chamber Music
Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 3 in d minor, Op. 108
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
IV. Presto agitato
Final Round
Prokofiev: Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26
I. Andante—Allegro
II. Tema con variazioni
III. Allegro, ma non troppo
2022 Participants
Meet the People!
Recognizing the Board of Directors, distinguished jury, guest artists, competitors, finalists, and more.
