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
Olga Kern, Artistic Director & President of the Jury
Olga Kern With a vivid onstage presence, dazzling technique, and keen musicianship, pianist Olga Kern is widely recognized as one of the great artists of her generation, captivating fans and critics alike. She was born into a family of musicians and began studying piano at the age of 5. At 17, she
Alexandre Da Costa
Alexandre Da Costa Sony Classical artist, Juno Award winner, and Longueuil Symphony’s Music Director and Chief Conductor, Alexandre Da Costa was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He showed an uncommon interest for both the violin and piano at a very early age. By the age of 9, he had the astonishing
Paolo Baglieri
Paolo Baglieri Paolo Baglieri has brilliantly obtained the diploma of piano at the Conservatory "V. Bellini" of Catania. He continued his studies at the "Codarts - University of Arts" in Rotterdam and at the "Schola Cantorum" in Paris, concluding his studies with top marks. He obtained a second level degree in musical disciplines
Francesco Lecce-Chong
Francesco Lecce-Chong Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong is the Music Director of the Eugene Symphony in Oregon, and the Santa Rosa Symphony, performing at the Green Music Center in Northern California. The press has described him as a “fast rising talent in the music world” with “the real gift” and recognized his dynamic
Carl Vine
Carl Vine Born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1954, Carl Vine read physics and later music at the University of Western Australia (studying piano with Stephen Dornan and composition with John Exton). Moving to Sydney in 1975, he worked as a freelance pianist and composer with a wide variety of ensembles
Samir Nikocevic
Samir Nikocevic A classically trained pianist and artist manager, Samir Nikocevic maintains an ever-growing network of relationships with musicians, orchestras, and presenters in both the United States and Europe, and enjoys identifying opportunities for professional advancement and artistic exchange in all formats. He received his degree from the Music Academy at
Daniela Mineva
Daniela Mineva Hailed by critics as a “vibrant and expressive performer who could steal the show in every concert” (The New York Times) and “energetic and lively pianist who displaces power and delicacy in nuanced sensitivity along with virtuoso technique” (The Baltimore Sun), Daniela Mineva’s unique approach to standard repertory, combined
Melvin Chen
Melvin Chen A native of Tennessee, Dr. Melvin Chen has received acclaim for solo and chamber performances throughout the United States, Canada, and Asia. Chen’s performances have been featured on radio and television stations around the world, including KBS television and radio in Korea, NHK television in Japan, and NPR in the
Jeffrey Cohen
Jeffrey Cohen American pianist Jeffrey Cohen continues to draw international attention for the brilliance and artistry of his interpretations. Mr. Cohen has been praised by The New York Times for the “lucidity and poetry” of his playing. Both as soloist and chamber musician, Mr. Cohen’s performances have taken him to three continents.