Young pianist from Kharkiv makes an impression at competition (08/01/04)

Young pianist from Kharkiv makes an impression at competition

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Twenty-two pianists, out of 150 applicants from all over the country, gathered at Steinway Hall on June 20 to participate in the weeklong 2004 New York Piano Competition for 14- to 18-year-olds. The opening ceremony, introductions and the drawing of the order of appearance was held at Steinway Hall, while the rest of the competition took place at the Manhattan School of Music.

Unlike in any other piano competition, none of the pianists are eliminated from the NYPC. Those who do not place in the top four in either the category of concert and recital appearances or ensemble, receive $1,000 scholarships toward further study of music and medals from the foundation.

Also unique to the New York Piano Competition is the method of judging. Whereas in other competitions judges have the opportunity to discuss their observations of contestants, judges at this competition cannot do this and they submit their evaluations of pianists everyday. Judges cannot reassess their reviews of pianists so the effect of pianists' daily activities is apparent.

This was the second year that the New York Piano Competition, whose underwriter is the Stecher and Horowitz Foundation, has taken place. This was the first year, however, for Illya Filshtinskiy, to showcase his piano playing skills at the NYPC. Mr. Filshtinskiy, a 17-year-old senior honors student at Westerville South High School, in Westerville, Ohio, won a $1,000 scholarship and a medal from the Foundation.

Mr. Filshtinskiy is from Kharkiv, Ukraine, where he began his piano studies at the age of 6. He immigrated to America in March 2000 and begins his studies at Juilliard this fall.

Mr. Filshtinskiy has won many awards, including the grand prize at the 2002 World Piano Competition in the young artist division, for concerto and solo performances. He won first place at the Westerville Women's Music Club Summer Study Scholarship Competition in both 2001 and 2003. Mr. Filshtinskiy also was the winner at the Ohio Music Teachers Association Summer Music Study Scholarship Competition in 2001 and 2003.

Not only has Mr. Filshtinskiy performed in competitions, but he has also played solo with orchestras and solo public recitals. He has performed at such notable locations as Carnegie Hall (2002) and the United Nations Headquarters (2002). He also performed at a reception for distinguished visitors from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus in 2001.

Mr. Filshtinskiy has participated in Master Classes with Prof. Yoheved Kaplinsky at Juilliard and Prof. Julian Martin at Julliard and Peabody.

Mr. Horowitz, the executive director of The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation, said of Mr. Filshtinskiy, "[he is an] outstanding talent, no doubt." Mr. Horowitz also commented on Mr. Filshtinskiy's performances at the competition, calling him "compelling on stage."

The first prize of $4,000 for Concert and Recital Appearances went to Hannah Sun, who is 15, of Flushing, N.Y. Mike Brown, 17, of Oceanside, N.Y., and Min Hwan Kim of Los Angeles, won the $2,750 first prize to be divided between them, for best ensemble.

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