A WELCOME from Janet Landreth, Odyssiad® Founder & Executive Director
Dear Friends of the Odyssiad®,
Welcome to the 2026 International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A., an international competition and festival for pianists headquartered and produced in Fort Collins since 2012. The term Odyssiad® (pronounced O-dys’-si-ad) comes from Odyssey and was coined to signify “A Journey to the Performance of a Lifetime.” The term is original and has been trademarked for the exclusive use of the International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A.
This year, 35 of the most talented and gifted pianists from around the U.S. and abroad travel to Fort Collins to compete in the Semifinal Round of the 2026 Odyssiad® competition after having “made the cut” in the Online Preliminary Round. The six-day Odyssiad® features more than a dozen guest artists in daily masterclasses, presentations, and a panel discussion, in addition to four nights of riveting concerts by world-renowned pianists, including the two Young Titans, Martín García García and David Khrikuli, 2025 Odyssiad® Gold Medalist Daria Podorozhnova, and the fabulous piano duo, Anderson & Roe. The Odyssiad® festival also features the live Semifinal and Final Rounds of the Odyssiad® competition with approximately 30 hours of spectacular performances, which are free
and open to the public. Other guest artists performing concerts, judging, or presenting masterclasses and presentations include Konstantin Soukhovetski (Juilliard); Dongni Xie (Odyssiad® Gold Medalist and SMU faculty); Milana Strezeva, founder and artistic director of the Grand Piano Series, Naples, Florida; Graciela Kowalczyk, co-founder and artistic director, Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition; Bryan Wallick (Horowitz Gold Medalist and CSU faculty); and conductors Adam Torres and Devin Patrick Hughes (Boulder Symphony and Symphony of the Rockies). What a fabulous group of musicians!
This year we are adding a NEW AWARD in addition to all the other cash prizes, medals, and performance opportunities offered each year to our winners. The new award, called the Sesquisemiquincentennial Award, is in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence AND the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state. The award goes to the “Best Performance of an American Work.”
We hope you enjoy this year’s entourage of Odyssiad® guest artists and the 30 plus hours of free competitive events showcasing gifted young pianists from around the world. The Odyssiad® – “A Journey to the Performance of a Lifetime.”
Sincerely,
Founder and Executive Director
MISSION STATEMENT
Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, the International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A. is dedicated to promoting new generations of keyboard artists through an internationally linked competition and festival.
SPONSORED IN PART BY
We thank the following foundations, corporations, and organizations for their generous donations, including the JMH Memorial Fund, Fan Foundation, the City of Fort Collins/FoCo Creates, and more (individual donors listed on page 19). Thank you!
JMH Memorial Fund
PRIZES
SOLO DIVISION:
Level A: $500 (Gold), $300 (Silver), $200 (Bronze)
Level B: $1,000 (Gold), $500 (Silver), and $250 (Bronze)
Level C: $5,000 (Gold), $2,000 (Silver), and $1,000 (Bronze)
CONCERTO DIVISION:
Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto: $1,000 (Bobbie and Paul Mielke Gold Medal), plus a performance with the Fort Collins Health and Wellness Community Orchestra, $500 (Silver), and $250 (Bronze) Professional Young Artist Complete Concerto: $3,000 (Gold), plus a performance with the Boulder Symphony in Boulder, Colorado, Devin Patrick Hughes conducting, $2,000 (Silver), and $1,000 (Bronze)
SPECIAL PRIZES:
The Linda Leirfallom Brewer Award: An award for the “Best Performance of Chopin” ($500)
The Sesquisemiquincentennial Award: A special award in 2026 to commemorate the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the U.S.A. and the 150th Anniversary of Colorado becoming a State ($500)
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Odyssiad® Semifinal and Final Rounds are FREE and open to the public to attend. Attendees may quietly enter and leave the venues between competitors.
LOCATION & VENUES
LOCATION: University Center for the Arts, Colorado State University 1400 Remington Street, Fort Collins, Colorado
VENUES & ABBREVIATIONS: Griffin Concert Hall: GCH, 1st Floor; Organ Recital Hall: ORH, 2nd Floor; Runyan Rehearsal Hall: RRH, 1st Floor
12:00 p.m.
3:00–5:00 p.m.
8:00–9:00 a.m.
9:00–11:15 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS CHECK IN WITH HOST FAMILIES AND HOTELS
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS EARLY REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
(GCH LOBBY): Pick up festival folders and passes
SCHEDULE: MONDAY, AUGUST 3
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALIST LATE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN (GCH LOBBY): Pick up festival folders and passes
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (RRH):
Solo Level A (7 Semifinalists)
Master of Ceremonies: Hyeji Seo
Judges: David Khrikuli, Daria Podorozhnova, Milana Strezeva
Free and open to the public; Results posted in GCH Lobby
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (ORH):
Solo Level C (6 of 12 Semifinalists)
Master of Ceremonies: Konstantin Soukhovetski
Judges: Dongni Xie, Vladimir Ostromensky, Graciella Kowalczyk
Free and open to the public
12:30–2:00 p.m.
2:00–5:15 p.m.
2:00–5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (RRH):
Solo Level B (8 Semifinalists)
Master of Ceremonies: Daria Podorozhnova Judges: Hyeji Seo, Bryan Wallick, Lei Weng
Free and open to the public; Results posted in GCH Lobby
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (ORH):
Solo Level C (6 of 12 Semifinalists)
Master of Ceremonies: Konstantin Soukhovetski Judges: Dongni Xie, Vladimir Ostromensky, Graciella Kowalczyk
Free and open to the public; Results posted in GCH Lobby
DINNER BREAK
EVENING CONCERT (ORH): Martín García García
Program listed on page 6
MONDAY EVENING CONCERT (ORH): MARTÍN GARCÍA
Ballade No. 2 in F major, Op. 38
Scherzo No. 4 in E major, Op. 54
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39 Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Three Mazurkas, Op. 63
1. Mazurka in B Major, Op. 63, No. 1
2. Mazurka in F Minor, Op. 63, No. 2
3. Mazurka in C-sharp Minor, Op. 63, No. 3
Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52
~INTERMISSION ~
"Die Zelle in Nonnenwerth" S. 534iii
Légende S. 175 No. 2
"St. François de Paule marchant sur les flots"
Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178
• Lento assai – Allegro energico
• Grandioso
• Cantando espressivo
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
• Presto – Stretta – Prestissimo – Andante sostenuto
All Day
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
CONCERTO REHEARSALS (314-A and 314-G):
Junior Young Artist Concerto and Professional Young Artist Concerto
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION SEMIFINALISTS' MASTERCLASSES (ORH):
Non-medalists Levels A & B; Must be registered for the festival to perform.
Solo Level A: 9:00–10:30 a.m. with David Khrikuli
Solo Level B: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with Konstantin Soukhovetski
Open for public observation. Admission is $20 at the door or via Festival Pass.
12:30–1:30 p.m.
2:00–3:00 p.m.
3:00–4:15 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00–10:30 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION FINAL ROUND (ORH):
Solo Level A (3 Finalists/15 min each)
Master of Ceremonies: Konstantin Soukhovetski
Judges: Martín García García, Daria Podorozhnova, Graciella Kowalczyk
Free and open to the public; Livestream link available at odyssiad.com
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION FINAL ROUND (ORH):
Solo Level B (3 Finalists/15 min each)
Master of Ceremonies: Konstantin Soukhovetski
Judges: Martín García García, Daria Podorozhnova, Graciella Kowalczyk
Free and open to the public; Livestream link available at odyssiad.com
AWARDS CEREMONY (ORH):
Solo Levels A and B: Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists
GROUP PHOTO (Outside of GCH)
DINNER BREAK
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION FINAL ROUND (ORH):
Solo Level C (6 Finalists/30 min. each)
Master of Ceremonies: Dongni Xie
Judges: Martín García García, Konstantin Soukhovetski, Milana Strezeva, and Janet Landreth
Free and open to the public; Livestream link available at odyssiad.com
AWARDS CEREMONY (ORH):
Solo Level C: Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists/3 Non-medalists
All Day
8:30–10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
SCHEDULE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
CONCERTO REHEARSALS (314-A and 314-G):
Junior Young Artist Concerto and Professional Young Artist Concerto
ODYSSIAD® SOLO DIVISION SEMIFINALISTS' MASTERCLASSES (ORH):
Solo Level C (3 Non-medalists/30 min. each) Must be registered for the festival to perform. with Martín García García Open for public observation. Admission is $20 at the door or via Festival Pass.
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (ORH):
Junior Young Artist Concerto (5 Semifinalists) Master of Ceremonies: Konstantin Soukhovetski Judges: Bryan Wallick, Vladimir Ostromensky, Dongni Xie Free and open to the public; Results posted in GCH Lobby
1:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
AFTERNOON BREAK
EVENING CONCERT (ORH): David Khrikuli Program listed on page 9
WEDNESDAY EVENING CONCERT (ORH):
DAVID KHRIKULI
Four Klavierstücke, Op. 119 Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
1. Intermezzo in B Minor – Adagio
2. Intermezzo in E Minor – Andantino un poco agitato
3. Intermezzo in C Major – Grazioso e giocoso
4. Rhapsody in E-flat Major – Allegro risoluto
Kreisleriana, Op. 16
1. Äußerst bewegt
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
5. Sehr lebhaft
2. Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch 6. Sehr langsam
3. Sehr aufgeregt 7. Sehr rasch
4. Sehr langsam
8. Schnell und spielend
~ INTERMISSION ~
Ballade No. 2 in F major, Op. 38
Four Mazurkas, Op. 17
1. Mazurka in B-flat Major, Op. 17, No. 1
2. Mazurka in E Minor, Op. 17, No. 2
3. Mazurka in A-flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
4. Mazurka in A Minor, Op. 17, No. 4
Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
1. Allegro maestoso
2. Scherzo: Molto vivace
3. Largo
4. Finale: Presto non tanto
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
12:30–2:00 p.m.
2:00–5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (ORH):
Professional Young Artist Concerto (6 of 12 Semifinalists)
Official Staff Accompanists (2 pianos)
Master of Ceremonies: Dongni Xie
Judges: Graciella Kowalczyk, Bryan Wallick, David Khrikuli
Free and open to the public
LUNCH BREAK
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO DIVISION SEMIFINAL ROUND (ORH):
Professional Young Artist Concerto (6 of 12 Semifinalists)
Official Staff Accompanists (2 pianos)
Master of Ceremonies: Dongni Xie
Judges: Graciella Kowalczyk, Bryan Wallick, David Khrikuli
Free and open to the public; Results posted in GCH Lobby
DINNER BREAK
EVENING CONCERT (ORH):
Daria Podorozhnova, 2025 Odyssiad® Gold Medalist
Program listed below
THURSDAY EVENING CONCERT (ORH): DARIA
PODOROZHNOVA
Fantasie Nègre No. 1 in E Minor Florence Price (1887-1953)
Etude No. 3 after George Gershwin’s Earl Wild (1915-2010) “The Man I Love”
Ballade, Op. 6 Amy Beach (1867-1944)
Etude No. 7 after George Gershwin’s Earl Wild (1915-2010) “Fascinating Rhythm”
Sonata for Piano, Op. 26 Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
1. Allegro energico
2. Allegro vivace e leggero
3. Adagio mesto
4. Fuga: Allegro con spirito
~ INTERMISSION ~
Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Status Animae (State of Soul) Olga Kern (b. 1976)
1. Meditation
2. Rhythm obsession
The Firebird Suite Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
1. Infernal Dance
2. Berceuse
3. Finale
Transcr. Guido Agosti (1901-1989)
9:00–11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO DIVISION FINAL ROUND (ORH):
Junior Young Artist Concerto (3 Finalists)
Master of Ceremonies: Konstantin Soukhovetski
Judges: David Khrikuli, Graciella Kowalczyk, Janet Landreth; Conductor: Adam Torres
Free and open to the public; Livestream link available at odyssiad.com
AWARDS CEREMONY (ORH): Announcement of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists
12:00–2:00 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:00–4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO DIVISION FINAL ROUND (ORH):
Professional Young Artist Concerto (6 Finalists)
Master of Ceremonies: Dongni Xie
Judges: Konstantin Soukhovetski, Martín García García, Janet Landreth
Conductor: Devin Patrick Hughes
Free and open to the public; Livestream link available at odyssiad.com
AWARDS CEREMONY (ORH): Announcement of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists
Evening FREE NIGHT
9:00–10:30 a.m.
10:30 A.M. – 12:00 p.m.
SCHEDULE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO FINALISTS MASTERCLASS (GCH):
Junior Young Artist Concerto Finalists (3 Medalists)
Must be registered for the festival to perform.
With Anderson & Roe and Official Staff Accompanists
Open for public observation. Admission is $20 at the door or via Festival Pass.
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO FINALISTS MASTERCLASS (GCH):
Professional Young Artist Concerto Finalists (3 Medalist)
Must be registered for the festival to perform.
With Anderson & Roe and Official Staff Accompanists
Open for public observation. Admission is $20 at the door or via Festival Pass.
12:00–1:30 p.m.
1:30–3:00 p.m.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
4:00 –5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
SPECIAL MENTORING SESSION (GCH): Milana Strezeva
Important Aspects of Building a Professional Career as a Performing Artist: Presentation, Participation, and Panel Discussion
Joined by guest artists, festival directors, and the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists in Solo Level C and the Professional Young Artist Concerto divisions.
Participants: Konstantin Soukhovetski, Graciella Kowalczyk, Bryan Wallick, Janet Landreth, Martín García García, David Khrikuli, and Daria Podorozhnova.
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO FINALISTS MASTERCLASS (GCH):
Junior Young Artist Concerto Finalists (2 Non-Medalists)
Must be registered for the festival to perform.
With Bryan Wallick
Open for public observation. Admission is $20 at the door or via Festival Pass.
ODYSSIAD® CONCERTO FINALISTS MASTERCLASS (GCH):
Professional Young Artist Concerto Finalists (3 Non-Medalists)
Must be registered for the festival to perform.
With Bryan Wallick
Open for public observation. Admission is $20 at the door or via Festival Pass.
DINNER BREAK
BRIEF SPECIAL AWARDS CEREMONY (GCH):
Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalists
Special Awards: Linda Leirfallom Brewer Award for “Best Performance of Chopin” and Sesquisemiquincentennial Award for “Best Performance of an American Work”
EVENING CONCERT (GCH):
Anderson & Roe Piano Duo Program listed on page 13
SATURDAY EVENING CONCERT (GCH): ANDERSON & ROE PIANO DUO
"Ave Maria”
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) (based on Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846) arr. Charles Gounod (1818-1893) and Anderson & Roe
“Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, “Classical” Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Allegro arr. Rikuya Terashima (1964 – present)
Larghetto
Gavotte: Non troppo allegro
Finale: Molto vivace
“Lerchengesang”
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) (“The lark's song”) Op. 70, No. 2 arr. Anderson & Roe
Selections from Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op. 52b Johann Strauss, Jr. (1825-1899)
Blue Danube Fantasy
Johann Strauss, Jr. (1825-1899) arr. Anderson & Roe ~ INTERMISSION ~
“Mondnacht”
Robert Schumann (1810-1856) (“Moonlit Night”) from Liederkreis, Op. 39 arr. Anderson & Roe
Nocturne on Neptune
Gustav Holst (1874-1934) (after “Neptune” from The Planets) arr. Anderson & Roe
“Glósóli” (“Glowing Sun”) from Takk... Sigur Ros arr. Anderson & Roe
Carmen Fantasy
Georges Bizet (1838-1875) arr. Anderson & Roe
GUEST ARTISTS
The ANDERSON & ROE PIANO DUO have been called “the most dynamic duo of this generation” (San Francisco Classical Voice), “rock stars of the classical music world” (Miami Herald), and “the very model of complete 21stcentury musicians” (The Washington Post). More than twenty years ago, Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe (two Juilliard students) first sat down together at a pair of pianos and were astonished by how perfectly their musical sensibilities gelled. Their twodecade-long partnership can be described as nothing short of pioneering. Their original compositions—from re-imaginings of the classical canon to arrangements of pop music through a classical lens—reflect their belief that all music has something to
MARTÍN GARCÍA GARCÍA (born in Gijón, 1996), has captivated audiences in some of the world’s most prestigious venues across Europe, America, and Asia. Martín's remarkable career trajectory includes top honors in international piano competitions, most notably his first prize at the 2021 Cleveland International Piano Competition and a distinguished third place at the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, where he also received the Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra's special award for the best concerto performance. Martín's has recently been engaged for masterclasses by the Gdańsk Music University and the Toho Conservatory in Tokyo as a permanent teacher. He graduated from the Reina Sofía School of Music,
DEVIN PATRICK HUGHES serves as conductor and music director of the Boulder Symphony and Symphony of the Rockies. He was previously with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. Devin was selected for the Toscanini International Conducting Competition, and was a conducting fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen. He has
Born in Georgia in 2001, DAVID KHRIKULI studies at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid, holds the Banco Santander Foundation Piano Chair, and has been awarded scholarships from the Jaime Castellanos and Albéniz Foundations. In 2022, he received the Diploma for the Most Outstanding Student of his chair from Her Majesty Queen Sofía. Khrikuli was a finalist at the 2025 Chopin International Piano Competition. Khrikuli won first prize at the 2024 Cantù International Piano and Orchestra Competition (Italy) and first and audience prizes at the Vigo International Piano Competition (Spain). Earlier distinctions include first prize and special prize at the Aarhus International Competition (Denmark), first prize at the Tbilisi Chopin National Piano Competition (Georgia), and
say to all people. Their five critically acclaimed albums have spent dozens of weeks atop the Billboard classical charts. Their music videos are the stuff of legends, racking up millions of views and securing them an Emmy® nomination. They're regular media personalities, from appearances on MTV, NPR, PBS, and the BBC, to hosting the webcasts of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The duo has performed recitals at notable venues in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Estonia, Romania, Israel, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and North America, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Festival appearances include the Gilmore, Mostly Mozart, Gina Bachauer, Styriarte, Grand Teton, Santa Fe, Chautauqua, Orford, Ventura, Carmel Bach, and Minnesota Beethoven. andersonroe.com
earning the title of Most Outstanding Student from Her Majesty Queen Sofía. He further honed his craft with a master’s degree from the Mannes School of Music in New York. In recent seasons, Martín has solidified his reputation as a leading pianist of his generation, collaborating with illustrious orchestras such as the Symphoniker Hamburg, Warsaw Philharmonic, Orquesta Nacional de España, OBC, Sinfonia Varsovia, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Orquesta de Brasilia, and the Lithuanian National Orchestra. Martín's discography expanded with the release of his highly anticipated 2025 album, "Silent Music" on Prima Classic, following the success of his 2022 album "Chopin and His Master" and 2024's "Even-Tide," which has garnered widespread acclaim. martingarciagarcia.com
conducted the Winnipeg Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Des Moines Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic, San Antonio Symphony, Green Bay Symphony, Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, and Orchestra of the Hungarian State Opera. He has a passion for community outreach and has held benefit concerts for the Red Cross, Oxfam International, Cultures in Harmony, and the Colorado Haiti Project. He has served as an AmeriCorps tutor and mentor, and has partnered with Carnegie Hall’s LinkUp, I Have A Dream, Circle of Care, Freemasons, Boulder Muse, El Sistema, and more.
awards at the Nutcracker International TV Competition (Russia), Astana Piano Passion (Kazakhstan), and the Arthur Rubinstein International Competition for Young Pianists (China). He has appeared as a soloist with the Georgian Philharmonic, Israel Camerata and Philharmonic, and Moscow Philharmonic, in addition to giving solo recitals and chamber music performances across Europe. As a student of the Reina Sofía School, he has appeared in the concert series La Generación Ascendente (Madrid) and AIEnRUTa-Clásicos (Albacete). He has also been a member of the Schumann Trio, the Ravel Duo, and the Austrias Trio. Khrikuli recently toured Poland, appearing with the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the National Forum of Music in Wroclaw, and the Krakow Philharmonic. He will also play at the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid and will return to Mallorca and make his debut in Berlin.
GUEST ARTISTS
French-born, Polish-raised star pianist GRACIELLA KOWALCZYK has appeared in concerts and recitals as a soloist in more than 15 countries. Her performances include the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, Poland; Sergei Rachmaninov Concert Hall in Moscow, Russia; Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria; Bellini Conservatory in Palermo, Italy; Kölner Philharmonic in Köln, Germany; Ed Landreth Auditorium in Fort Worth, Texas, and further across North and South America and Asia. She has won top prizes in many competitions all over the world, and was the recipient of awards from the Louis-Spohr Forderverein, Germany; Internationale Stiftung fur Music, Switzerland; Lili Kraus Scholarship, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mu Phi Epsilon, International Music Fraternity, Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City Musical Club, Kansas City, Missouri, and received
DARIA PODOROZHNOVA is a Russian pianist currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Manhattan School of Music in New York. She is a recipient of the prestigious Harold and Helene Schonberg Pianist Scholarship. She won the gold medal in the Professional Young Artist Concerto Division of the 2025 Odyssiad®, and second prize in the 2025 Olga Kern International Piano Competition. Born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Daria began piano studies at age six at the Special Music School affiliated with the Rostov State Conservatory. Daria has gained international recognition through numerous competitions. At 15, she won third prize at the V International Astana Piano Passion Competition. She earned first prize at the I International New Generation Piano Competition in Moscow and the II International Rachmaninoff’s Legacy Competition in Rostov-on-Don. Recent highlights include sixth prize at the
2019 Innovation Award Winner from Music Academy Of The West, KONSTANTIN
SOUKHOVETSKI has a singular artistic voice that communicates with and engages audiences the world over. Konstantin’s creative output continuously innovates, frequently involving multidisciplinary projects with dance and film. In 2020, Konstantin joined the adjunct faculty of his alma mater The Juilliard School, where he received his B.M., M.M., and A.D. with Jerome Lowenthal. In 2022, Konstantin was named Director of Pedagogy and Narrative Musicianship at Bronx School For Music. He is the director of Educational Programs and Community Engagement at Grand Piano Series, Naples, Florida; the artistic director of The Liliane Questel Recital Series; the director of Pedagogy and Narrative Musicianship at Bronx School For Music; advisory board member of Pegasus: The Orchestra; and an advisory board member of the Southampton Cultural Center. Konstantin’s recent performances include a return to NYC’s
her doctorate in piano performance from the University of Kansas. Recent highlights include cooperation with modern composers, including an award-winning recording of fugues and postludes by Canadian-Armenian composer Ashot Ariyan available on the RMN Classical label. She is also the director of the exclusive Autumn Artist Interactive, an intensive Nashvillearea crossover camp for pop and country artists. In addition to her roles as president of the board and artistic director of the Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition, jury chairman of the NICPC, and director of Music City Chopin, she maintains a very active performance schedule as soloist, including numerous upcoming engagements in Europe, South America, and Asia with orchestra. Graciella is also the artistic director of the Chopin in Cyprus International Music Festival, featuring some of the greatest Chopin interpreters of our time. graciellakowalczyk.com
69th Maria Canals International Competition in Barcelona; first prize at the 2025 Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, Connecticut; and first prize at the 2025 Ann & Charles Eisemann Young Artist Competition in Dallas, which led to a solo performance with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. In February 2025, she won the Eisenberg-Fried Concerto Competition and performed with the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra in the 2025/2026 season. Daria has performed widely across Russia and internationally, both as a recitalist and soloist with orchestras such as the Rostov Symphony, Krasnodar Premier Orchestra, Astana Symphony, Irkutsk Symphony, Volgodonsk Symphony, and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. She has also appeared at festivals including Stars on the Baikal (Irkutsk), the XVII International Piano Festival Mariinsky (Saint Petersburg), and the Vivace International Music Festival (Wilmington, North Carolina). olgakerncompetition.org/notable/daria-podorozhnova
Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall with Pegasus: The Orchestra, and Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra. Konstantin tours nationally, appearing at Conrad Theater in La Jolla, California, and internationally, appearing at San Sebástian's Victoria-Eugenia Theater and Centro Cívico Arrecife in Spain and the Canary Islands. Konstantin recently premiered his original composition “The Pride Suite” for solo piano, commissioned by ProtoStar Group and published by Spain’s OE Oficina in 2023 and recorded in 2024. He collaborated on a performance art piece with SiteSpecific Dances, and MorDance, premiering P. Nazaykinskaya’s “Emily”. As a librettist, Konstantin is working on two operas: “Tear Down This Wall” for Mississippi Opera, and “Her New Home” for Garth Newel Music Center. Konstantin’s recent appearances at festivals include PianoFête, Washington; International Composer’s Symposium in Del Mar, California; and The Rising Stars Piano Camp in Lenox, Massachusetts. He has been artist-in-residence at Pianofest In The Hamptons for more than 15 years and is a recipient of more than 17 international awards. konstantinthepianist.com
GUEST ARTISTS
Praised by the critics for her “technically fluid, dramatically convincing, and sonically fullbodied supportive collaborations” (Boston Globe), MILANA STREZEVA is a MoldovanAmerican pianist. At the age of 11, she began playing chamber music with her clarinetist father and her mother, a renowned soprano, Svetlana Strezeva. Milana’s love for family collaboration eventually grew into a passionate advocacy of vocal and instrumental chamber music. A founding member of the award-winning Manhattan Piano Trio, one of the most creative and dynamic young ensembles in America, Milana has performed with them in over 30 American states, in Australia, South Africa and Italy, and in venues such as Alice Tully Hall,
For ADAM TORRES, conductor and pianist, his belief in the transformative power of music emanates in everything he does, on the podium, behind a piano, in his private studio, and in lecture halls. Mr. Torres serves as a senior instructor at Colorado State University, with an array of teaching and artistic contributions, including program director for the Summer Residency Master of Music (Conducting Emphasis) program for Music Educators. Mr. Torres also maintains a busy schedule regionally, nationally, and internationally as a performing artist and educator. He has travelled to Paris, France, and Cologne, Germany, to apprentice with the Orchestre National de France and WDR Sinfonieorchestre, and made his mainstage
BRYAN WALLICK is recognized as one of the great American virtuoso pianists of his generation. Gold medalist of the 1997 Vladimir Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kiev, he has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa. He made his New York recital debut in 1998 at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall and made his Wigmore Hall recital debut in London in 2003. He has also performed at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall with the London Sinfonietta and at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Dr. Wallick is an avid chamber musician and has performed with violinists Nikita BorisoGlebsky, Rachel Lee Priday, Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, Miriam Contzen, Sergei Malov, and cellists Zuill Bailey, Alexander
Merkin Hall, and the Ravinia Festival. The Washington Post described the Trio as “impressive” and “outstanding”, while the Sarasota Herald Tribune said, “one seldom is privileged to enjoy music of such a wide range of styles performed with self-effacing skill and relaxed assurance.” A CD of Schumann and Chopin trios, in honor of the composers' bicentennials, was released on the Marquis Classics label in 2009. She has received her training at the famed Juilliard School as a student of Bella Davidovich and Julian Martin. Milana lives in Naples, Florida, with her husband Raniero Tazzi. In addition to being the President & Artistic Director of Grand Piano Series, she is an active chamber musician, pedagogue, and organist at St. Leo Catholic Church. milanastrezeva.com
conducting debut with the Cheyenne Symphony. Beginning with the 2022-2023 Season, Mr. Torres began appointments as music director for the Stratus Chamber Orchestra and as artistic director for the Colorado Springs Chorale. He served as principal conductor for Loveland Opera from 2016-2021, and other engagements include work with Colorado Symphony, Opera Fort Collins, Fort Collins Symphony, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Pops Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of the Springs. He was the assistant conductor for the Denver Young Artists orchestra (2014-2019). Mr. Torres is organist and music Director for St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Centennial, Colorado. In 2019, Torres was a featured guest artist with the Fort Collins Health and Wellness Orchestra, and is regularly engaged as a collaborative artist.
Buzlov, Alexander Ramm, and Wolfgang Emmanuel Schmidt. He is a member of the Mendelssohn Trio in residence at Colorado State University and has performed with the trio on European tours in 2022 and 2026, visiting Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Dr. Wallick studied with Jerome Lowenthal in New York City where he was the first Juilliard School graduate to receive both an undergraduate Honors Diploma (2000) and an accelerated master's degree (2001). He continued his studies with Christopher Elton in London at the Royal Academy of Music where he was the recipient of the Associated Board International Scholarship, receiving a Post-graduate Diploma with Distinction. Dr. Wallick is Associate Professor of Piano at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he lives with his wife and three children. bryanwallick.com
MASTERS OF CEREMONIES
DARIA PODOROZHNOVA
See guest artist listing on page 15.
KONSTANTIN SOUKHOVETSKI
See guest artist listing on page 15.
HYEJI SEO won first prizes in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, the International Music Competition ‘Brussels’ Grand Prize Virtuoso, and the International Piano Association Competition and made her New York debut in 2016 at the Carnegie Weill Recital Hall. Seo holds a D.M.A. in Piano Performance and a M.M. in Collaborative Piano from Michigan State University, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sookmyung Women’s University and Western Illinois University. She is a member of the collaborative piano faculty at Colorado State University.
DONGNI XIE is a prize-winner of multiple international piano competitions, including seven first prizes. She is a guest artist of the Cliburn Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Château de Fontainebleau (France), Dream Forest Arts Center (South Korea), Gijon City Hall (Spain), the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (Los Angeles), and more. She has been a festival featured artist at Imago Sloveniae (Slovenia), Festival ARTIS (Slovakia), Shanghai Conservatory Music Season (China), and the August Music Festival (UK). Xie collaborates frequently with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and The Dallas Opera and is a featured clinician at the Texas Music Teacher Association. She earned degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, University of Southern California, and Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Dr. Xie is a faculty member at the SMU Meadows School of the Arts.
OFFICIAL STAFF ACCOMPANISTS
MIKHAIL BERESTNEV holds degrees from the Russian Academy of Music (Moscow), Texas Christian University School of Music (Fort Worth), and Meadows School of Arts at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas). He is a guest artist and collaborative pianist with the “Musica Nova Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra” at the University of Texas at Dallas under the direction of composer Robert Xavier Rodriguez. Awards include fourth prize at the Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia, Silver Medal at the BNDES International Piano Competition in Rio de Janeiro, Eric Sorantin Young Artist Award, first prize at the International “Delphic Games” Competition (Minsk, Belarus) and winner at the Stanislav Neuhaus International Piano Competition (Chelyabinsk, Russia).
DARIA KISELEVA graduated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and Texas Christian University School of Music. Awards include laureate of the Marguerite Long International Piano Competition, first prize at the Rotary Club International Piano Competition (Mallorca), 2016 Odyssiad® Gold Medalist, second prize at the International Rubinstein Chamber Competition and the Jean Francaix International Piano Competition (2014). Performances include Moscow Conservatory, Salle Gauveau (Paris), 35 Londrina Festival and Festival VII Virtuosi Gravata (Brazil), Schlern Festival (Italy), Museum of Modern Art and Foundation Oscar Americano (Sao Paolo), and Aptos Keyboard Series (Monterey Bay, California).
JUDGES
• Martín García García – See guest artist listing, p14
• David Khrikuli – See guest artist listing, p14
• Graciella Kowalczyk – See guest artist listing, p15
• Janet Landreth – Professor Emerita of Piano at Colorado State University, Dr. Landreth is the Founder and Executive Director of the Odyssiad®.
• Vladimir Ostromensky – Mr. Ostromensky comes from a musical family and has degrees in Piano Performance and Business Information Systems.
• Daria Podorozhnova – See guest artist listing, p15
• Hyeji Seo – See master of ceremonies listing, p18
• Konstantin Soukhovetski – See guest artist listing, p15
• Milana Strezeva – See guest artist listing, p16
• Bryan Wallick – See guest artist listing, p16
• Lei Weng – Steinway Artist Dr. Weng is Keyboard Division Head and Professor of Piano at the University of Northern Colorado. He holds degrees of B.M. from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, M.M. and D.M.A. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Dr. Weng has been serving in the prestigious “Gilmore Artist Nominating Committee” of the Gilmore International Piano Festival since 2024.
• Dongni Xie – See master of ceremonies listing, p18
PRELIMINARY ONLINE ROUND JUDGES
Thank you to the following experts who volunteered their time and talent in judging the Odyssiad® Competition Preliminary Online Round submissions.
• Leo Walz
• Bryan Wallick – Board Member
• Susan Spelius Gannon – Board Member
• Iris Zhang – Board Member
• Hyeji Seo
• Brent Collins
• David Hebert
• Hsin-Hsuan Lin
• Jooyeon Chang
• Vladimir Ostromensky
• Janet Landreth – Board Member
PIANO TUNERS AND TECHNICIANS
• Ted Mulcahey
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Odyssiad® Semifinal and Final Rounds are FREE and open to the public to attend. Attendees may quietly enter and leave the venues between competitors.
GRANTS, FOUNDATIONS, AND INDIVIDUAL DONORS
The Board of Directors and Advisory Board wish to thank the following donors, sponsors, and foundations for their support of the 2026 International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A.
MAJOR FESTIVAL PARTNER
$32,000
JMH Memorial Fund
LEGACY PARTNER $20,000
Fan Foundation
PLATINUM LEVEL $15,000
City of Fort Collins/FoCo Creates
GOLD $5,000
Dr. Janet Landreth
SILVER $2,500
Jack Brewer
Caleb and Kaitlin Crandell
Pierre and Helga Julien
Mary Ann Ranney
Ann Yanagi
BRONZE $1,000
John and Barb Chirgwin
Stephen and Barbara Fredman
Joseph and Judith Semo
IVORY $500
Richard and Janelle Crandell
Doug and Cathy Dumler
Thomas and Christy French
Mims Harris
Catherine Cole Janonis
Patricia Kroesen
Randy and Edie Stout
EBONY $250
Leanne Ferfolia
Pamela Keller
Joanna Merriman
Dr. Carmen Menoni
Marilyn and Robert Murphy
Dr. C. Patrick and Mimi Reid
Cynthia Shlaer
Kent and Kathy Sinclair
KEY $125
Nancy Breckenridge
Doug Earnest
Randy and Patty Johnston
Gary Knapp
Arthur Korotkin
Kim Munson
Daryll and Shauna Southwick
Marian Wellman
SOSTENUTO $75
Victoria Benson
Donald Burritt
Theodora Cox
David and Sharon Kerschen
Kara Micetich
Barbara L. Suhrstedt
Leslie Walker
Ramona Warlick
Jon Weiss
Carl Wilmsen
IKOF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
Please consider joining the organizations and individuals listed above in support of the International Keyboard Odyssiad® and Festival, USA by using the QR code shown below.
The International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A., accepts donations via PayPal and check (EIN Number: 27-2579604).
A special thank you to our Board of Directors, Advisory Board Members, and Festival Volunteers whose countless hours of volunteer service has made this event possible.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Janet Landreth – IKOF, Founder and Executive Director, B.M., M.M., D.M.A., Professor Emerita and Keyboard Coordinator, Colorado State University; 2019 Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame
• Bryan Wallick – Vice President, B.M., M.M., D.M.A.
• Cecilia Dagg* – Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator, B.M.E., M.S.E., M.S., M.B.A.
• Ty Huey* – Treasurer, B.M., M.M., B.A.
• Pam Keller – Marketing/Social Media, B.A.
• Cindy Lindeen-Martin* – B.M., M.M., D.M.A.
• Susan Spelius Gannon* – Administrator, B.M., M.M.
• Philip Wiseman – B.A., J.D.
• Dongni Xie – B.M., M.M., D.M.A.
• Iris Zhang – B.M., M.M., D.A.
*Piano alumni of Colorado State University or current/former students of Dr. Landreth and Dr. Wallick.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
• Jennifer Clary Jacobs – Website/Marketing Materials • Gina Wallick – Host Family Coordinator/Community Liaison
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
• Cecilia Dagg – Board Member; Volunteer Coordinator
• Maanasi Bagepalli
• Ann Banks
• Casey Banks
• Lorrie Beaumont
• Nancy Breckenridge
• Jooyeon Chang
• Jacqueline Creson
• John Creson
• Katie Dugan
• Susan Spelius Gannon – Board Member
• Alexis Garcia – Rotaract Volunteer
• Kim Harris
• Ty Huey – Board Member
• Otto Huffman
• Catherine Cole Janonis
• Pam Keller – Board Member
• Janet Landreth – Board Member
• John Leopold
• Hsin-Hsuan Lin
• Cindy Lindeen-Martin – Board Member
• Martina Munsters
• Kenneth Pettine
HOST FAMILIES
• Walta Ruff
• Barbara Suhrstedt
• Millie Thomson
• Brenda Tuttle
• Carole Tuttle
• Dave Tuttle
• Bryan Wallick – Board Member
• Gina Wallick – Advisory Board Member, Community Liaison
• Marian Wellman
• Philip Wiseman – Board Member
• Dongnie Xie – Board Member
• Iris Zhang – Board Member
Many thanks to our host families for opening their homes and hearts to a number of our Odyssiad® semifinalists and guest artists during the festival. Please contact GinaWallick@gmail.com with your interest.
• Susan Abbey
• Sandy Charles
• Don Condit and Elise Walsh
• Ann Donoghue
• Doug Dumler
• Karen Lennon & Jeff Emmel
• Dawn & Ted Gould
• Helga & Pierre Julien
• Jana Knezovich
• Janet Landreth
• Marti & Dale Leidheiser
• Diana May & Rick Munn
• Mary Ann & Harland Ranney
• Joe & Valera Sovcik
• Barbara L. Suhrstedt
• Bryan & Gina Wallick
• Marian Wellman
Congratulations to our 2026 Semifinalists whose online submissions were judged for the Preliminary Round of the Odyssiad® Competition.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: SOLO DIVISION – LEVEL A
Evan Elias
City/Country: Conroe, Texas, USA
Age: 12
Evan Elias was born in Palm Springs, California, in July 2013. At four years old, his father started teaching him piano in many different styles, from classical to modern. At age nine, Evan started taking lessons from Maria Khachikian at Muse Mantra School of Music and Arts in Texas, USA, and focused exclusively on classical music. At age 12, Evan also began lessons with Jia Choi at the Muse Mantra School of Music and Arts, where he was introduced to modern styles, such as jazz, funk, bossa nova, and other genres. Evan has already won first prize at three different international piano competitions, has played in Carnegie Hall, New York, and will be performing in Salzburg, Austria, together with other first prize winners. Evan also plays percussion and is composing his first piano pieces.
Angela Lin
City/Country: Brea, California, USA
Age: 11
Angela Lin is a young musician from Brea, California. She began studying piano at age seven and currently studies with Ms. Jenny Shin. Her recent achievements include being named first alternate in the 2026 MTAC State Piano Concerto & Solo Competition, honorable mention in the 2025 MTAC State Piano Concerto & Solo Competition, first place in the 2025 JCM Chamber Music Competition (Elementary Division), and first place in the Southwestern Youth Music Festival SYMF (Category Young Pianist 1), which included a performance with the SYMF Festival Orchestra conducted by Hector Salazar. She has also received gold medal honors in the Southern California Junior Bach Festival and first prize in the final round of the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition. Angela enjoys sharing music with audiences and continues to pursue artistic growth through study and performance.
Samuil McArthur
City/Country: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Age: 11
Samuil McArthur has performed in Carnegie Hall twice: in 2024 as one of the grand prize winners of the Piano Star International Competition, and in 2026 as the first prize winner of the American Virtuoso International Music Competition. In 2026, he also performed in New York City’s Merkin Concert Hall, as the first prize winner of the Elite International Piano Competition. Most recently, he received second prize at the 2026 WPTA Australia International Piano Competition and gave performances in Erbar Saal and Mozarthaus in Vienna, Austria. Samuil has received first prize awards at many international competitions, including: Franz Liszt Center International Piano Competition (Spain, 2025); Orbetello International Piano Competition (Italy, 2026 and 2024); International Piano Competition “Bach au Jazz” (Greece, 2025); Pacific International Youth Music Society Gala Challenge (Canada, 2025); Virtuoso Artists Festival (Seattle, Washington, 2024). In addition to piano, Samuil enjoys reading, karate, biking, cooking, and traveling with his family.
Loren Pei
City/Country: Plainview, New York, USA
Age: 9
Loren Pei is a fourth-grade student who began learning piano at the age of five. Since 2023, he has been studying piano with his current teacher, Mr. Baichao Lan. He is curious, enthusiastic, and especially enjoys learning new pieces. He is honored to participate in this competition and looks forward to sharing his music with the audience.
Faith Eugenia Scott
City/Country: Johnston, Iowa, USA
Age: 10
Faith Eugenia Villar-Córdova Scott has been a first-prize winner of the Memphis International Piano Competition, Saint-Saëns, Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt Center, Colors of Chopin, and The Royal and Carmel Klavier International Piano Competitions, among others. Ms. Scott made her debut with orchestra at the age of seven, playing a complete Haydn Concerto under the baton of Maestro Alberto Bade. In that same year, she performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. In 2025, she was a winner of the Central Iowa Symphony Concerto Competition and in 2026 she won the Orchestra Omaha Young Artists Concerto Competition performing concerti by Mozart and Bach under the batons of Maestros Eric McIntyre and Kenneth Meints. Faith studies piano with Dr. Marion and Rosa Scott.
Fengtian Wang
City/Country: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Age: 13
Semifinalist in Solo Level A and Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions.
Fengtian Wang studies piano with Charlotte Hu. She is a winner of the 2024 Philadelphia International Piano Competition and was invited to perform both solo and concerto repertoire at the 2025 PYPA Music Festival. She received first honorable mention at the 2025 West Chester University Pre-Collegiate National Piano Competition. At the age of 10, she was admitted to the MSM Precollege as a recipient of the Rochlis Family Foundation Scholarship (2023). Fengtian began her piano studies with her mother at the age of four. She has received awards in competitions, including the Shanghai Open Competition, Mendelssohn International Piano Competition, Pearl River–Caesarburg International Piano Competition, Xinghai National Elite Competition, and Huaxia International Piano Open Competition. She has performed at major venues worldwide, including the Sydney Opera House, the Melbourne International Music Festival, Gordon K. and Harriet Greenfield Hall at the MSM, the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, and Shanghai Symphony Hall.
ODYSSIAD
Victoria Yue
City/Country: Englewood, Colorado, USA
Age: 12
Victoria Yue is a seventh grader at Campus Middle School and studies piano with Jooeun Pak, MSU/Denver. Early on, she was recognized at the Columbine Music Teacher Association Honor Recitals (2021, 2023), meanwhile winning
the Foothills Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festivals in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Victoria has also been recognized in Colorado’s state-level competitions, winning first place in the Yamaha Piano Competition (Division Il) in 2024, honorable mention in the CSMTA Competition, honorable mention at the 2025 Rising Stars Festival (Upper Elementary Category), and second place in the 2026 Colorado Peaks Piano Competition (Division II). Over the years, Victoria has enjoyed using piano as a medium for expression. She is dedicated to continuing her technical and musical growth as a classical pianist.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: SOLO DIVISION – LEVEL B
Kai Canton
City/Country: Los Angeles, California, USA
Age: 18
Born in Santa Monica, California, Kai Canton started taking piano lessons at age three. Kai was five when he performed the first movement of Mozart’s "Piano Sonata K.545" at a preschool recital. At seven, while living in Japan, Kai performed the first movement of Haydn’s "Piano Concerto in D" with the Mozart-Kammerochestre in Osaka’s famed Izumi Hall. He was at that time the youngest pianist ever to be given this opportunity. Kai relocated to the United States at age twelve and has since consistently placed among the top performers in both domestic and international competitions. Kai currently studies piano with Ivana Grubelic Malo at the Colburn Community School in Los Angeles. Kai has performed in master classes with Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Fabio Bidini, Pedja Muzijevic, and John Perry among others. Kai is honored to delight audiences wherever he performs and can proudly state that he has delighted audiences in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Lucy (Yuze) Chen
City/Country: Englewood, Colorado, USA
Age: 15
Semifinalist in Solo Level B and Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions.
Lucy (Yuze) Chen began studying piano at age six and has received classical training in both China and the United States. She currently studies under Ms. Jasmine Lee Steadman. Lucy has earned numerous awards in major competitions. In 2024, she won first and third place in both the Yamaha Competition and the Rising Star Competition, and was also a semi-finalist in the International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival (2024). In 2025, she received first place in the MTNA Colorado Competition and advanced to the regional level, serving as an alternate in the Western Hemisphere. She also won first place (Concerto) and third place (Solo) at the Carmel Klavier International Competition (2025), and was an invited performer with the CU Boulder Orchestra. In 2026, she again placed in both the Yamaha Competition and the Rising Star Competition (third place). Beyond performance, Lucy serves nonprofit organizations as a co-founder and music director of Inspire Movement & Arts; a board member of Musicians United for Change; and organizing concerts at senior centers, children’s hospitals, and local communities. Through music, she seeks to connect communities and express the depth of human emotion and cultural understanding.
Elle Gurevich
City/Country: New York, New York, USA Age: 17
Semifinalist in Solo Level B and Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions.
Elle Gurevich is an accomplished pianist and composer. Most recently, she won the Concerto Competition at Special Music School with Shostakovich’s "Piano Concerto No. 1" and will be performing it with the Park Avenue Symphony in June. Elle is a Special Music High School junior, focusing on piano. She also studies composition at the Juilliard Pre-College program. At 17 years old, she completed a musical, Kid of New York, on commission by the New Music Theatre Project, which is set to premiere at 54 Below in September. Elle has previously appeared on the theater stage and on screen. She won accolades and rave reviews for her solo role in Marnie at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Bridget Hoang
City/Country: Morgan Hill, California, USA
Age: 17
Semifinalist in Solo Level B and Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions.
Bridget Hoang is an incoming senior at Ann Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, California, and currently studies piano with Olya Katsman. This year, she was inducted into the selective 2026 Young Artist Guild of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). She has performed as a soloist with the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the GSYO’s Camilla Kolchinsky Orchestra, the Coeur d’Alene Symphony, and the Central Texas Philharmonic. Among her awards are winner of the 2026 and 2025 Northern Region CAPMT Concerto Competition, the 2025 Celia Mendez Young Pianists Beethoven Competition, the 2025 Creative Artist Review Panel Award from the Bay Area Creative Foundation, the 2025 Henry and Carol Zeiter Piano Competition, and the 2024 MTAC State Solo Competition. Bridget has participated in many summer piano festivals including PianoTexas, Southeastern, TSIPF, Vivace Music Foundation, and Bay Piano Fest. She has had master classes with Alexander Kobrin, Michelle Cann, Boris Slutsky, Marina Lomazov, and many more. Besides piano, Bridget also loves reading, writing, and poetry. She enjoys making connections between the music she plays and the literature she reads.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: SOLO DIVISION – LEVEL B
Kylie Kim
City/Country: Chino Hills, California, USA
Age: 14
Kylie Kim is an eighth-grade student at the Orange County School of the Arts who began studying piano at the age of six. She currently studies with Ms. Jenny Shin, whose mentorship continues to inspire and challenge her artistic growth as a young pianist. Kylie gave her first solo recital at age twelve and has earned recognition in numerous regional and international piano competitions. In 2023, she was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as a competition winner. Through her musical journey, Kylie has come to believe that music has the power to connect people beyond language and cultural differences. She hopes to one day share what she has learned through music with her community and use it to positively impact others.
Louis Kwong Ching Li
City/Country: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Age: 14
Louis Li, a Hong Kong-born pianist based in Toronto, Canada, is recognized for his musical sensitivity, refinement, and expressive depth. He studied with Dr. Michael Berkovsky and previously trained with Ms. Vanessa Wai Yin Wong at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Louis has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Dang Thai Son, Vanessa Latarche, John O’Conor, and Alexander Korsantia. He has won top prizes at major international competitions, including the Steinway Piano Competition Canada, Young Euregio Piano Award, International Artepiano Competition, IPPA Conero International Piano Competition, and Philadelphia International Piano Competition. As a concerto soloist, he has performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Karlovarský Symfonický Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, and North York Concert Orchestra. Louis has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and festivals in Europe, Asia, and North America. He is also dedicated to charitable concerts supporting music education and pediatric healthcare initiatives.
Minyang Xu
City/Country: Allen, Texas, USA
Age: 17
Minyang Xu began studying piano at age five and started working with Dr. Jiayin Liu at eleven, an experience that greatly enriched his musical understanding and artistic development. Through his studies, he has cultivated perseverance, discipline, and resilience. He also enjoys sharing his passion for music by helping younger students learn piano and accompanying string instrumentalists. Since 2022, Minyang has earned recognition in regional, state, national, and international competitions. Recent achievements include first prize at the 2025 Texoma Piano Competition (Senior Division), first place at the IAMPT Virtuoso Level Competition, first place at the 2024 Dallas Symphonic Festival Concerto Competition, bronze medal at the 14th International Chopin Youth Competition (2025), and Final Performance Winner of the 2025 Utah Arlington Piano Contest.
Bobby Yuan
City/Country: Erie, Colorado, USA
Age: 16
Bobby Yuan is a tenth grader at Peak-to-Peak Charter School in Lafayette, Colorado. Since May 2022, he has been studying piano with Dr. Jennifer Hayghe from the University of Colorado Boulder. Bobby was the first-place winner of the Schmitt Music 2023 Piano Competition, the 2024 and 2025 Colorado State MTA Piano Concerto Competition, resulting in two piano concerto performances with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra. He also won the first prize at the 2026 Charleston International Piano Competition and 2025 Colorado State Rising Stars Festival, and the second-place prize at the 2024 and 2025 Colorado State MTNA Piano Competition. Bobby has volunteered by performing piano at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital since 2024, bringing comfort and joy to people. Beyond piano, he plays violin in Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras and participated in the Colorado All State Orchestra Symphony (2026). Bobby also enjoys basketball and chess.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: SOLO DIVISION – LEVEL C
Antonio Ajero
City/Country: Nacogdoches, Texas, USA / China
Age: 21
Antonio “Nio” Ajero has garnered many accolades, including the 2021 and 2022 National YoungArts Award for Classical Piano, as well as numerous piano, pedagogy, and collaborative scholarships from Oberlin College and Conservatory, such as the Howard Karp Third Prize Award at the 2024 Peter Takacs Beethoven Competition and The Deborah Lipton Hanna ’69 Endowed Collaborative Piano Prize. He has studied in masterclasses and lessons with renowned teachers such as Kirill Gerstein, Alexander Kobrin, Alexander Korsantia, Norman Krieger, Jeremy Denk, Logan Skelton, Julian Martin, Vadym Kholodenko, Yakov Kasman, Gilles Vonsattel, William Grant Nabore, and Alexander Moutouzkine. Nio earned his Bachelor's in Piano Performance at Oberlin College and Conservatory under the tutelage of 2001 Van Cliburn gold medalist, Professor Stanislav Ioudenitch. This fall, Nio will begin his graduate studies at Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University under the guidance of Professor Hieyon Choi.
Hyerim Cho
City/Country: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA / South Korea
Age: 26
Hyerim Cho will begin her Artist Diploma at the University of Michigan in Fall 2026 under Christopher Harding as a full-scholarship recipient and Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). Cho gained international recognition as a quarterfinalist (Top 25) in the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition. Her awards include first prize at the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition and the MTNA Indiana State Young Artist Performance Competition, and the Larry Davis Memorial Award at the NSAL Competition. She has appeared in the Kumho Art Hall Prodigy Concert Series and performed as soloist with the Seoul Orchestra. She has also worked as a collaborative pianist for the Shinhan Music Awards at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Cho earned her Bachelor of Music from Yonsei University under YungWook Yoo and her Master of Music from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under Spencer Myer, where she held full scholarships and was an associate instructor.
Nayeon Gu
City/Country: Newton, Massachusetts, USA / South Korea Age: 24
Nayeon Gu, from Seoul, South Korea, began studying piano at the age of five, and received her early education at Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory, where she studied with Haesun Paik. Currently, she is pursuing the Artist Diploma at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the guidance of Sofya Gulyak. She attends the program on a full scholarship and serves as an associate instructor in the Piano Department. Nayeon made her solo debut at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul and has performed at prestigious venues in both the United States and South Korea. She has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists, including Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Alexander Korsantia, Wu Han, Yuri Slesarev, and Vincent Coq. Her recent achievements include second prize at the Chicago International Piano Competition and third prize at the Lancaster International Piano Competition in 2024.
Ye-Eun Hyun
City/Country: Okemos, Michigan, USA / South Korea
Age: 31
Ye-Eun Hyun is a South Korean pianist and the grand prize winner of the 2025 Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition. She also received second prize at the 2024 ArsClassica International Music Competition and has earned numerous scholarships and awards. She has performed in prestigious venues such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra in Italy, and Seoul Arts Center, among others. She pursued her early training at the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts, and later attained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees under the guidance of Minsoo Sohn at the Korea National University of Arts. She completed her second master's degree at New England Conservatory in Boston under the tutelage of Wha Kyung Byun. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at Michigan State University, where she holds a full scholarship as a graduate assistant.
Inhwa Lee
City/Country: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA / South Korea Age: 27
Inhwa Lee is a Korean pianist who recently earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Dr. Dror Biran. She graduated from Seoul National University with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, studying under Dr. Minjung Lee. She also completed a second major in Fashion and Textiles. Having begun her piano studies at a young age, she has developed her career as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist. Lee has performed in Korea and the United States and has received awards in both piano and chamber music competitions, including the 2026 Tuesday Musical Annual Scholarship Competition and the 2025 Ariel Quartet Chamber Music Competition. She is also passionate about sharing music with others through education and outreach. This interest led her to participate in music projects in Nepal, where she taught and shared music with children.
Sol Park
City/Country: Rochester, New York, USA / South Korea
Age: 26
Sol Park, a native of South Korea, is a pianist pursuing a Master of Music at the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana in Lugano, Switzerland, under the guidance of Alexander Kobrin. Beginning in Fall 2026, she will continue her studies at The Juilliard School under Soyeon Kate Lee. Sol earned her Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music and previously studied with Jack Winerock at the University of Kansas after moving to the United States. She began piano studies at age five and, at 11, made both her solo recital debut and concerto debut with the Busan Neo Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, she has appeared with ensembles including the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, Heritage Philharmonic, and TIMM Ensemble. Sol has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Jerome Lowenthal, Jeremy Denk, Boris Petrushansky, Robert McDonald, Alexander Korsantia, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.
Reynaldi Raharja
City/Country: Loveland, Colorado, USA / Indonesia
Age: 30
Reynaldi Raharja is an Indonesian classical pianist pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance at Colorado State University where he studies with Bryan Wallick. Although he was introduced to piano at a young age, Reynaldi's commitment to classical music deepened more recently. After a period of reflection led him to rediscover his passion for performance, Reynaldi left a molecular biology major to dedicate himself fully to music. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Reynaldi developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and traditions. These experiences continue to shape his musical voice, influencing the way he approaches interpretation, expression, and performance. He seeks to bring sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and authenticity to every piece he plays. As he continues his studies, Reynaldi aspires to refine his artistry and connect meaningfully with audiences everywhere, believing that music has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Peter Yide Shi
City/Country: Boston, Massachusetts, USA / China
Age: 24
Peter Yide Shi started his journey with piano at the age of five. When he was nine, he started his professional music studies with Professor Chang at the Central Conservatory of Primary School in Beijing. He started studying with renowned pianist Meng-Chieh Liu from 2017. He was then accepted into New England Conservatory in 2021 and was awarded with the Presidential Distinction Awards upon enrollment. He graduated from New England Conservatory with a bachelor’s degree in 2025. He has appeared at many festivals and venues, including the Oxford Philharmonic Piano Festival, the PYPA Festival in Philadelphia, the Miami International Piano Festival, the East Carolina Piano Festival, Salle Cortot in Paris, Jacqueline du Pre Music Hall in Oxford, the Field Concert Hall in Philadelphia, the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery in Miami, the AOVA Concert Hall in Philadelphia, and the Jordan Hall of New England Conservatory in Boston. He is also a winner of multiple prestigious piano competitions, including fifth prize in the National CCTV Piano and Violin Competition in Beijing, second prize in the International Philadelphia Piano Competition Group A in Philadelphia, and third prize in the Fou Ts’ong International Concerto Competition.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: SOLO DIVISION – LEVEL C
Victor Shlyakhtenko
City/Country: Los Angeles, California, USA
Age: 24
Victor Shlyakhtenko’s recent debuts have included performances with the Panama City Symphony in Florida and the Delta Symphony Orchestra in Arkansas, and recitals for the Grand Piano Series in Naples and the Palm Springs International Piano Competition. He has appeared with over a dozen orchestras in concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Grieg, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Clara Schumann. His solo performances have brought him to Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Leipzig Gewandhaus. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he began his training at the Colburn School of Performing Arts and continued his studies at the Oberlin Conservatory. His teachers have included Fabio Bidini, Stanislav Ioudenitch, and José Ramón Méndez. Victor is an alum of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation’s Young Scholars Program and has performed in masterclasses for artists such as Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Niel Immelman, Marios Papadopoulos, and Bruno Canino.
Joseph Vaz
City/Country: New York, New York, USA
Age: 29
Pianist Joseph Vaz has performed as a soloist, collaborative artist, and chamber musician in North America and Europe, in venues from Carnegie Hall to the Arnold Schönberg Center in Vienna. Vaz is the 2025-2027 piano fellow for Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect. He has been a finalist of international piano competitions including the Pacific Stars International Competition (second prize), Seattle International Piano Competition, James Mottram International Piano Competition, Concours Orléans, Wideman International Piano Competition, and more. Vaz recently completed fellowships in the Aspen Music Festival, Lucerne Festival Academy, Gilmore Piano Festival, and Sarasota Music Festival. He has performed as a soloist with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Harmonia Orchestra Seattle, and other orchestral ensembles. His debut album, Galanteries, was released on PARMA Recordings in January 2025. With degrees from Indiana University and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Joseph is currently a doctoral candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center, studying with Julian Martin.
Jiusi Zhang
City/Country: New Haven, Connecticut, USA / China
Age: 23
Jiusi Zhang recently graduated from the Yale School of Music, where he was awarded the Elizabeth Parisot Prize for Outstanding Pianist upon earning his Master of Music. He will return to Yale next fall to pursue a Master of Musical Arts on full scholarship under the guidance of Professor Wei-Yi Yang. Born in 2002, he began his musical journey at the age of four in his hometown, Langfang, China. It wasn't until 2020, at the age of 18, that he began formal and intensive musical study upon his admission to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied with professor Dang Thai Son. He graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Music and was nominated into the National Music Honor Society. His recent accolades include first prize at the 2025 Lancaster International Piano Competition, silver medal at the 2025 Rubato International Piano Competition, bronze medal at the 2025 International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, first prize (Marilyn Fischer & Joan Marie Scherer Scholarship) at the 2024 Tuesday Musical Association Scholarship Competition (where he also received the John M. Ream Jr. DDS People’s Choice Award at the winners’ concert), and winner of the 2022 PianoTexas Concerto Competition. He was also awarded scholarships from the Feltsman Piano Foundation, as well as the Evelyn Bonar Storrs Piano Scholarship from the Musical Club of Hartford.
Sunny (Lin Kai) Zhang
City/Country: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Age: 21
Sunny Lin Kai Zhang has performed in some of the foremost venues in the world, including New York's Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall and Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage), Steinway Hall, Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Beijing Concert Hall, Van Cliburn Concert Hall, Vancouver Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Chan Centre, and Orpheum Theatre. He has performed with the RimskyKorsakov String Quartet, the Grosseto Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera Orchestra, and the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra. His international achievements include first prizes at the Seattle, Carmel Clavier in solo and concerto categories, Orbetello, and the Pacific International Piano Competition. He won top prizes at Fou Ts’ong, Steinway, San Jose, Sviatoslav Richter, Lancaster, and Enkor International Piano Competition, among others, and became a Steinway Young Artist at the age of 16. He recently graduated from The Juilliard School and will pursue a Master of Music at the Yale School of Music under the tutelage of Boris Slutsky. His former teachers include longtime mentor Eugene Skovorodnikov, Matti Raekallio, and Hung-Kuan Chen.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: CONCERTO DIVISION –JUNIOR YOUNG ARTIST COMPLETE CONCERTO
Lucy (Yuze) Chen
City/Country: Englewood, Colorado, USA
Age: 15
Performing: Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467
Semifinalist in Solo Level B and Junior Young Artist
Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 25.
Elle Gurevich
City/Country: New York, New York, USA
Age: 17
Performing: Shostakovich, Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35
Semifinalist in Solo Level B and Junior Young Artist
Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 25.
Bridget Hoang
City/Country: Morgan Hill, California, USA
Age: 17
Performing: Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No.1 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 1
Semifinalist in Solo Level B and Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 25.
Fengtian Wang
City/Country: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Age: 13
Performing: Mendelssohn, Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25
Semifinalist in Solo Level A and Junior Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 24.
Shizhe Zhu
City/Country: Shanghai, China
Age: 16
Performing: Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488
Chinese pianist Shizhe Zhu born in 2009 is a student at the Music Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he has studied under Professor Natalia Filippova since 2023. His playing is marked by a communicative approach that seeks to uncover the emotional depth and structural clarity of each work. Zhu draws artistic inspiration beyond the piano, particularly from the symphonic universe of Gustav Mahler and the complex dramatic language of Richard Wagner. He believes that these influences enrich his interpretive perspective on the standard piano repertoire. He won the fourth prize in the junior professional division of the 11th Boya Piano Festival in August 2025. He successfully held a recital in May 2026 at the Music Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: CONCERTO DIVISION –PROFESSIONAL YOUNG ARTIST COMPLETE CONCERTO
Antonio Ajero
City/Country: Nacogdoches, Texas, USA / China
Age: 21
Performing: Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73
Semifinalist in Solo Level C and Professional Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 26.
Ashley Chua
City/Country: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Age: 25
Performing: Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73
Ashley Chua Kai Qian will be a doctoral student in Collaborative Piano at the University of Colorado, Boulder, studying under Dr. Nguyen and Dr. McDonald. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University (TCU), with a master’s in Collaborative Piano. She graduated from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YSTCM) in Singapore in 2024 with a Bachelor of Music, holding a double major in Piano Performance and Music & Society, and a minor in Philosophy. Ashley has participated actively in a range of concerts and competitions, most recently placing third in the piano division of the YSTCM Concerto Competition 2022 and attaining a special mention in the TCU Concerto Competition in 2024. She was also a recipient of the Judith Solomon Award in Vocal Accompaniment in 2025, at the generosity of donors Mr. and Mrs. James Simon.
Dain Lee
City/Country: Tallahassee, Florida, USA / South Korea
Age: 30
Performing: Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No.1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1
Dain Lee is a South Korean pianist from Seoul and a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance at Florida State University, studying with Dr. Heidi Williams. Active as both a soloist and collaborative pianist, she has performed throughout the United States and Korea in solo recitals, chamber music, and ensemble performances. In 2024, she appeared as soloist with the Masterworks Orchestra after winning the Masterworks Concerto Competition, performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Most recently, she won the 2026 Florida State University Doctoral Concerto Competition. Her additional awards include first prize in the 2025 American Soloist International Music Competition, performed at Carnegie Hall, as well as second prize in the 2025 Young Soloist International Music Competition. Lee has participated in festivals including the Texas State International Piano Festival, Knoxville International Piano Festival, and Ian Hobson Piano Festival. She holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Ewha Womans University.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: CONCERTO DIVISION –PROFESSIONAL YOUNG ARTIST COMPLETE CONCERTO
Julie Lee
City/Country: Westbury, New York, USA / South Korea Age: 24
Performing: Saint-Saens, Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22
Julie Yaesol Lee is a Korean American pianist based in New York. She began her musical studies at the age of four. After moving to the United States, she trained under Professor Jeffrey Biegel. Julie appeared as a soloist with the LaGuardia Symphonic Orchestra and the Santa Monica Orchestra. Julie is a winner of numerous competitions, including the Redlands Bowl Young Artist Concerto Competition, the New York Laureate International Music Competition, the National YoungArts Foundation, the New York Artists Guild International Music Competition, and more. She has received guidance from renowned artists during masterclasses with Gary Graffman, Pavel Nersessian, Andrew Tyson, and Renana Gutman. She has played in major performance venues such as Weill Recital Hall, Redlands Bowl, Lincoln Center, Park Avenue Armory, and more. Julie is a graduate student at the Manhattan School of Music, pursuing a master’s degree in classical piano performance under the guidance of Professor Inesa Sinkevych.
Sol Park
City/Country: Rochester, New York, USA / South Korea Age: 26
Performing: Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2 C minor, Op. 18
Semifinalist in Solo Level C and Professional Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 27.
Peter Yide Shi
City/Country: Rochester, New York, USA / South Korea Age: 28
Performing: Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Semifinalist in Solo Level C and Professional Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 27.
Victor Shlyakhtenko
City/Country: Los Angeles, California, USA
Age: 24
Performing: Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23
Semifinalist in Solo Level C and Professional Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 28.
Truman Walker
City/Country: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Age: 20
Performing: Shostakovich, Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35
Truman Walker is a pianist and composer from Eagle, Idaho. He currently studies with Wha Kyung Byun at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He previously studied with Suzy Clive and HaeSun Paik. He has been studying composition with Daniel Felsenfeld since 2017. At age four, he was a student in the young musicians program Let’s Play Music. Truman recently won top prizes in the Yamaha USASU and NEC Honors piano competitions. He has performed in Jordan Hall at NEC and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Madison Yan
City/Country: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA
Age: 22
Performing: Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Madison Yan is a passionate performer, teacher, and a recent graduate of the University of Miami under the studio of Kevin Kenner. As a semifinalist in the 11th National Chopin Competition (Miami) and the 6th Delegate International Chopin Competition (Tokyo), she has cultivated an artistry recognized on both national and international stages. She is a threetime recipient of the National Chopin Foundation Scholarship and has garnered top prizes at the William Knabe International Piano Competition, the International Chopin Competition (Hartford), and the International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival. Madison has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Maria João Pires, Alexander Kobrin, and Garrick Ohlsson. Her mentors are Sasha Starcevich, Richard Bosworth, and Irena Kofman. She currently serves as artist-in-residence at the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts and has been invited to present masterclasses around South Florida. A multi-faceted artist, Madison enjoys writing, dancing, and martial arts.
ODYSSIAD® SEMIFINALISTS: CONCERTO DIVISION –
PROFESSIONAL YOUNG ARTIST COMPLETE CONCERTO
Liming Yang
City/Country: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA / China
Age: 27
Performing: Béla Bartók, Piano Concerto No. 3 in E Major, Sz. 119, BB 127
Liming Yang has received recognition in several national and international competitions. He was a prize winner at the Liszt Memorial Prizes Hong Kong–International Piano Open Competition, winner of the CCM piano concerto competition, and has been a finalist in the International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival Competition (2025). Additional early awards supported his continuing performance activity. Born in China, Yang began piano studies at an early age and later continued his musical training in the United States. He earned his Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Yang is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music (CCM) under Dror Biran.
Wanwan Yang
City/Country: Lansing, Michigan, USA
Age: 27
Performing: Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Wanwan Yang is a Chinese pianist recognized for performances of both lyrical sensitivity and passionate
virtuosity. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts at Michigan State University, where she has served as a teaching assistant on a full scholarship since 2022, studying with Eric Zuber. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Peabody Conservatory, Wanwan is the winner of the 2026 Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. She has also competed internationally, including appearances in the Premio Jaén International Piano Competition (Spain) and the George Enescu International Competition (Romania). Wanwan has performed at distinguished venues including Harris Hall (Aspen, Colorado), Van Cliburn Hall (Fort Worth, Texas), George Enescu Hall (Bucharest, Romania), Teatro Infanta Leonor (Jaén, Spain), and concert halls at the China Conservatory of Music and Tianjin Conservatory of Music. A recipient of the Truax Darlington Fund Scholarship, she has participated in prestigious summer programs including PianoTexas and PianoSummer, sponsored by the Feltsman Foundation. Her principal teachers have included Eric Zuber, Matti Raekallio, Angela Cheng, Boris Slutsky, Hung-Kuan Chen, and Ran Dank, and she has performed in masterclasses with Paul Badura-Skoda and Jerome Lowenthal.
Sunny (Lin Kai) Zhang
City/Country: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Age: 21
Semifinalist in Solo Level C and Professional Young Artist Complete Concerto Divisions. See bio on page 28.
