Appearing on PBS this month is the documentary from the 13th Piano competition A Surprise in Texas. I was the assistant conductor for the finals and took my Zoom H2 mike and recorded some fascinating behind the scenes audio with some of the major players including an in depth interview with conductor James Conlon and [...]
Tag Archives | Cliburn Finals
The New Golden Age – Defending the Jury pt. 2
With so much attention being paid to Tsujii (including from me) I wanted to be sure to not overlook the other gold medalist Haochen Zhang, his extraordinary ability and unbelievable upside potential. If not breaking barriers like Tsujii he certainly dispelled a myth and if some feel that the jury took a chance with him, [...]
Cliburn: Striking Human Gold! – Defending the Jury part 1
There are so many things people are hoping for in the winner of the Cliburn. Every 4 years this veritable Piano Olympiad usually picks a winner who possesses pure virtuosity, stage presence and superb musicianship. Expectations are high for the Pianists and the pressure is intense to say the least. This year was different and [...]
Cliburn Soundoff! – It’s OVER – wrap with James and wild closing!
I wanted to post Monday, but it was such a blur! For the final post from this year’s Cliburn, I post the final two parts of my conversation with James Conlon, and I edited a two part audio clip of the closing ceremony complete with wild (and very frank) opinions, Van speaking, the awarding of [...]
Cliburn Soundoff! – Conlon Pt.3/Comparison/FWSO/Tsujii speaks/Cliburn trail
Today is the big day, one more recital and two more concertos, and then the big announcement! Bob Schieffer will speak at the closing ceremony and then off to the Worthington for the party! Today James Conlon talks about the growth of the competitors throughout the week (mentions some surprises), I compare the same excerpts [...]
Cliburn Soundoff! – Conlon speaks/Zhang dresses/Chopin Compare/Bray/Yang
The heat is definitely on with an incredible night of music making, this thing is too close to call! Part 1 of my interview of James Conlon, an excerpt from Haochen Zhang and Mozart 20, a comparison of the same two spots in Chopin 1 from Bozhanov and Tsujii (this you will only get here), [...]
Cliburn Soundoff! – Richard on Webcast/final rehearsals/BIG ANNOUNCEMENT – Audio
In the final part of my chat with Richard Rodzinski we talk about the grueling schedule and how it will benefit a pianist, plus our perspectives on the web-cast and its educational benefits. There’s also excerpts from 4 of the finalists final rehearsals and BIG ANNOUNCEMET (drum roll), starting tomorrow I will post part one [...]
Cliburn Soundoff! – Post Cliburn/Vacatello/Piano issues/Zhang/Wu – Audio!
Yesterday was the last full day of rehearsals and tonight the performances begin. My continuing chat with Richard focuses on the grueling schedule and how that helps a Pianist post Cliburn. I was able catch finalist Haochen Zhang (who is 19 today!) asking The USA chief Steinway technician Ron Coners about an issue with the [...]