Doctoral student selected as finalist in international piano competition

Doctoral student Shin Hwang was selected as one of five finalists in the Sfzp International Fortepiano competition by the American Classical Orchestra.

The top two prize winners will be selected after a final round of performances March 9 in New York City.

The winners will receive cash prizes and a solo appearance at the opening concert of the Academy of  Fortepiano Performance. The top prize winner will also be awarded an appearance as a featured soloist with the American Classical Orchestra during 2019-2020 and a professional concert engagement at the Valley of the Moon Music Festival in Sonoma, California later this year. All finalists receive a full scholarship to the Academy of Fortepiano Performance in Hunter, N.Y., from May 25 to June 2.

“I am genuinely eager to meet the other finalists of this competition and share in this musical experience,” Hwang said. “Competitions offer an occasion to bring people together, where despite our competitive nature, some people choose relationships over prizes. It has been in competitions where I have met some wonderful people in my life with whom I've formed lasting friendships”

Hwang has earned recognition in both modern and historical performance for his work. He received a Fulbright Grant to study in the Netherlands at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in musical arts in performance practice under the guidance of Malcom Bilson, the Frederick J. Whiton Professor Emeritus of Music at Cornell.