Two Presbyterian Middle School students will perform at Carnegie Hall this spring as a result of national music competition wins.
Fifth grader Vi Nguyen, received a gold medal in the American Association for the Development of the Gifted and Talented competition. For the American Protégé International 2012 Piano and Strings Competition both Nguyen and 8th grader Joyson Zhang received first place for their piano duet, Mendelssohn’s Ein Sommernachtstraum Op. 21 – Overture. Nguyen also placed first in a piano solo in the American Protégé competition.
Both the American Association for the Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT) and the American Protégé International organization seek to help talented, aspiring artists reach their potential. They receive entries for their competitions from very competitive applicants from around the United States and abroad including Asia, Europe, Australia, Central America, Middle East and Russia. Their goal is to encourage young musicians to grow their talent and get opportunities to perform on stage in New York City’s Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s grandest performance venues.
Winners of the AADGT’s competition will premier in “The Passion of Music” concert in Carnegie Hall on March 10. Winners of the American Protégé Internal competition will play at Carnegie Hall on April 8.
Nguyen began playing the piano at the age of five and a half. Every day Nguyen practices the piano for at least two hours. This persistence, sacrifice and commitment have shaped her into becoming the accomplished pianist that she is today. Her inspiration and love for music comes from her favorite classical artist, Chopin, as well as what she says is a “deeper feeling from within.”
When Nguyen is not performing for various concerts and Carnegie Hall appearances, she can be found hanging out with friends, and doing what any other average 5th grade student likes to do- have fun. Along with her talented piano skills she also enjoys swimming. When she grows up she wants to be a doctor by day and famous pianist by night.
Zhang began playing the piano at the age of six. He practices one hour each week day and two hours on the weekends. Zhang has always had a love for music and the piano was one of the very first instruments to which he was introduced. Lang Lang, a Chinese concert pianist, is one of Zhang‘s true inspirations. The encouragement of his piano teacher also continues to motivate him to develop his talent further. Zhang said he “loves learning new things and exploring the world around,” which has contributed to developing his other interests besides music. When not playing piano, he enjoys playing tennis, soccer, art, video games and being with friends. He aspires to become an architect when he grows up.
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