Pune: The fifth iteration of the national piano festival/competition MusiQuest was held in Pune at Academy of Music, Koregaon Park recently. Presented in an informal and friendly workshop/ masterclass format with unrestricted repertoire choice, participants had a unique opportunity not only for public performance but to extend their musical learning experience by receiving instruction at the piano as well as written adjudications and participation certificates from an international panel of adjudicators. The emphasis was on encouragement and positive feedback. 150 participants and 23 teachers from across the country participated in the festival. All ages and musical levels performed within 4 main divisions : Preliminary (Beginner to Grade 2), Junior (Grades 3 to 5), Intermediate (Grades 6 to 8), Advanced (Diplomas).
The international adjudication panel had included renowned teachers/pedagogues Spencer Myer (New York, USA), Alan Chow (Chicago, USA), Marcia Eckert (New York, USA), Raj Bhimani (New York, USA) and the duo Carolyn True and Bradley Beckman (San Antonio, USA). Additionally prominent composer and popular/jazz musician Kevin Olson (Salt Lake City, USA) was on the adjudication panel as a jazz and popular music specialist and composer in residence. Additionally the adjudicators were available to give private lessons and piano master classes during the festival. They had also presented workshops for intermediate and advanced participants and for the professional development of the participating teachers.
Post adjudications, the adjudicators featured in a recital. The festival culminated with an Honours recital presenting the winners in performance and the awards ceremony.
This was a unique festival fostering musical performance, learning and interaction among budding young talent across the country. MusiQuest 2015 was the fifth edition of this popular festival. The 2013 festival drew a response of 166 participants and 21 teachers from across the length and breadth of India.
This year’s proud winner of Kawai ND21 upright piano is Priya Ann Fernandes from Bengaluru, the Advanced Second Prize winner is Nipun Malhotra from Delhi and the Advanced third Prize winner is Alique Khambatta from Pune. Advanced division adjudicator Spencer Myer gave away the prizes, along with Mr R Chaturvedi, CEO of Theme Music (sponsors of the Kawai prize piano). The first winner in Advanced division also received a part scholarship to the International Institute of Young Musicians (Kansas, USA) as part of the prize package.
Each of the divisions (Preliminary, Junior, Intermediate and Advanced) were awarded three attractive prizes packages including Cash, music Books etc. Several international music publishers have supported the event with book prizes. Additionally prizes were awarded for the original composition, Jazz/Popular categories as well as for ensemble (piano duets, two piano and concertos).
