The Steinway Piano Society’s 20th Annual Young Artist Piano Competition Awards Recital, held Sunday, May 4th, was a milestone event—marking a joyful and long-awaited return to near pre-pandemic participation levels. The afternoon was filled with music, camaraderie, and more than a few unforgettable moments.
The standout of the day was Gabriel Xu, a 13-year-old student at Evangelical Christian School, who made history as the first competitor to win First Place in the Junior Division one year, then advance to and win the Senior Division—and Best Overall Performance—the following year. Xu received a $500 scholarship for his Senior Division win and an additional $250 for Best Overall Performance. More than $2,200 in scholarships was awarded during the event.
“This is the first time we’ve seen a Junior winner move up and win the Senior Division the very next year,” said Grant Billings, co-founder of the competition and President of the Steinway Piano Society. “The level of musicianship across all divisions this year was truly exceptional.”
Twelve-year-old Shaan Meheta, who took first place in the Late Elementary division last year, won first place in the Junior division this year. His riveting performance of Scarlatti’s Sonata in C minor, K11, L352 drew applause from the audience twice before he finished the piece.
The awards recital showcased all finalists and featured 19 performances in total, including a record number of honorable mentions. Audience members, who filled U. Tobe Hall at FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts, were treated to an afternoon of music by students ranging in age from eight to eighteen.
Now in its second year following a pandemic-related hiatus, the competition has returned to full strength. “We’re thrilled to say that participation this year matched our 2019 numbers,” Billings told the crowd of more than 100 in attendance.
Our thanks to everyone who helped make our twentieth competition one of the best!
Congratulations!
Early Elementary
1st Charlie Lamaj (Malda Kiri, Teacher)
2nd Katherine Liu (Alena Michel, Teacher)
3rd Vera Binxhiu (Theresa Miller, Teacher)
Honorable Mention – Mateo Valladares (Larissa Chernogritskaya, Teacher)
Late Elementary
1st Emir Bilen (Larissa Chernogritskaya, Teacher)
2nd Anya Zhang (Michael Baron, Teacher)
3rd Maya Akmuradova (Bella Gutshtein, Teacher)
Honorable Mention – Ingrid Carlson (Larissa Chernogritskaya, Teacher), Timofey Gybin (Larissa Chernogritskaya, Teacher), and Alisa Jiang (Minh Le, Teacher)
Junior
1st Shaan Mehta (Michael Baron, Teacher)
2nd Leif Jerde (Dr. Anne McLean, Teacher)
3rd Layla Morell (Alena Michel, Teacher)
Honorable Mention – Alexandra Akmuradova (Bella Gutshtein, Teacher) and Meiya Zhang (Michael Baron, Teacher)
Senior
1st Gabriel Xu (Michael Baron, Teacher)
2nd Mason Huffman (Michael Baron, Teacher)
3rd Jameson Moore (Michael Baron, Teacher)
Honorable Mention – Marharyta Yehorova (Larissa Chernogritskaya, Teacher)
Best Overall Performance
Gabriel Xu
(Michael Baron, Teacher)
Thanks to our competition sponsors!
