Westport, CT - Once again, MoCA CT will bring rising stars in the piano world to Westport, CT to compete over the course of two days in one of America’s most celebrated cultural events, the 2024 Heida Hermanns Piano Competition. The final round of the competition will take place from November 22-23, 2024.
This year’s three international finalists, Zehao ‘Nick’ Bai, Carter Johnson and Yongqiu Liu, were selected through an extensive application process where video submissions of their individual performances were chosen from over seventy competitors. The three will be the first ones to premiere a new commissioned work by internationally heralded composer Lowell Liebermann.
Kristen Young, Director of Performing Arts, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the addition of a newly commissioned work by renowned composer Lowell Liebermann to this year's Heida Hermanns International Music Competition. As we continue to celebrate and elevate the talent of young pianists, this exciting new piece adds an extraordinary dimension to the competition. Liebermann's composition, which reflects his unique voice and innovative style, will challenge and inspire our participants, giving them the rare opportunity to perform a world-premiere work. The Heida Competition has always been about pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, and this collaboration with one of America's leading composers is a testament to
our commitment to nurturing the next generation of pianists while expanding the repertoire for the piano."
Judges for the final in-person competition include Chairman of the Jury pianist Frederic Chiu of Beechwood Arts & Innovation, a previously Heida winner himself, Inna Faliks, one of the most communicative and poetic artists of her generation, and ; and critically acclaimed pianist Miki Aoki. Video audition jurists included past Heida alumni Wenjie Lyu, Julia Siciliano, and Alexei Tartakovsky.
Event Schedule & Special Highlights:
Friday, November 22
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Welcome Reception with Hors d’oeuvres
Begin the evening mingling with fellow enthusiasts and perhaps catch a glimpse of our esteemed jury and finalists.
7:00 PM – 9:45 PM: Finalists' Performances
Experience the exceptional talent of our three finalists. Witness the future of classical music as they showcase their technical mastery and artistic expression.
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Performance by Zehao ‘Nick’ Bai 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM: Performance by Carter Johnson 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM: Performance by Yongqiu Liu
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Mini Recital and Book Talk by Inna Faliks
Join Heida Final Round Judge Inna Faliks for an intimate recital and insightful discussion about her new memoir, Weight in the Fingertips. Gain personal insights into her journey from Soviet Ukraine to the world stage, and how her experiences have shaped her illustrious career.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and Cocktails
Enjoy delightful food and drinks while engaging in conversations with fellow guests, the jury, and the finalists. It's a perfect opportunity to share your passion for music with other like-minded people.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Judges' Performance and Awards Announcement
Be captivated by exclusive performances from our prestigious jury members:
- Frederic Chiu
- Miki Aoki
- Inna Faliks
- Julia Siciliano
- Alexei Tartakovsky
Conclude the evening with the exciting Awards Announcement, where we celebrate the achievements of our finalists and crown the winner of the 2024 Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition.
The winner receives a cash prize of $10,000, and each of the other finalists will receive a prize of $2,500, generously donated by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen.
Prior winners include celebrated pianists who have gone on to perform in the world’s most important halls, such as Spencer Myer, Frederic Chiu, Josh Wright, Timur Mustikimov, and Yue Chu.
Tickets can be purchased for individual events or as a two-day package. Tickets include hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Please visit theheida.mocact.org or call 203.222.7070 to learn more
and purchase tickets.