At 15, the already accomplished pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko hopes to be recognized as one of Canada’s music heroes.
The teen has entered a search by CBC Music and ICI Musique’s for Canada’s favourite amateur classical pianist.
Pianists are invited to enter Piano Hero regardless of age or level of accomplishment to show the rest of Canada what they’ve got.
Winning will include a trip for two to Toronto, where the successful entrant will make a professional music video, have a private piano lesson with Emanuel Ax and attend the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s RBC Piano Extravaganza, including a performance at Roy Thomson Hall with the TSO.
The winner will also receive an upright piano courtesy of Steinway Piano Galleries of Canada.
Contestants were asked to film themselves performing a piece of classical music and submit their video to CBC Music.
The public will vote on all videos submitted and a jury of piano professionals will select a winner.
In the bio Jaeden submitted as part of the contest rules, he described himself as “a 15-year-old from the incredibly supportive community of Salmon Arm, B.C.
“I started playing piano at age five and, since then, have learned from and worked with some of the most inspiring and generous people imaginable.”
Jaeden goes on to explain that he had his orchestral debut just over a year ago, performing Schumann’s A Minor Concerto.
“In the past two summers, I’ve had the privilege of participating in Morningside Music Bridge in Calgary, collaborating with top young musicians and teachers from around the world,” he wrote.
To see the video of Jaeden playing Barcarole in F Sharp Major, Op. 60 by Frédéric Chopin, visit http://piano.strutta.com/entry/8285947.
“Also, check out some of the other entrants –people from age 10 to seniors, from all walks of life,” says Jaeden’s father, David. “What a great way to build community and grow the profile of classical music in our country.”
The first round of the competition starts on Friday and depends on public voting, which also opens Friday.
The voting round takes place from 12:01 a.m. EST Friday, Jan. 16 and continues to 11:59 EST Thursday, Jan. 22.
The judging round takes place from Jan. 23 to 26.
A judging panel will review the top 10 finalists and select the winner based on the following criteria: technical ability and artistic expression.
On Friday when voting opens, a voting page will be launched at http://piano.strutta.com.
