06/06/2002

Cary Adams, dentist, Chicago
After working for the Chicago Department of Health, Dr. Adams began a private practice, which he has maintained for more than 20 years. He studied piano privately with teachers from the music department at Elmhurst College, where he received undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology. For the past three years, Dr. Adams has given recitals at the Skokie Public Library in Illinois. An avid athlete, he has participated in the LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon and the Boston Marathon and recently returned from a mountain-climbing expedition in Bolivia.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Scriabin Poème, Op. 32, No. 1; Haydn Sonata in F major, Hob. XVI:23: Allegro moderato; Ginastera Danza de la moza donosa from Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; Tribute to Roberto García Morillo from Twelve American Preludes, Op. 12
Semifinal: Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K. 380; Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52; Ravel Jeux d'eau
Final: Beethoven Sonata in A-flat major, Op. 110; Bernstein Four Anniversaries; Debussy L'isle joyeuse

Victor Alexeeff, composer, Groveport, Ohio

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Details: The Third International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs takes place June 3-8 at Ed Landreth Auditorium, Texas Christian University, University and West Cantey in Fort Worth. Tickets: Complete packages: $105 Semifinals, finals and awards: $60 Individual sessions: $10 for preliminaries, $20 for semifinals and $35 for finals and awards. Call Central Tickets, 817-335-9000 or 1-800-462-7979. Format: Preliminary round (June 3-5): Seventy-five applicants will each present a program not to exceed 12 minutes. • Preliminary round schedule Semifinal round (June 7): Eighteen semifinalists will each present a program not to exceed 20 minutes. Final round (June 8): Six finalists will each present a program not to exceed 30 minutes. Participants The Competitors The Jurors Awards First prize: $2,000 Second prize: $1,000 Third prize: $500 Other prizes: Press jury award; audience award; awards for the best performance of a work from the baroque, classical and romantic eras; best performance of a modern work; most creative programming award; and jury discretionary awards. On the Web International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs Cliburn Foundation official site

At age 7, Mr. Alexeeff, who was born in Canada, entered the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto on a full scholarship. During his musical training, he earned more than 30 scholarships and appeared on many radio and television programs. Now based in Ohio, Mr. Alexeeff has composed and arranged scores for corporate communications, radio and television commercials, and live business theater presentations for almost 20 years. His client list includes McDonald's, IBM, Sprint and Victoria's Secret, and he has received numerous industry awards. Most recently, he composed the musical score for an exhibit of etched bent glass with light and music in the 900-foot tunnel of the new Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Mr. Alexeeff also scores independent films. He won first prize at the 2001 Boston amateur piano competition.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableaux: Op. 33, No. 8 and No. 6; Brahms Rhapsody in G minor, Op. 79, No. 2; Debussy Prélude from Suite pour le piano
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in D major, Op. 10, No. 3; Presto Scriabin Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1; Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in E-flat minor, Op. 39, No. 5; Liszt Transcendental Etude No. 10 in F minor; Prokofiev Suggestion diabolique, Op. 4, No. 4
Final: Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52; Rachmaninoff Prelude in D major, Op. 23, No. 4; Ginastera Sonata No. 1, Op. 22

Darius Bägli, pediatric urologist, Toronto, Canada
After training for many years in the United States, Mr. Bägli settled in Toronto, specializing in urology and reconstructive surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children, the largest pediatric health center in North America. He also serves as a research scientist and director of the urology laboratory at HSC and as an associate professor of surgery at the University of Toronto. Before attending medical school, he studied piano performance at McGill University in Montreal and French horn at the Conservatoire de Musique du Québec. Firmly believing that classical music training should not be "career-limiting," Dr. Bägli recently performed at Laurier University and spoke to students on the value of a music degree.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Schumann Aufschwung from Fantasiestücke, Op. 12; Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60
Semifinal: : Brahms Capriccio in D minor, Op. 116, No. 1; Medtner Sonata Reminiscenza, Op. 38, No. 1
Final: : Schumann Carnaval, Op. 9

Janice Bates, retired business owner, Garden Grove, Calif.
A former librarian and teacher, Ms. Bates has also co-owned a café and a shoe repair shop and has designed and assembled large circus tents. She received her undergraduate degree in music from the University of Utah and her graduate degree in piano performance from California State University in Fullerton. In 1995, Ms. Bates received a distinguished honorable mention from the Association of Pianists and Piano Teachers of the Americas' first annual International Video Tape Competition. A member of Mensa International and the Animal Assistance League, she enjoys gardening, painting and sewing.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Debussy Reflets dans l'eau from Images, Book I; Feux d'artifice from Preludes, Book II
Semifinal: : Beethoven Sonata in A-flat major, Op. 110
Final: : Poulenc Nocturne No. 1 in C major; Bach Prelude and Fugue in D minor, BWV 875; Haydn Fantasia in C major, Hob. XVII:4; Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47; Debussy Bruyères from Preludes, Book II; Burrill Phillips Toccata

Viktors Berstis, software engineer, Austin
For the past 25 years, Mr. Berstis has worked for IBM in Austin, where he is a senior software engineer developing computing systems that can be placed in cars, palm computers, and telephones. He has a master of science degree from the University of Michigan, where he also took music composition courses. Mr. Berstis now takes piano lessons through the University of Texas School of Music. He counts 3D photography, radio-controlled airplanes and woodworking among his hobbies.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39 Bach-Rachmaninoff Prelude from Partita for Violin in E major
Semifinal: Chopin Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 Bach-Busoni Chorale Prelude: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland Schumann Selections from Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Final: Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

John Blasdale, retired patent agent, Whippany, N.J.
After completing his studies in natural science and organic chemistry at Peterhouse in Cambridge, England, Mr. Blasdale qualified as a patent agent and worked in London, Lucerne, Switzerland, and New Jersey, where he lives. He retired in 1997 and became a licensed Christian minister. For 35 years, he performed in amateur concerts and ensembles, but neglected the piano in the 1990s because of work. Recently, Mr. Blasdale has begun performing again and has set some biblical texts to music. He has sung bass in several choirs and is a member of American Mensa and the Amateur Chamber Music Players Inc.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Brahms Intermezzo in E-flat major, Op. 117, No. 1; Beethoven Sonata in E major, Op. 109: Vivace, ma non troppo; Prestissimo
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in E major, Op. 109: Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo; Brahms Intermezzo in E-flat minor, Op. 118, No. 6
Final: Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 111

Allan Blumenthal, psychiatrist, New York City
Canadian-born Mr. Blumenthal began his piano studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in his hometown of Toronto at age 7. After graduating from the medical school at the University of Toronto, he established a private practice. Two years later he attempted a career in music, first studying at the Juilliard School of Music and later teaching at the Hamilton Conservatory of Music while performing in recitals and with orchestras throughout Canada. In 1960, he moved to New York, where he maintains a practice. Dr. Blumenthal has performed with the Doctors' Orchestral Society of New York and has published a 12-lecture course on music history, theory and performance.
Repertory:
Preliminary: R. Strauss-Blumenthal Waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier; Bach Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906
Semifinal: Chopin Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49; Rachmaninoff Preludes: Op. 32, No. 5; Op. 23, No. 2
Final: Bach-Liszt Prelude and Fugue in A minor; Brahms Ballade in G minor, Op. 118, No. 3; Rachmaninoff-Blumenthal Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14; Chopin Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39

Victoria Bragin, professor of chemistry, Barboursville, W.Va.
Ms. Bragin, on leave from her position at Pasadena City College in California, is working on a project involving using technology to teach chemistry and biology. From 1999-01, she served as program director of the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. Originally from the Philippines, she started piano lessons at age 8 and obtained a diploma in music with a major in piano at age 16. She came to the United States as a Fulbright-Smith-Mundt Scholar, earning her master's degree in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. She also holds a master's degree in music education from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Ms. Bragin is a docent for an art museum and has been a performer for two amateur organizations.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Haydn Sonata in F major, Hob. XVI:23
Semifinal: Bartók Improvisations on Hungarian Peasant Songs, Op. 20; Debussy Feux d'artifice from Preludes, Book II
Final: Chopin Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58

J. Michael Brounoff, attorney, Irving
Born in Dallas, Mr. Brounoff received his degree from the University of Texas School of Law and now has his own civil law practice in Irving. His father was a violinist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. A former celesta player for the Irving Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Brounoff has been the musical director for many local community theater productions of musicals and occasionally accompanies the Vocal Majority, a men's chorus. He is a member of the Amateur Piano Practice Group, comprising Dallas area pianists who meet once a month to play for each other. He recently studied piano with Fabio Bidini, a finalist at the Ninth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Debussy Preludes, Book II: La Puerta del Vino; Bruyères; General Lavine - Eccentric
Semifinal: Sondheim-Brounoff Suite from A Little Night Music
Final: Bach-Busoni Toccata and Fugue in D minor; Schubert Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: Andante sostenuto; Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31

Stephen Burg, substance abuse counselor, Tucson, Ariz.
Mr. Burg won a full scholarship to attend the University of Arizona School of Music, where he studied piano with Ozan Marsh and music composition with Robert Muczynski. He received his master's degree in piano performance from Arizona State University. He then began working in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and was an electronic technician with General Instruments and Motorola. Mr. Burg has worked as a behavioral health technician for a mental health agency in Tucson for the past eight years, where his primary job now is counseling patients. As a crisis unit supervisor, Mr. Burg developed a music therapy technique.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Semifinal: Rachmaninoff Prelude in C minor, Op. 23, No. 7; Mozart Sonata in B-flat major, K. 333: Allegretto grazioso ; Granados Los Requiebros from Goyescas
Final: Bach Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major, BWV 852; Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36 (1913)

Mark Cannon, psychiatrist, New York City
After competing in the 2000 IPCOA, Dr. Cannon was so inspired by the performance of winner and fellow New Yorker Christopher Basso that he now takes piano lessons from Mr. Basso. Born in West Germany, Dr. Cannon maintains a private practice in New York, where his work encompasses psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and forensic psychiatry. He completed his residency at Cornell University, where, as a college student, he had majored in chemistry and studied the piano. Dr. Cannon has given many solo recitals and has performed with the Doctors' Orchestral Society of New York. Recently, he played a benefit recital at Merkin Concert Hall for the Project for Psychiatric Outreach to the Homeless.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K. 162; S. Bernstein New Pictures at an Exhibition: Guernica; Epilogue
Semifinal: Schubert Impromptu in A-flat major, D. 935, No. 2; Chopin Mazurka in B-flat minor, Op. 24, No. 4; Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31;
Final: Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24

Lauren Carter, homemaker, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Carter has recently given piano recitals for the Huntsville Music Appreciation Group and the University of Alabama. After participating in auditions throughout grade school and high school, Ms. Carter went on to receive a bachelor's degree in piano performance from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master's degree in piano performance from Jacksonville State University. She is active in local and state music organizations.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52
Semifinal: Schumann Kreisleriana, Op. 16: Nos. 5-8; Prokofiev Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28
Final: Schumann Kreisleriana, Op. 16: Nos. 1-4; Liszt St. Francis Walking on the Waves from Two Legends ; Chopin Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12

Charles Chien, flight attendant purser, Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Although Mr. Chien works full time for American Airlines, his flexible schedule allows him to pursue his love of music. After meeting noted piano teacher John Perry at the Seattle Young Artists Festival, he was accepted as a scholarship student at the University of Southern California, where he earned his bachelor's degree in performance. Mr. Chien has been among the top prize winners at the Boston and Paris amateur competitions, and was a
Semifinal: ist at the 1999 IPCOA and a finalist at the 2000 IPCOA. He was born in Taiwan.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52
Semifinal: Mozart Sonata in B-flat major, K. 570
Final: Schumann Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13

Michael Collier, sales consultant, Canaan, N.Y.
For more than 20 years, Mr. Collier has worked in software and information technology sales and management with clients such as General Electric and Merrill Lynch. He received an undergraduate degree in performance from the Mannes College of Music and a master's degree in musicology from Queens College. A published writer on the music of Beethoven and Brahms, Mr. Collier has appeared at Alice Tully and Weill recital halls in New York City, and his performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio. He was a finalist at the 2001 Boston amateur competition and has served as a juror at the Stravinsky International Awards Competition at the University of Illinois.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60; Rachmaninoff Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Semifinal: Schubert Fantasy in C major, D. 760, "Wanderer"
Final: Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 111

Louis Dalaveris, ophthalmologist, New York City
Born in Greece, Dr. Dalaveris majored in chemistry and German literature at Columbia University, where he also studied music. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude and went on to receive his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University Medical School. Dr. Dalaveris has maintained a private practice in ophthalmology in New York City since 1983. He is enrolled in the piano repertory class at Juilliard.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Brahms Rhapsody in B minor, Op. 79, No. 1; Ravel Jeux d'eau
Semifinal: Bach Toccata in D major, BWV 912; Wagner-Liszt Isolde's Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde
Final: Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31; Nocturnes: Op. 37, No. 1 and No. 2; Debussy Images, Book I

Henri Delbeau, doctor of internal medicine, Jackson Heights, N.Y.
Mr. Delbeau is an internist, medical director of the hospitalist Öteam and assistant professor at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Currently a student of Tian Ying, finalist in the Eighth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, he was a teaching fellow for the Department of Music at the University of North Texas, where he graduated with a master's degree in piano performance in 1986. Dr. Delbeau received his doctor of medicine at Cornell University Medical College in 1994. He was a semifinalist in the 1999 IPCOA.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Granados El Amor y la Muerte from Goyescas
Semifinal: Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36
Final: Liszt Sonata in B minor

Ellen Dodson, business consultant, Lexington, Mass.
A senior executive with more than a decade of experience in one of the world's largest health-care information technology firms, Ms. Dodson now runs her own consulting business, giving strategic guidance to small companies. Her list of professional accomplishments includes numerous lectures and publications in the health-care field. Ms. Dodson played both piano and violin with the South Florida Youth Symphony and received a bachelor's degree in music from Harvard University. Persistent tendonitis kept her from a musical career; she went on to obtain her master's degree in science health policy and management from Harvard. The mother of two young children, Ms. Dodson manages a youth hockey team. She also works as a sports reporter for her town newspaper in addition to giving monthly recitals at her home.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Semifinal: Scarlatti Sonatas: K. 96; K. 113 ; Rachmaninoff Preludes: Op. 23, No. 4 and No. 2
Final: Haydn Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52; Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23

Dave Duebendorfer, hedge fund manager, Westport, Conn.
As managing director of WG Trading Company in Greenwich, Conn., Mr. Duebendorfer is responsible for finance, new product development and international products. He has also held top positions at Zurich Capital Markets and the Swiss Bank Corporation. Mr. Duebendorfer earned an M.B.A. in international finance from Harvard Business School and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in international management from the University of California at Los Angeles. He studied piano at UCLA and has participated in master classes at Juilliard. His hobbies include martial arts and scuba diving.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Albéniz Fête-Dieu à Seville from Iberia; Chopin Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4
Semifinal: Liszt Transcendental Etude No. 11, "Harmonies du soir"; Chopin Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39
Final: Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata"

David Earl, composer and sales manager, Cambridge, England
Born in South Africa, Mr. Earl studied piano and composition at Trinity College of Music in London. While he pursued a performing career in his 20s, Mr. Earl began to devote more time to composing and working for a variety of businesses related to music. He has written concertos for piano, violin and cello, a variety of piano and chamber works and five ballet scores. Currently employed as a manager in the classical CD retail business, he performs a small number of charity recitals each year. Mr. Earl was a finalist in the 2002 Paris amateur competition.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt Concert Etude: Waldesrauschen ; Lyapunov Transcendental Etude No. 10
Semifinal: Mozart Sonata in C minor, K. 457: Molto allegro; Chopin Rondo in E-flat major, Op. 16; Debussy L'isle joyeuse
Final: Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28

Christoph Ewers, physician, Altdorf, Germany
Since 1985, Dr. Ewers has maintained his own medical practice, which he later decided to share with a colleague to have more time for music. After attending the Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart, Germany, Dr. Ewers studied medicine at the University of Tübingen. He has performed with the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra and at several music festivals in Germany, and often plays with his youngest brother, who is a professional violinist.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt Transcendental Etudes: No. 1; No. 10 ; Debussy Ondine from Preludes, Book II
Semifinal: Bach-Ewers Chorale Prelude: Lobe den Herren ; Chopin Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49
Final: ScarlattiSonatas: K. 322; K. 159 ; Liszt Ballade No. 2 in B minor; Debussy Preludes, Book II: Les fées sont d'exquises danseuses; Feux d'artifice

Milton Farbstein, clinical microbiologist, Prescott, Ariz.
Mr. Farbstein is a clinical microbiologist at St. Luke's Hospital in Phoenix and has worked as a medical technologist for several hospitals in California and Arizona. He and his wife are co-directors of music in the Bradshaws, a summer camp in Prescott. Mr. Farbstein was accepted into the master's degree program in piano performance at Arizona State University where, in 1999, he began work on a post-baccalaureate degree in music education. He studies violin and cello as well as piano, and will soon have his certification to be an orchestra director in Arizona's state education system. Mr. Farbstein was a finalist at the 2001 Boston amateur competition.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Berceuse in D-flat major, Op. 57; Bartók Etudes: Op. 18, No. 1 and No. 2
Semifinal: Scarlatti Sonata in C major, K. 159; Schubert Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: Andante sostenuto; Stravinsky Trois mouvements de Petrouchka: Chez Petrouchka
Final: Schubert Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: Molto moderato; Stravinsky Trois mouvements de Petrouchka: Danse russe; La semaine grasse

Stephen Fierros, systems analyst, Houston
Mr. Fierros is a systems analyst at ExxonMobil, where he has also worked as a chemical engineer and a computer programmer. While pursuing his engineering degree, Mr. Fierros took piano lessons through the Piano Pedagogy program at the University of Texas. Mr. Fierros plays tournament Scrabble and spends spare time searching libraries for out-of-print music scores by "unjustly forgotten" composers.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 1; Albéniz El Puerto from Iberia
Semifinal: Bach-Siloti Organ Prelude in G minor; Barber Nocturne in A-flat major, Op. 33; Prokofiev Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28
Final: Soler Sonata No. 89 in F major ; Beethoven Variations in F major, Op. 34; Medtner Canzona Serenata, Op. 38, No. 6; Liszt Valse-Impromptu

Karoline Fink-Gostner, sales manager, Bolzano, Italy
A sales manager from Bolzano, Ms. Fink-Gostner studied piano for 10 years at the Musik Konservatorium Bozen, where she worked with Andrea Bonatta. After graduating, she continued studying for a year in Vienna before getting married. The mother of five children (ages 2 to 20), Ms. Fink-Gostner has been practicing piano consistently for 30 years.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Mozart Sonata in C major, K. 545
Semifinal: Chopin Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20
Final: Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 13, "Pathétique"

Robert Finley, electrical engineer, Northboro, Mass.
Born in England, Mr. Finley studied engineering at the University of Sussex, where he graduated with honors. He has worked for General Dynamics in Massachusetts since 1980. At age 10 he won a scholarship to study at the Trinity College of Music in London and was later awarded a performer's diploma with honors from the Royal College of Music. Mr. Finley has performed in several countries, and has recorded two CDs of MIDI recordings for the QRS Corporation, a player piano company. His Web page is devoted to the electronic synthesis of classical music and MIDI. Mr. Finley is founder of the Boston amateur competition and was a
Semifinal: ist in the 2000 IPCOA.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt Valse mélancolique ; Scriabin Etude in B major, Op. 8, No. 4; Granados El Pelele
Semifinal: Bach Prelude and Fugue in E major, BWV 878; Fauré Nocturne No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 63; Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in B minor, Op. 39, No. 4
Final: Schumann Papillons, Op. 2; Schumann-Liszt Widmung; Granados Allegro de Concierto

Greg Fisher, Web developer, Denton
Formerly with a glass installation company in Oklahoma, Mr. Fisher has relocated to Denton, where he works as a Web developer. He received his bachelor's degree in music from the University of Missouri in Kansas City in 1983. He recently received his master's in piano performance from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, where he played with the university orchestra on several occasions. Mr. Fisher was a
Semifinal: ist at the 1999 IPCOA, where he met fellow competitor Miho Yamada. They got married and both returned to compete in the 2000 IPCOA. The couple gives duo concerts for retirement homes.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Gounod-Liszt Paraphrase on Waltz from Faust
Semifinal: Ann Silsbee Doors ; Liszt Liebesträume No. 3 Concert Etude in D-flat major, "Un sospiro"; Handel Suite No. 3 in D minor: Air; Presto
Final: Debussy Preludes, Book II: Hommage à S. Pickwick, Esq., P.P.M.P.C.; La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune; Ondine Schumann Kreisleriana, Op. 16

Miho Fisher, retired cardiologist, Denton
Certified by the Japanese Board of Pediatrics, Ms. Fisher was a research fellow in the Department of Cell Biology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston when she entered the 1999 IPCOA. She met and married fellow competitor Greg Fisher. She returned for the 2000 IPCOA, where she was a
Semifinal: ist. She now gives duo concerts with her husband at retirement homes. Ms. Fisher wants to use music as a way to give people the strength to fight against illness.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Granados Quejas ó la Maja y el Ruiseñor from Goyescas; Debussy Toccata from Suite pour le piano
Semifinal: Bach-Godowsky Aria from Violin Sonata in A minor; Debussy L'isle joyeuse; Prokofiev Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28
Final: Brahms Sonata in F minor, Op. 5

Suzanne Fremon, childbirth professional, New York City
As a doula, a nonmedical supporter of birthing women, Ms. Fremon has assisted at a birth every few weeks over the last two years. She recently formed a small group practice that combines hypnotherapy, acupuncture and massage therapy for pregnant women. Ms. Fremon is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and has been a concert organizer and a musical theater director, while continuing to teach and perform. Her return to serious piano study in recent years inspired her book, Harder Than It Looks, which focuses on adult intermediate-level pianists. After meeting several fellow New Yorkers at the 2000 IPCOA, Ms. Fremon has become part of a group of former competitors who convene every month to play piano for each other.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Rachmaninoff Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12; Brahms Fantasies: Op. 116, Nos. 1-3
Semifinal: Rachmaninoff Elegy, Op. 3, No. 1; Schumann Sonata in G minor, Op. 22
Final: Brahms Rhapsody in G minor, Op. 79, No. 2; Rachmaninoff Prelude in D minor, Op. 23, No. 3; Schubert Sonata in A minor, D. 784

Nancy Futrell, neurologist, Salt Lake City
As director of the Intermountain Stroke Center in Salt Lake City, Dr. Futrell is an internationally renowned expert in mini-strokes and won the Sanofi Prize for Stroke Research in 1996. She serves on the editorial board of several major medical journals and was formerly chief of neurology at the Medical College of Ohio. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Utah, Dr. Futrell studied music as a Fulbright Scholar at the Hochschule fuer Musik in Frankfurt, Germany. She returned to the University of Utah to earn her medical degree. Dr. Futrell thinks neurological exercise such as learning new pieces helps prevent diseases like Alzheimer's.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in D major, Op. 10, No. 3; Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
Final: Bach Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 860; Schumann Selections from Fantasiestücke, Op. 12; Ravel Sonatine: Animé Prokofiev Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28

John Gardecki, private investor, Middleburg, Va.
Mr. Gardecki received his bachelor's degree in physics from Loyola College in 1964. Later that year he enrolled in the music department at UCLA, where he studied the harpsichord and completed course requirements for a master's degree in musicology. In 1969, he began working in computer-related engineering, academic and technical marketing fields for organizations including ITT World Communications. Mr. Gardecki received a master's degree in arts administration from Columbia University in 1991. He and his wife are now planning an amateur piano competition to be held in Washington, D.C., in 2003, in conjunction with a new organization, the Washington International Piano Amateurs Council.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1; Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66; Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12
Semifinal: Haydn Sonata in D major, Hob. XVI:37; Beethoven Für Elise ; Chopin Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53
Final: Scriabin Nocturne for the Left Hand, Op. 9, No. 2; Chopin Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35; Waltz in D-flat major, Op. 64, No. 1

Linda A. Gilbert, accountant, Baltimore, Md.
Ms. Gilbert received her certificate in accounting from the University of Baltimore. She has attended the University of Illinois and holds a bachelor's degree in music from the Peabody Institute and a master's degree in piano performance from Towson State University. Ms. Gilbert has performed solo and chamber music recitals and enjoys attending events at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Debussy Sarabande from Suite pour le piano; Rachmaninoff Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Semifinal: Schubert Impromptu in A-flat major, D. 935, No. 2; Bartók Sonata
Final: Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K. 380 ; Beethoven Sonata in A-flat major, Op. 110: Moderato cantabile molto espressivo; Allegro molto; Schubert Ten Ecossaises from D. 783 and D. 735; Chopin Nocturne in F major, Op. 15, No. 1; Prokofiev Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28

Lori Gilbert, radio sales representative, Wexford, Pa.
After holding various jobs such as hairstylist and piano sales rep, Ms. Gilbert is now an account executive for KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. She took classes in music theory, eurythmics and music history at the Duquesne University School of Music. As a student of Harry Coleman since 1981, Ms. Gilbert has performed in numerous recitals and master classes. She is an adult Bible study teacher, and she enjoys gourmet cooking.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Etude in A-flat major, Op. 25, No. 1; Ravel Sonatine: Modéré; Prokofiev Suggestion diabolique, Op. 4, No. 4
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2: Largo - Allegro ; Griffes The White Peacock from Four Roman Sketches; Rachmaninoff Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Final: Brahms Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2; Schubert Sonata in A minor, D. 784: Allegro vivace; Ravel Sonatine: Mouvement de menuet; Animé; Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60

Lauren Green, news anchor, New York City
As a news anchor, Ms. Green has worked for KSTP-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul, WBBM-TV in Chicago and the Fox News Channel in New York, where she has been employed since 1996. Ms. Green graduated from Northwestern University with a master's degree in journalism. She received her bachelor's degree in piano performance from the University of Minnesota and has taken master classes with Sir Georg Solti, whom she interviewed as arts and human interest correspondent for Fox. She is a former Miss Minnesota and was the third runner-up for the Miss America title in 1985. Ms. Green recently made her New York solo recital debut at Steinway Hall.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Brahms Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 118, No. 1; Tchaikovsky Meditation, Op. 72, No. 5; Ginastera Danza del gaucho matrero from Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in F-sharp major, Op. 78; Debussy Ballade; Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in D minor, Op. 33, No. 5; Moment musical in C major, Op. 16, No. 6
Final: George Walker Prelude and Caprice; Chopin Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58

Eric Gustafson, parish administrator, Vienna, Va.
After having worked for 17 years as a computer programmer, Mr. Gustafson decided to pursue an arts career. He is completing his doctorate in comparative arts at Ohio University while working as a parish administrator for St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. Mr. Gustafson received a bachelor's degree in music history from the University of Illinois and, as a Fulbright Scholar, pursued studies in both musicology and conducting in Vienna. He earned a master's degree in conducting from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Mr. Gustafson is a former undefeated champion on the game show Jeopardy.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Rachmaninoff Moments musicaux, Op. 16: No. 2, No. 3, No. 4
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in C major, Op. 2, No. 3: Allegro con brio; Adagio; Allegro assai
Final: Bach English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807: Prelude; Sarabande; Gigue; Prokofiev Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83

Logos Hall, business owner, Alhambra, Calif.
At age 15, Mr. Hall left China by invitation of the Juilliard School to study under pianist Leonard Eisner. He received his diploma in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music. After 10 years off, he resumed his musical studies with Sasha Popovich and later John Perry and Robert Ward. Now living in California, Mr. Hall is the founder and owner of Logo Edition Corp., a promotional products company that creates embroidered and screen-printed sportswear and luggage. He also enjoys scuba diving and horseback riding.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Ravel Sonatine
Semifinal: Liszt Après une lecture de Dante from Années de pèlerinage
Final: Beethoven 32 Variations in C minor, WoO 80; Liszt Vallée d'Obermann from Années de pèlerinage

Jonathan Hanks, emergency department physician, Prescott, Ariz.
Dr. Hanks serves as director for emergency services at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott. In addition to his medical degree from the University of Arizona, he holds a bachelor's degree in music history and literature from Arizona State University. His abilities were nurtured by his mother, who was a pianist and composer. A frequent participant in piano competitions and concerts, Dr. Hanks is a former first-prize winner of the Joanna Hodges Piano Competition. He has studied with Ruth Slenczynska since 1976.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47; Prokofiev Etude in C minor, Op. 2, No. 3
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 27, No. 1; Chopin Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12
Final: Debussy Reflets dans l'eau from Images, Book I; Schumann Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13

Michael Hawley, director of special projects, MIT, Cambridge, Mass.
As assistant professor of media technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Dr. Hawley is a principal investigator of Things That Think, a research program that explores how digital media infuse everyday objects. He also directs Toys of Tomorrow, which engages many of the world's leading toy companies. His research career has involved computer music under the direction of Pierre Boulez at IRCAM in Paris and pioneering work in digital cinema for LucasFilm. As a principal engineer at NeXT, he helped develop the world's first library of digital books. Dr. Hawley was awarded a music scholarship at Yale, where he earned undergraduate degrees in music and computer science. He later earned his Ph.D. at MIT. A one-time Duncan yo-yo champion, he was a finalist at the 2000 IPCOA, where he also received the most creative programming award.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach-Godowsky Andante from Violin Sonata in A minor; Bach-Liszt Prelude and Fugue in A minor
Semifinal: Bach-Godowsky Adagio maestoso from Violin Sonata in G minor; Schubert-Godowsky An Mignon; Granados Los Requiebros from Goyescas; El Pelele
Final: Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet Before Parting from Romeo and Juliet; Bernstein-Hawley Symphonic Dances from West Side Story; Kreisler- Rachmaninoff Leibesfreud

Ann Herlong, homemaker, Rock Hill, S.C.
Ms. Herlong is a grandmother of four and a native of South Carolina. While she was completing her bachelor of music degree at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., she studied in the summer months with Katherine Bacon at Juilliard. Although she intended to enter Juilliard after graduation, she married and raised five children instead. Mrs. Herlong returned to music after her children were grown and now studies at Winthrop College with Eugene Barban.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Etude in A-flat major, Op. 25, No. 1; Villa-Lobos Branquinha from Prole do Bébé; Rachmaninoff Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Semifinal: Mendelssohn Variations sérieuses, Op. 54; Bach Prelude and Fugue in B-flat minor, BWV 867
Final: Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47; Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 25, No. 7; Rachmaninoff Prelude in D major, Op. 23, No. 4; Debussy L'isle joyeuse

David Hibbard, railroad manager, Fort Worth
Mr. Hibbard began studying the piano at age 7 and completed two semesters as an undergraduate music major at the University of Illinois in Urbana. Since 1965, he has held a variety of positions with the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and is now based in Fort Worth as manager of locomotive utilization. While working nights, Mr. Hibbard earned a bachelor's degree in Slavic languages and literature from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He has a vast knowledge of piano repertoire, keyboard composers and music history, and was a
Semifinal: ist in the 1999 IPCOA.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Rachmaninoff Daisies, Op. 38, No. 3; Etudes-tableaux: Op. 39, No. 8 and No. 1
Semifinal: Chopin Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48, No. 1; Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major, Op. 61
Final: Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 111

Yat-Lam Hong, piano technician, Kalamazoo, Mich.
A full-time piano technician since 1972, Dr. Hong is currently employed at Western Michigan University. A former student at the Peabody Conservatory, he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano at Indiana Unversity. He earned his D.M.A. in piano through 21 years of commuting between Kalamazoo and the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. Dr. Hong was born in China and has never entered a piano competition before. He also enjoys traveling and photography.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, BWV 903
Semifinal: Rachmaninoff Preludes: Op. 32, No. 12; Op. 23, No. 5; Henri Herz Variations on Rossini's "Non più mesta" from La Cenerentola
Final: Chopin Etudes: Op. 10, No. 8 and No. 9 ; Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata"

Mark Horowitz, cantor and educator, Buffalo, N.Y.
Mr. Horowitz serves as cantor for Temple Israel in Columbus, Ohio, and is also executive director for the Bureau of Jewish Education in Buffalo. After beginning piano lessons at age 4, Mr. Horowitz studied at a music school directed by his two uncles. He then attended Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music before receiving his master's degree in education. In addition to giving piano and vocal recitals throughout the northeastern United States, he enjoys directing children's musical theater productions and hiking with his two daughters.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52
Semifinal: Bach Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: Presto Piston Passacaglia Mendelssohn Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14
Final: Mozart12 Variations on Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman, K. 265; Chopin Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64, No. 2 ; Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue

Stephen Hubbard, professor of electrical engineering, Clemson, S.C.
Dr. Hubbard's work has included the design and development of electronic signal processing systems for applications in audio and acoustics, weighing and force management, speech processing and electronic warfare. Currently the visiting assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Clemson University, he received his doctorate in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Hubbard began to study the piano at age 9. While an undergraduate at Clemson University, he was a three-time winner of the Eaton-Freeman Piano Performance Competition, open to all university students. He was a semifinalist at the 2000 IPCOA.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach English Suite No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811: Prelude Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in D major, Op. 39, No. 9
Semifinal: Debussy La soirée dans Grenade from Estampes; Albéniz El Puerto from Iberia; Rachmaninoff Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12; Liszt Transcendental Etude No. 10 in F minor
Final: Liszt Concert Etude in D-flat major, "Un sospiro"; Britten Holiday Diary: Early Morning Bathe; Sailing; Fun-Fair Chopin Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53; Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4

Richard Jorgensen, architect, New York City
Mr. Jorgensen specializes in transportation-related architecture and has designed airport buildings in Macau (China) as well as for the LaGuardia and Kennedy airports in New York. He was also responsible for architectural design and project management for the Long Island Railroad's renovation of Penn Station. Mr. Jorgensen received his professional degrees from the City College of New York. Currently a piano student of Constance Keene, he has studied composition at the Juilliard School and at the Mannes College of Music. Mr. Jorgensen is also an award-winning poet published by the National Poetry Society.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Schumann Chopin from Carnaval, Op. 9; Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in A-flat major, Op. 110
Final: Bach Gigue from French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816; Bartók Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm from Mikrokosmos: No. 148; No. 149; No. 150; No. 153 ; Allegro Barbaro; Schumann Des Abends from Fantasiestücke, Op. 12; Debussy L'isle joyeuse

Richard Katz, physician, Clayton, Mo.
Dr. Katz specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, electrodiagnostic medicine and industrial medicine and pain management. A professor at the St. Louis University Medical School, he earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music and studied piano at the postgraduate level at the Cleveland Institute of Music before going on to receive his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Katz recently recorded a CD of his own compositions, synthesizing classical, jazz and pop elements, as a benefit for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He and his son are working toward their black belts in karate.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Rameau Gavotte and Variations; Prokofiev Toccata, Op. 11
Semifinal: Mozart Adagio in B minor, K. 540; Ravel-Katz String Quartet in F major: Assez vif - Très rythmé; Lutoslawski-Katz Variations on a Theme of Paganini
Final: Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in B minor, Op. 39, No. 4; Rachmaninoff-Katz Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14; Rachmaninoff Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5; Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52; Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39

Jit-Seng Khoo, plastic surgeon, Carmichael, Calif.
Formerly chief of plastic surgery at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital of the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Khoo is now in private practice for plastic reconstructive, hand, microvascular and aesthetic surgery. Born in Indonesia, Dr. Khoo began studying the piano privately at age 10 and later attended the Hartford Conservatory of Music. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University. He stopped playing piano for more than 20 years. Dr. Khoo believes that keeping the fingers and mind agile by playing an instrument and memorizing music helps prevent diseases.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Semifinal: Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K. 380; Stravinsky Etude, Op. 7, No. 4; Liszt Concert Etude in D-flat major, "Un sospiro"
Final: Mozart Adagio in B minor, K. 540; Ravel Jeux d'eau; Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1

Scot King, mortgage broker, Lake Forest, Calif.
Mr. King, a licensed mortgage broker in California, is also a certified public accountant who has devoted several years to working full time in accounting. Mr. King has studied piano at the Royal College of Music in London, the California Institute of the Arts and the University of Southern California. He was an acquaintance of the late Steven de Groote, gold medalist of the Fifth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and also cites pianists James Dick and Leonid Hambro among his musical influences. Mr. King, who was a
Semifinal: ist at the 2000 IPCOA, enjoys sailing and playing chess.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Semifinal: Barber Sonata for Piano, Op. 26
Final: Liszt Sonata in B minor

Renée Lampe, orthopedic surgeon, Munich, Germany
A physician specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgery, Dr. Lampe is director of the Hospital Center for children with cerebral palsy in Munich. After receiving her medical degree from the University of Munich in 1990, she became an assistant in orthopedic surgery at the University Hospital in Munich/Grosshadern. As a teenager, Dr. Lampe performed with the Graunke Orchester in Munich, where she later studied at the Music Conservatory. In addition to the piano, Dr. Lampe enjoys playing sports.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47; Scriabin Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1
Semifinal: Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Op. 67, No. 4: Spinning Song Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1; Scarlatti Sonata in E minor
Final: Schumann Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26: Allegro; Intermezzo

Janie Leatherman, professor of international relations, Normal, Ill.
The author of several books on preventing war, Dr. Leatherman is associate professor of international relations and director of peace and conflict resolution studies at Illinois State University, where she has taught since 1997. She completed her graduate and doctoral studies in international relations at the University of Denver. Dr. Leatherman has served as a consultant on matters relating to early warning and conflict prevention for such organizations as the United Nations University and the Council on Foreign Relations, and has advised the United States ambassador for war crimes issues. She has studied piano with music professors at Illinois State University and Notre Dame.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Semifinal: Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5; Prokofiev Gavotte, Op. 12, No. 2; Ravel Alborada del gracioso from Miroirs
Final: Schumann Sonata in F-sharp minor, Op. 11

Virginia Lum, attorney, Bethesda, Md.
Formerly in private practice, Ms. Lum now serves as a trial and appellate attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. She swore in John Ashcroft as attorney general, and has assisted him in the Justice Department's Kids' Day. Ms. Lum has also served on the D.C. Commission on the Arts panel and as a director of the Chinese American Music Society. A native of Hawaii, she debuted with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra at age 8 and went on to receive both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Juilliard as a student of Adele Marcus. Recently honored by American Mothers Inc. with the Mother of the Year, Performing Artist Award, Ms. Lum has three musical children who are accomplished on the flute, piano, violin and cello.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23; Gershwin I Got Rhythm
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in C major, Op. 53, "Waldstein"; Debussy L'isle joyeuse
Final: Soler Sonata No. 4 in G major; Liszt Spanish Rhapsody; Gottschalk Le Bananier Barber Sonata for Piano, Op. 26: Allegro con spirito

Glenn Mallory, consultant, Dallas
After receiving his bachelor's degree in piano performance from Boston University, Mr. Mallory earned a master's degree in law and diplomacy from Tufts University in Boston, where he later taught a course on the history of AIDS. He began working toward his Ph.D. in Management Studies at England's University of Cambridge, with an emphasis on the pharmaceutical industry. His piano teachers have included Bruno Seidelhofer, Adele Marcus and Edith Oppens. He is an avid photographer. Mr. Mallory has recently moved back to his home state.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Debussy La cathédrale engloutie from Preludes, Book I; Busoni Berceuse from Seven Elegies
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in A major, Op. 101
Final: Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableaux: Op. 39, No. 5, No. 8, No. 9; Brahms Four Piano Pieces, Op. 119

Franz Mantini, electrical engineer, Tampa, Fla.
Mr. Mantini's career in the electronics industry has focused on the design of hardware and software for the commercial, military and automotive sectors. He received his master's degree in engineering management from the University of South Florida. As an undergraduate, Mr. Mantini studied piano with Jacques Abram and won USF's annual concerto competition before graduating in 1987. He maintains an active recital and chamber music performance schedule and recently gave a solo benefit concert to mark his 25th appearance at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. He enjoys home repair and exploring parks with his son.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach Partita No. 5 in G major, BWV 829: Praeambulum; Allemande Haydn Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:49: Allegro
Semifinal: Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66; Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20; Liszt Consolation No. 3 in D-flat major; La Campanella from Six Paganini Etudes
Final: Beethoven Sonata in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2, "Tempest"; Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52

John Markey, certified public accountant, Raleigh, N.C.
Mr. Markey received his M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and for more than a decade has served as chief financial officer for several corporations based in Raleigh. He is director of finance and administration for the American Board of Anesthesiology. A former accompanist at the First Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va., Mr. Markey studies piano at Meredith College and frequently gives solo recitals in Virginia and North Carolina. He is also a national champion in contract bridge and a car buff.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Schumann-Liszt Widmung; Liszt Tarantella from Venezia e Napoli
Semifinal: Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor; Marcello-Bach Concerto in D minor, BWV 974: Adagio
Final: Brahms Sonata in F minor, Op. 5

Marie-Claude Montplaisir, senior economist, Laval, Canada
As senior economist for the Bank of Canada in Montreal, the central bank of the country, Ms. Montplaisir researches productivity issues and gives presentations to the business and academic communities on monetary policy. She earned a master's degree in finance and economics at Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Montreal. Ms. Montplaisir decided to resume her piano studies after a break of 17 years, and in 1997 she finished third at the International Bartók-Kabalevsky Piano Competition in Virginia. She was a
Semifinal: ist at the Paris amateur competition in 1998.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5
Semifinal: Franck Prelude, Chorale, and Fugue
Final: Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23; Prokofiev Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83

Michael Moore, retired court reporter, Tucson, Ariz.
He was a court reporter for the Pima County Superior Court in Tucson for 18 years. He now escorts international tours part-time for TRAVCOA, a travel agency also based in Tucson. A former piano instructor at Lone Mountain College in San Francisco and the University of Texas at San Antonio, he earned his master's degree in music at the San Francisco Conservatory and his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Arizona. He studied piano privately with Leon Fleisher for two summers and was a finalist at the 2000 IPCOA.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Mozart Variations on Come un agnello, K. 460
Semifinal: Muczynski Six Preludes, Op. 6; Griffes Barcarolle, Op. 6, No. 1; Gottschalk Bamboula, Op. 2
Final: Schubert Sonata in D major, D. 850

Jon Morgan, physician, Lee's Summit, Mo.
Although he seriously considered a musical career in his youth, Dr. Morgan developed a strong passion for medicine. Since receiving his medical degree in 1982, Dr. Morgan has practiced emergency medicine and is now a staff physician at St. Luke's Northland Hospital in Kansas City. In high school, he won the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra's Young Artists Competition and participated in many performances with this orchestra.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66; Rubinstein Barcarolle, Op. 93, No. 4
Semifinal: Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31; Schulz-Evler Concert Arabesque: By the Beautiful Blue Danube
Final: Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata"

Rocky Nevin, biophysicist and program developer, Berkeley, Calif.
Dr. Nevin earned his Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley. His dissertation, "Morphological Analysis of Neurons in the Cricket Cercal System," focused on using computer-assisted data to correlate form and function in the neural network of the common cricket. He went on to become a staff scientist for IBM, and now designs and prototypes his own computer software systems. After discovering classical music at age 15, Dr. Nevin began studying piano alone and later with Adolf Baller and Dusi Mura. He also enjoys portrait photography, drawing and painting.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach Prelude in B minor, BWV 893; Chopin Etude in C minor, Op. 25, No. 12; Scriabin Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 42, No. 5
Semifinal: Bach Introduction to Toccata in E minor, BWV 914; Brahms Ballade in G minor, Op. 118, No. 3; Rachmaninoff Preludes: Op. 32, No. 12 and No. 10; Scriabin Etude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12
Final: Scarlatti Sonata in B minor, K. 87; Bach Prelude and Fugue in E major, BWV 878; Mozart Sonata in F major, K. 332: Allegro; Scriabin Etude in F-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 2; Rachmaninoff Prelude in B-flat major, Op. 23, No. 2

Hiroko Ohtani, chemist, Dearborn Heights, Mich.
Dr. Ohtani works for the Ford Motor Co., where she is a senior technical specialist in surface chemistry and tribology. She has also been a visiting associate professor at the University of Tokyo and has worked for Exxon and IBM Japan. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a Ph.D. in chemistry, Dr. Ohtani has lectured throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. She is credited with more than 40 scientific publications and holds nine patents. She began studying the piano at age 3 and studies privately with Ralph Votapek, gold medalist of the First Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. She was a
Semifinal: ist in the 2000 IPCOA and a finalist at the 2001 Japan amateur competition.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Barber Ballade, Op. 46; Poulenc Nocturne No. 1 in C major; Toccata from Trois pièces
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in C major, Op. 2, No. 3: Allegro con brio; Debussy Preludes, Book II: Bruyères; General Lavine - Eccentric; Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47
Final: Mozart Sonata in C major, K. 330; Tchaikovsky June-Barcarolle from The Seasons, Op. 37b; Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31

Linda Poligono, homemaker, Greenbrae, Calif.
A native of California, Ms. Poligono made her orchestral debut with the San Francisco Symphony at age 16. Following her graduation from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's Preparatory Division, she earned a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering from Boston University and an M.B.A. from San Diego State University. Ms. Poligono is a stay-at-home mother and helps part-time with her father's property management business, as well as doing public relations for his Dixieland jazz band. She frequently gives solo recitals in the San Francisco area.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Beethoven 32 Variations in C minor, WoO 80; Scriabin Etude in D-flat major, Op. 8, No. 10
Semifinal: Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24
Final: Schumann Fantasia in C major, Op. 17

Lawrence Porter, piano technician, Santa Fe, N.M.
Mr. Porter has worked as a concert technician for Steinway and Baldwin. He holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in piano performance, and his teachers have included William Gant, Luiz de Moura Castro and Caio Pagano. Mr. Porter recently gave a concert at the Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe, with proceeds benefiting the church school.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Liszt La Campanella from Six Paganini Etudes; Transcendental Etude No. 10 in F minor
Semifinal: Chopin Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12; Liszt Les jeux d'eaux à la Villa d'Este from Années de pèlerinage; Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata": Allegro assai; Villa-Lobos O Polichinello from Prole do Bébé
Final: Bach Fantasy from Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, BWV 903; Debussy Prélude from Suite pour le piano; Liszt Funérailles from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses ; Ginastera Sonata No. 1, Op. 22: Presto misterioso; Adagio molto appassionato; Ruvido ed ostinato

Karen Bush Purpero, missionary, Longwood, Fla.
For 15 years, Ms. Purpero has been a missionary for the Campus Crusade for Christ, an interdenominational Christian organization in nearly 200 countries. Her duties include public speaking and teaching seminars, and she has led student groups to Russia and Italy. Mrs. Purpero studied piano performance on scholarship at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she also earned a bachelor's degree in business. Recently, she has combined her piano performance and public speaking abilities, and her audiences have ranged from grade-school children to audiences in New York City and Basel, Switzerland. She has studied piano with Olga Kuehl-White for 25 years.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Schubert Impromptu in G-flat major, D. 899, No. 3; Albéniz Asturias from Suite Española
Semifinal: Rachmaninoff Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12; Liszt Consolation No. 3 in D-flat major; Mompou Trois Variations: Les soldats; Courtoisie; Nocturne; Griffes Scherzo, Op. 6, No. 3
Final: Chopin Nocturne in E minor, Op. 72, No. 1; Debussy La fille aux cheveux de lin from Preludes, Book I; La Puerta del Vino from Preludes, Book II; Mompou Impressions intimes: Secret; Gitano; Turina Sacromonte from Danzas Gitanas, Op. 55; Gottschalk The Banjo

Cynthia Riley, registered nurse, Fort Worth
Ms. Riley specializes in obstetrics. A North Texas resident, she worked at Northeast Community Hospital from 1985-1995 and since then has been a staff nurse at North Hills Hospital. Ms. Riley received her master's degree in piano performance from Texas Christian University, where she was later employed as a graduate assistant in ear training. She has performed with the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra and has served as a juror at several local music festivals. She has taken master classes with Fabio Bidini, finalist at the Eighth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and Luiz de Moura Castro. Gardening and photography are among her hobbies.

Kenneth Roe, business owner, Bay City, Mich.
Mr. Roe is the principal and founding partner of Cornerstone, a business development firm in Bay City. After receiving his bachelor's degree in music from Principia College, Mr. Roe went on to become a pilot and aircraft commander for the U.S. Air Force, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He later held various positions, such as director of telecommunications and international student adviser at a private school and college. During his college years, he studied piano with Mieczyslaw Münz in New York. He has two grown sons and enjoys hiking.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV 817
Semifinal: Beethoven Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 27, No. 1
Final: Beethoven Sonata in E minor, Op. 90; Mendelssohn Variations sérieuses, Op. 54

Paul Romero, CD-ROM game composer, Los Angeles
Mr. Romero has composed orchestral, choral and operatic scores for CD-ROM strategy games, independent films, television documentaries, short animations and the Warner Bros. rock band Red Delicious. Born and raised in Southern California, Mr. Romero made his piano concert debut at age 11 with the Santa Monica Symphony. As a teenager, he performed original compositions at various halls, including the Kennedy Center and the U.N. General Assembly. He received an artist's diploma in composition from the Curtis Institute of Music. This year he won first prize and the audience prize at the Paris amateur competition. A former competitive swimmer, he continues training in swimming and running.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Alex Grunfeld Soirée de Vienne, Op. 56 (Paraphrase on Die Fledermaus); Chopin Nocturne in F-sharp major, Op. 15, No. 2
Semifinal: Scarlatti Sonata in B-flat major, K. 266; Rachmaninoff Barcarolle, Op. 10, No. 3; Liszt Sonetto 104 del Petrarca from Années de pèlerinage; Ginastera Malambo, Op. 7
Final: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue; Moszkowski Caprice espagnol, Op. 37

Edward Rosser, music librarian and publisher, Leverett, Mass.
Mr. Rosser's jobs include recordings cataloguer at Harvard University's music library, music director at South Acton Congregational Church and owner of a fine-art photography publishing business called Blind River Editions. He received bachelor's degrees in music and English from Albion College in Michigan and master's degrees in piano performance and teaching English as a second language from Boston University. Mr. Rosser's recent performances include solo recitals at Harvard's Lehman Hall and the Waldorf School in Lexington, Mass.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Nocturne in B major, Op. 32, No. 1; Brahms Intermezzo in B minor, Op. 119, No. 1; Debussy La Puerta del Vino from Preludes, Book II
Semifinal: Schubert Moments musicaux: D. 780, No. 1, No. 3, No. 6; Albéniz Granada from Suite Española; Granados Andaluza from Spanish Dances
Final: Schumann Papillons, Op. 2; Ravel La vallée des cloches from Miroirs; Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60

Debra Saylor, sales associate, Omaha, Neb.
A native of Iowa, Ms. Saylor received her bachelor's degree in piano and vocal performance from Clarke College in Dubuque. She received her master's degree in performance from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Until recently, Ms. Saylor taught private voice lessons through her church in Iowa and sang for various civic and church functions. She now resides in Omaha, where she works as a reservation sales associate for the Marriott hotel chain. Ms. Saylor was awarded third prize and best performance of a work from the romantic era at the 2000 IPCOA.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Tchaikovsky Romance in F minor, Op. 5; Schubert Impromptu in A-flat major, D. 899, No. 4
Semifinal: Debussy Arabesque No. 1; Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte; Schumann Arabesque in C major, Op. 18; Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66
Final: Dvorák Humoreske, Op. 101, No. 7; Chopin Polonaise in A major, Op. 40, No. 1; Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 13, "Pathétique"

Thomas Shepard, recording producer and composer, New York City
Mr. Shepard's professional accomplishments include executive, marketing and production responsibilities for several major record labels. He has served as vice president of classical and theatrical records for MCA and RCA and as producer and director of CBS Masterworks. The winner of 12 Grammy Awards for production, Mr. Shepard is the composer and lyricist for the PBS children's television series Between the Lions. He has also written several operas. He attended both Oberlin College and the Yale Graduate School of Music and has taught at Vassar College, the Manhattan School of Music and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, among others. Last year he performed at Weill Recital Hall in New York City.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Bach-Hess Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; Chopin Nocturne in A-flat major, Op. 32, No. 2; Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in C major, Op. 33, No. 2
Semifinal: Debussy Suite Bergamasque: Prélude; Menuet; Passepied; Brahms Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2; Chopin Etude in E major, Op. 10, No. 3
Final: Brahms Eight Waltzes from Op. 39; Schumann Selections from Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6; Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in E-flat minor, Op. 33, No. 6

Howard Southern, marketing consultant, London
Mr. Southern recently started the company Southern & Partners, strategic marketing consultants to businesses. A graduate of the Pocklington School, Mr. Southern became an associate of the Royal College of Music at age 17. While pursuing a professional career in business, he earned a master's degree in English at Cambridge University and did post-graduate coursework in piano performance at the Royal College of Music. He has performed recitals in England, France and Zimbabwe and has attended a piano summer school every year since 1993. This year he was a semifinalist at the Paris amateur competition.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Scriabin Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp major, Op. 30
Semifinal: Liszt Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses
Final: Chopin Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major, Op. 61; Czerny Variations on a Theme by Rode, Op. 33, "La Ricordanza"

J. Todd Spangler, attorney, Middlesboro, Ky.
Since his first piano lesson at age 11, performing great music has been the most passionate and driving force of Mr. Spangler's life. After earning his master's degree in music at Morehead State University, Mr. Spangler went to law school and then opened a private law practice. He now serves as assistant commonwealth's attorney in addition to his private practice. He is also minister of music for the First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, Ky. This summer he will appear as a guest soloist with the Lexington Philharmonic for Picnic with the Pops.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Beethoven Sonata in C major, Op. 53, "Waldstein": Allegro con brio; Gottschalk Souvenirs d'Andalousie
Semifinal: Beethoven 32 Variations in C minor, WoO 80; Chopin Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53; Gershwin Preludes: No. 1 and No. 3
Final: Bach Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, BWV 903; Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1; Debussy Les collines d'Anacapri from Preludes, Book I; Ginastera Sonata No. 1, Op. 22: Ruvido ed ostinato

Nathan Srebernik, veterinary surgeon, London
In 1994, Dr. Srebernik moved into private practice, working as a small-animal clinician in medicine and surgery, after serving as a lecturer in the Royal Veterinary College of London. Born in Israel, Dr. Srebernik started playing piano at age 9 and later took classes at the Tel-Aviv Music Conservatory, concentrating on music theory and singing. He served as a tank commander in the Israeli army before enrolling in veterinary school in Italy and finally settling in London. He now studies piano with Angela Brownridge and recently performed at his daughter's school in Hertfordshire.
Repertory:
Preliminary: C.P.E. Bach Solfeggietto Beethoven Sonata in C major, Op. 53, "Waldstein": Allegro con brio
Semifinal: Schumann Fantasiestücke, Op. 12: Des Abends; Aufschwung; Ravel La vallée des cloches from Miroirs; Chopin Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44
Final: Bach Partita No. 1 in B-flat major, BWV 825; Liszt Sposalizio from Années de pèlerinage; Prokofiev Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83: Precipitato

Carl Tait, computer scientist, New York City
A research staff member at IBM's T. J. Watson Research Center, Dr. Tait earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Columbia University. He started playing bagpipes at age 8 and piano at age 13, and entered Harvard University as a music major while studying the piano privately at the New England Conservatory. Midway through college, he switched from music to computers, graduating cum laude with a degree in computer science. Dr. Tait has performed recitals in Atlanta, Boca Raton, Fla., and New York, and was a
Semifinal: ist in the 1990 New York Chopin Competition. Currently studying piano with Phillip Kawin at the Manhattan School of Music, he was a
Semifinal: ist at the IPCOA in 1999 and 2000.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Chopin Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27, No. 2; Liszt Transcendental Etude No. 10 in F minor
Semifinal: Rachmaninoff Prelude in D major, Op. 23, No. 4; Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor
Final: Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60; Ravel Jeux d'eau; Griffes Sonata

Yoshiko Tamai, homemaker, Rowland Heights, Calif.
Ms. Tamai studied music in Japan, where she earned her bachelor's degree from Musashino Music College. She moved to the United States with her husband and daughter in 1992. Last year Ms. Tamai received an artist's diploma from the American College of Musicians. She has performed on the recital series at Pasadena City College and enjoys giving concerts for retirement communities.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Rachmaninoff Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2; Chopin Etude in E major, Op. 10, No. 3; Debussy Feux d'artifice from Preludes, Book II
Semifinal: Bach Fantasy from Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, BWV 903; Debussy Mouvement from Images, Book I; Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata": Allegro assai
Final: Chopin Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49; Debussy Reflets dans l'eau from Images, Book I; Schumann Fantasia in C major, Op. 17: First Movement

Darin Tysdal, sheet music salesman, Richfield, Minn.
Conductor of the Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra in Minneapolis, Mr. Tysdal has worked as a sheet music salesman for Groth Music for more than a decade. He has also been an arranger, a musical theater director and a big band member, in addition to playing the piano at church. He received a master's degree in composition from Northwestern University and is enrolled in non-degree piano instruction at the MacPhail School of Music. Mr. Tysdal recently performed with the Metropolitan Symphony and Kenwood Chamber Orchestras in Minneapolis.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Copland Piano Variations
Semifinal: Bach Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 865; Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau in C minor, Op. 33, No. 3; Ginastera Sonata No. 1, Op. 22: Presto misterioso; Ruvido ed ostinato; Kapustin Prelude in Jazz Style, Op. 53, No. 17
Final: Schumann Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13

Eberhard Zagrosek, retired business administrator, Germany
Mr. Zagrosek gained what he refers to as a very intense musical education-studying theory; singing in a prestigious boys' choir and playing piano, violin, cello and organ. He went on to earn a master's degree in physics, and his career in the software business took him to stations all over the world-from Munich and Tokyo to Frankfurt and Berlin. In 1999, Mr. Zagrosek left Siemens, the electronics corporation, where he was senior director in charge of hospital information systems. He now enjoys playing chamber music and piano duets with friends.
Repertory:
Preliminary: Reger Intermezzo in E-flat minor, Op. 45, No. 2; Rachmaninoff Preludes: Op. 32, No. 12; Op. 23, No. 2
Semifinal: Szymanowski Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 4, No. 1; Chopin Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49
Final: Chopin Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20; Schumann Sonata in G minor, Op. 22