The Ghost Sonata Read Free Page A

of baroque music, a classical work, an impressionistic or Romantic piece, and a work by either a late twentieth-century or a contemporary twenty-first-century composer. A list of acceptable composers and compositions is available. In the first round of the competition held at Holywell Music Room, two works from eras of the pianist’s choice must be selected for performance. The event is open to the public.
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    The Sight-Reading Test:
    The first-place winner of the Young Virtuosos Competition will demonstrate well-rounded, professional-level skills. For that reason, a sight-reading test is also part of the competition, and abilities to quickly learn music are factored into judging decisions.
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    Finalists:
    Finalists will perform one of their selected compositions for an audience at the Sheldonian Theater. Tickets will be sold to the public for this event.
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    Page-Turners:
    * The competition organizers will make every effort to provide a page-turner for the sight-reading portion of the competition if needed, but availability is not guaranteed.
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    JURORS
    RHIANNON MADDOX
    Born in Wales, Professor Maddox studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she now teaches. Much in demand both as a recording artist and as a performer with major symphony orchestras across Europe and in the United States, Professor Maddox is known for her experimental and boundary-breaking approach to piano performance, and she often includes works of pop music and jazz in concerts that feature more traditional classical works. She has collaborated and recorded with a broad range of musical artists, from famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma to pop star Madonna.
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    NIGEL WALDGRAVE
    Professor Waldgrave completed his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London and made his concert debut on the London stage after winning the Leeds Competition. Professor Waldgrave retired from the concert stage following a hand injury and has subsequently become a respected music historian and critic. He is the author of numerous books, including Playing with Purity: Staying True to the Masters and the popular pet-care book A Cat’s Music Companion.
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    EUGENE WINTERBOTTOM
    Founder of the Young International Virtuosos Competition and an internationally renowned performer, Winterbottom’s performances and recordings of Rachmaninoff, Ravel, and Chopin piano concertos have been celebrated with both popular and critical acclaim. He is also known for his unique approach to piano pedagogy; his master classes and workshops are highly sought-after.
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    Professor Winterbottom will adjudicate the final round of the competition.
    PRIZES
    The winner of the competition will receive a concert engagement with the London Symphony Orchestra. The winner will also receive a five-thousand-pound cash prize.
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    *Under special circumstances, accommodations and travel expenses may be provided for competitors who wish to bring their own page-turners due to special needs. A request to the competition organizers must be submitted in advance.
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    As she read about the competition, Gilda felt annoyed that her mother was right—the day had finally come when she actually regretted giving up piano lessons. Everything about the competition sounded magical and exciting: she loved the sound of places like Holywell Music Room and the Sheldonian Theater. If only she were the one who could play the piano brilliantly! Gilda imagined herself amazing English audiences, then meeting people like Rhiannon Maddox and Eugene Winterbottom for tea and scones following her performances.
    â€œMy knees went weak when I heard your performance,” Eugene Winterbottom would say.
    â€œBrilliant!” Rhiannon Maddox and Nigel Waldgrave would declare. “And to think you only started playing piano a few months ago!”
    â€œWendy, I think this competition sounds amazing,” said Gilda.
    â€œIt sounds scary.”
    â€œYou’ve done this before, Wendy. You always