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< Back Michael Esch Piano Learn More Videos About Michael Esch holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Piano Performance from Rice University where his teachers included Robert Roux and Jon Kimura Parker. His other major influences include his first teachers, Rosemary Collins and Dorothy Morton, and coachings with Rebecca Penneys, Lazar Berman and Anton Kuerti. Dr. Esch has been featured in numerous recitals throughout Canada including at the Glenn Gould Studio for the CBC, and for the Canadian University Music Society. He has also appeared in concerts throughout Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the United States and Germany, as well as various centers in the far east. He has performed with numerous orchestras in Canada, and has collaborated with a number of acclaimed artists including the Belgian violinist Michael Guttman, the eminent violist, Rivka Golani, as well as many appearances with the Canadian Sinfonietta Chamber Players. The Canadian Composer Robert Rival has composed and dedicated the work ‘6 pieces for Piano’ (found in the ARCT and LRCM repertoire lists) for Michael. Dr. Esch was a featured pianist on the RCME 2015 Piano Syllabus CD set and he is currently preparing several recording projects. Michael has enjoyed grant support from the Chalmers Foundation, and is a multiple grant recipient from the Canada Council for the Arts. A sought after adjudicator in Canada, Michael has adjudicated festivals at the Provincial level for the O.M.F.A, ORMTA, SMFA, NSMFA, PABC, the Canadian Music Competition 50’th Anniversary National Tour, the Glenn Gould School Concerto Competition, the Cresendo, Conero, Classicalia International Piano Competitions among many others. He is a senior examiner for RCM examinations and is a regular masterclass clinician for the Phil and Eli Taylor Young Artist Performance Academy at the RCM. A sought after teacher, Dr. Esch’s students have been featured in major GTA recital venues including Koerner Hall, The Glenn Gould Studio, the University of Toronto Arts and Letters Club, Markham Theatre, as well as Carnegie Recital Hall in NYC. They have been featured in concert with important orchestras in Canada and Europe, received multiple listings on the CBC’s Top 30 under 30 rankings, and in masterclasses with major artists in prestigious international music festivals such as the Morningside Music Bridge and John O’Conor’s ‘Beethoven Boot Camp’. Recent achievements of Dr. Esch’s students include: winner of the CFMTA National Piano Competition, CMC National Finalists, major prize winners in the ARD, Crescendo, GOCCA, Conero, Sound Espressivo Intls, winners of the ORMTA Young Artist Tour (4), National Gold Medal Winners for the RCM Licentiate Diploma (2), ARCT Gold Medal, the youngest candidate to have earned the RCM/LRCM with Distinction, recital tours with Jeunesse Musicales, as well as Prize Laureates at the Berlin and Boston Intl Amateurs competitions. Dr. Esch has taught at Wilfrid Laurier University and has served on staff at the Glenn Gould School/RCM since 2007. In September of 2010 Michael and his wife opened the Esch Music Academy, a school for prodigious piano talent in Markham Ontario. Michael is a Top Teacher Award recipient from Steinway and Sons and was recently awarded a 2020 National Teacher of Distinction Award from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He will be a featured Guest Faculty at the inaugural 2023 Vancouver Piano Sessions. Michael has served on Faculty at the University of Toronto since 2021. For more information please visit websites: www.eschmusicacademy.com www.themusicalblog.com Previous Next

< Back Previous Ralitsa Tcholakova Next Violinist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 26, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Ralitsa Tcholakova is an internationally recognized, award-winning Canadian violinist and violist known for her rich tone, expressive depth, and commitment to contemporary and underrepresented voices in classical music. She holds a Master’s Degree from the State Academy of Music in Bulgaria and a Diploma from the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna, studying in the class of Prof. Michael Frischenschlager. During her studies, she was a recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the Austrian Ministry of Culture. Tcholakova has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and festival artist in more than 25 countries, and has appeared with orchestras across Europe and North America. She has been recognized for her artistic contributions through nominations for both the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (2018) and the Governor General’s Persons Case Award (2017). Her discography includes several acclaimed recordings. Ballad of the North—featuring works by Canadian women composers—was distributed by SOCAN to 135 radio stations worldwide. Remembered Voices, released on the Carleton Sound label in collaboration with Dr. Elaine Keillor (Order of Canada), was praised by The Whole Note as “an excellent CD.” Her album Aboriginal Inspirations, featuring multiple GRAMMY Award-winner Ron Korb, is promoted globally by the Canadian Music Centre and NAXOS. Tcholakova has performed annual recital programs at the Parliament of Canada since 2015, and in 2021 was featured at the National Prayer Breakfast, held under the joint authority of the Speakers of the Senate and House of Commons. She premiered the solo viola work Prayer for Peace, commissioned for her from composer Evelyn Stroobach, at the Laureate Gala at Weill Carnegie Hall in 2022. Most recently, in November 2023, she returned to Weill Carnegie Hall as a violin soloist with the New York Chamber Players.

< Back Previous The New York Chamber Players Next The New York Chamber Players Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 28, 2025 WATCH VIDEO "The New York Chamber Players Orchestra is top-notch level." - Society News Magazine The New York Chamber Players is a professional chamber orchestra of 42 musicians, dedicated to presenting inspiring performances of mostly classical repertoire. About two-thirds of the orchestra are core members, while the remaining third is selected through regular auditions—reflecting New York City’s extraordinary wealth of musical talent and ensuring opportunities for deserving professionals. The orchestra welcomes musicians of all nationalities and backgrounds, embracing the true spirit of New York City’s diversity. Our Mission The New York Chamber Players is committed to: promoting live classical music for today’s audiences through engaging and dynamic performances. enhancing the careers of young professionals—graduates of leading conservatories and universities—as well as exceptionally gifted prodigies (ages 6–13), winners of NYCP Music Competitions. expanding beyond tradition, offering fresh concert formats that go beyond silent musicians in tuxedos. Performances often feature direct communication with audiences, innovative lighting, and even collaborations with dancers—especially for contemporary works. championing contemporary voices and rediscovering overlooked masters, with special attention to modern composers and lesser-known gems. Through these efforts, the New York Chamber Players creates memorable musical experiences that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

< Back Benjamin Hansen Conductor (Choral) Learn More Videos About Dr. Benjamin Hansen is the founder and Artistic Director of The Helios Ensemble, an award-winning SATB semi-professional choral group in Tucson, Arizona. Interim Co-director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus Director of Music at Catalina United Methodist Church. Sr. Hansen received his BA from Yale, singing in the Yale Whiffenpoofs; his MM in voice from the Catholic University of America; and his MM in conducting from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He received a DMA in choral conducting at the University of Arizona. Dr. Hansen has conducted such works as Bach's Mass in B Minor, Handel’s Messiah, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven's Mass in C, Duruflé's Requiem, Howell's Requiem, Mozart's Requiem, Poulenc's Mass in G, and Vaughan Williams' Three Shakespeare Songs. He has studied conducting with Bruce Chamberlain, Elizabeth Schauer, Leo Nestor, Jerry Blackstone, Mark Gibson, Earl Rivers, Fiora Contino, and Robert Sund. Dr. Hansen was the Director of Choral Activities at Cincinnati State College, and a 2010 Conducting Fellow at the Chorus America Conducting Symposium in Houston, Texas. Previous Next

< Back Previous Momoro Ono Next Pianist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Pianist Momoro Ono has given numerous concerts and masterclasses, including University of British Columbia, Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta Concert Series, Xavier University Music Series in Cincinnati, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Bearcat Piano Festival, Seoul National University Tuesday Concerts, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, and Kennedy Center concert hall. He has appeared as soloist with the Baltimore and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestras-the latter performance being broadcast on NPR. In 1980, he won First Prize at Juilliard’s Gina Bachauer Memorial Competition and Silver Medal at the Three Rivers International Piano Competition within two weeks. Soon after, he performed on WQXR in New York during Young Artists Showcase. He holds a Doctorate and Artist Diploma from the Peabody Institute, where he studied with Leon Fleisher. He also holds his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the Juilliard School as a student of Adele Marcus. Chamber music studies include coaching from members of the Guarneri Quartet with his violinist wife, Heejoung Kim. He also teaches piano at Creighton University and the Omaha Conservatory.

< Back Previous Wesley Wong Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Wesley Wong, a junior at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, CA, is a multiple first-prize winner of the North California Young Talents Competition and the Baroque Festival. He has participated in Certificate of Merit and ASTACAP examinations and performed as a soloist at the Music Teachers Association of California State Convention. Wesley is an active member of the East Bay Chamber Orchestra and regularly performs in recitals.

Prominent Pianists Festival APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 7, 2023 June 4, 2023 - A djudications Live Stream June 25, 2023 - in-Person and Remote Hybrid Live Concer t at Penny Burchfield Art Gallery Auditorium in Buffalo, NY. Reguations Apply Open to Student Pianists of all ages and levels PIANO SOLOISTS, DUOS, & PIANISTS ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR TEACHERS MAY PARTICIPATE All adjudications will take place online Each pianist will receive a performance evaluation from an adjudicator during a live stream broadcast, and will receive a certificate of participation and achievement APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 7, 2023 Apply Reguations Divisions Ages 5-7 Ages 8-10 Ages 11-14 Ages 15-18 Adult Amateur division Collegiate Undergraduate division Collegiate Masters division Collegiate Doctoral division Repertory All pianists may play one or multiple selections within time limit. See Rules and Regulations for details Apply by May 7 The registration fee $35 Apply Reguations Recital In person & by remote simultaneously SELECTED PIANISTS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM ON OUR LIVE HYBRID RECITAL A newly innovative opportunity for pianists to perform live in person OR by REMOTE on the exact same program. The in person performances with a live audience will take place in the Penny Burchfield Art Gallery auditorium in Buffalo, NY. See MORE in REGULATIONS Apply Reguations PRIZES All participants will receive a certificate of participation and achievement. Other prize considerations will include… A live online performance opportunity produced by Virtual Concert Halls. This opportunity is a live performance given by remote, which will be live streamed for our audiences around the globe (SEE FULL REGULATIONS FOR DETAILS). A performance opportunity produced by Progressive Musicians and Virtual Concert Halls in the 2023-2024 season on the Laureate Gala at Carnegie Hall See MORE in REGULATIONS Apply Reguations JURY The Jury Panel is sponsored by Progressive Musicians. See website to learn more about Jury members www.progressivemusicians.com/judges Contact Feel free to contact us with any inquiries or questions Email: director@progressivemusicians.com Call/Text: +1-716-800-9819 See MORE in REGULATIONS Apply Reguations

< Back Previous Amber "Deni" Harling Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Amber “Deni” Harling is a vocalist, director, and educator from Detroit, Michigan. Beginning her musical journey at age five, she has performed in operas including Die Fledermaus (Rosalinde von Eisenstein), Amahl and the Night Visitors (The Mother), and Orpheus in the Underworld (Eurydice). She earned bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Mass Communications in 2014, and a Master’s in Vocal Performance in 2020 from the University of West Georgia. Deni serves as Youth Chorus Director at the Carrollton Center for the Arts (CCA) and teaches privately at CCA and Pippin Music Academy. She made her theater directorial debut in 2020 with 101 Dalmatians Kids and has since directed The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle (2021) and served as Music Director for The Lightning Thief (2023). A member of the Carroll County Community Chorus, Deni leads her ensemble Deni Phoenix and The Fervor. She is affiliated with Sigma Alpha Iota, Tau Beta Sigma, and Alpha Psi Omega. Deni is engaged to Daniel, guitarist of Deni Phoenix and The Fervor.

< Back Previous The Lehner Quartet Next The Lehner Quartet Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Formed in 2020, the Lehner Quartet brings together four distinguished musicians from the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (Washington National Opera) and the National Symphony Orchestra: violinists Natasha Bogachek and Zino Bogachek, violist Philippe Chao, and cellist Igor Zubkovsky. Each a celebrated performer with international credentials, the quartet was born from a shared passion for chamber music and a longstanding artistic collaboration. From the outset, the ensemble has earned recognition as one of the most compelling voices in today’s classical music scene, blending virtuosity, emotional depth, and artistic innovation. Between 2021 and 2023, the Lehner Quartet partnered with Virtual Concert Halls and Vox Novus to present a bold series of concerts spotlighting new works by living composers. These performances underscore the ensemble’s mission: to uphold the rich traditions of chamber music while championing diverse and forward-looking voices shaping the future of classical performance. Audiences have come to expect programs that bridge the classical canon with contemporary expression, offering performances that are as intellectually engaging as they are emotionally resonant. Building on this momentum, the quartet has appeared in multiple performances at Carnegie Hall and other leading venues throughout the 2022–2025 concert seasons. Their ongoing collaborations with composers from around the world reinforce their role as dedicated ambassadors for new music in the 21st century. In 2024, the Lehner Quartet released their debut double album, Modern Classics, on the Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) label. This landmark recording features original works by living composers from around the globe, further affirming the ensemble’s dedication to expanding and invigorating the contemporary string quartet repertoire. The current lineup of the Lehner Quartet includes violinists Vladimir Dyo and Yevgeniy Dyo, violist Joseph Kauffman, and founding cellist Igor Zubkovsky. Together, they are preparing for an exciting new season filled with performances and upcoming recording projects under the CiMA label, continuing their mission to champion innovative music with passion and excellence. Musicians Vladimir Dyo Violinist Since making his debut with the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra at the age of 12, Vladimir Dyo has toured extensively and performed at prestigious venues across the former USSR, Europe, Asia, and the United States. His appearances include world-renowned halls such as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Hall, Seoul Arts Center, Rachmaninoff Hall, Tchaikovsky Hall, Column Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, KBS Hall, UNESCO Headquarters, and the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Vladimir’s distinctive tone and deeply personal approach to phrasing distinguish him in the world of classical music. Critics have praised his artistry with vivid admiration: “His mystic contour merged with the instrument and hypnotized the audience... The subtlety and flawlessness of Rachmaninoff’s endlessly versatile music evoked such a profound emotional response that many in the audience were moved to tears.” — N. Zemlyakova, musicologist “Dyo’s Sarasate was dazzling…” — Michael Church, BBC World Service “Vladimir Dyo is a violinist who plays with incredible energy and electricity. His rendition of my LEX was spectacular. He is a major talent with a very bright future ahead!” — Michael Daugherty, Grammy-winning composer Recognized for his electrifying performances and expressive nuance, Vladimir Dyo continues to build a remarkable international career as a leading violinist of his generation. Yevgeniy Dyo Violinist "Elegant violinist" — Luis Biava, Principal and Conductor-in-Residence Emeritus, Philadelphia Orchestra "Control, solidity and beauty — who could ask for more?" — Jeffrey Solow American String Teachers Association President "His is fine, sylvan sound, a combination of secure intonation and lithe bow arm. Throughout, Mr. Dyo's playing was elegant, subtle at times, imperious at others, dramatic, and remarkable." — Dr. David Cannata Since making his debut with the Kazakh State Orchestra at the age of nine, Yevgeniy Dyo has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues across the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Kimmel Center, Tchaikovsky Hall, Mozarteum Wiener Saal, Meyerson Hall, and the United Nations General Headquarters. A laureate of numerous national and international competitions, he is the Grand Prize winner of the Shabyt International Chamber Music Competition in Kazakhstan and recipient of the “New Names” International Organization Award in Moscow. Dr. Dyo’s career spans performance, education, and cultural leadership. As a soloist and chamber musician, he has appeared at festivals such as Mozarteum Salzburg and co-founded ensembles and concert series including Musica D’Accordo Astana (Kazakhstan’s premier chamber ensemble), Trio Fontes, and the Solo and Chamber Music Series in New Jersey. He has premiered major works such as Karl Jenkins’ Requiem in London under the baton of the composer himself and served as guest concertmaster with the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic. In the media, Dr. Dyo has been featured on Kazakhstan National Television and Radio, WWFM’s “Celebrating Our Musical Future”, and in publications such as The Washington Post , Korea Phila Times , Kazakhstanskaya Pravda , and Koryo Ilbo . His performance of Bernstein’s Music for String Quartet was highlighted in the U.S. premiere coverage. As an educator, Dr. Dyo has taught violin and chamber music at Temple University, The Peddie School, and given masterclasses at institutions such as the Mongolian State Conservatory and the Music School of Delaware. He is a regular adjudicator for New Jersey All-State auditions and has judged international competitions, including the GMP International Violin Competition in New York, where he also serves as Artistic Director. His leadership in arts organizations includes his tenure as President of the Philadelphia Korean Musicians Association, where he organized landmark cultural events and competitions for young musicians. He also collaborates with the Association of Modern Georgian Artists, bringing contemporary music to New York audiences. Dr. Yevgeniy Dyo continues to perform, teach, and advocate for music that connects cultures and generations across the globe. Joseph Kauffman Violist Violinist and violist Joseph Kauffman has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Tchaikovsky Hall, Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kimmel Center, the Mariinsky Theatre, and the Kennedy Center. He studied with renowned teachers Yayoi Numazawa (Philadelphia Orchestra), James Lyon and Max Zorin (Penn State University), and Dr. Eduard Schmieder (Temple University). Kauffman holds degrees in violin performance from Penn State University (BM) and Temple University (MM), and is currently completing his DMA at Temple. He has won numerous awards, including 1st Prize in the MTNA Chamber Music Competition, as well as the Beene, Kroulik, and Brewster Solo Competitions. He was honored with Temple University’s Albert Tashjian Prize and Max Aronoff Prize for excellence in performance and teaching, and received Penn State’s Creative Achievement Award. As a soloist, Kauffman has performed with ensembles such as the PSU Philharmonic, Williamsport Chamber Orchestra, and the Temple Symphony Orchestra. A member of ipalpiti Artists International since 2010, he has appeared on chamber music broadcasts in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, and performed in chamber concerts with artists including Branford Marsalis. In 2015, he performed for Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia. Kauffman performs regularly with leading ensembles including the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Symphony in C, Princeton Symphony, AVA Opera, and ipalpiti Artists International. He has also recorded music for the documentary television series Philadelphia: The Great Experiment and other upcoming projects. A passionate educator, Kauffman teaches violin and viola to a studio of award-winning students and coaches chamber music at Temple University. He is the Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Music Transforms concert series in Wayne, Pennsylvania, which fosters music outreach and community engagement. Igor Zubkovsky Cellist Cellist Igor Zubkovsky began his musical journey in his native Russia, making his solo debut at age twelve with the Minsk State Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Haydn’s C Major Cello Concerto. He later studied at the Moscow Conservatory under the renowned Natalia Shakhovskaya, Gold Medalist of the 1962 Tchaikovsky Competition. Zubkovsky has been recognized internationally, earning top prizes at the International Cello Competition in Minsk, Belarus (Second Prize) and the Tansman International Competition in Lodz, Poland (Grand Prix). As a member of The Brahms Trio (Moscow), he received Second Prize at the Trapani Chamber Music Competition in Italy and First Prize at the Weimar International Chamber Music Competition in Germany. Awarded a full scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music, he earned a Graduate Performance Diploma and has since enjoyed a dynamic career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. Since 2003, Zubkovsky has been a member of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (Washington National Opera). His performance highlights include appearances at Merkin Concert Hall (NYC), the Newport Music Festival, and solo engagements with orchestras in the U.S. and abroad—most notably Brahms’ Double Concerto with the West Chester University Orchestra and Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Altoona Symphony. He has also performed in chamber music series at the Moscow Conservatory’s Rachmaninov Hall, Kennedy Center, and in Paris with the Marquis Ensemble. His trio performances with Anna Ouspenskaya and Elisabeth Adkins, presented by the Levine Presents series, were broadcast on WETA, Washington D.C.'s classical music station. In addition to performing, Zubkovsky is an active arranger and editor, creating original transcriptions and adaptations for cello ensembles. He premiered the Cello Sonata by Isaac Mikhnovsky and has several acclaimed CD recordings to his credit.

Learn More < Back Recognition Award iClassical Academy provides Recognition Awards to Winners and Participants of Sound Espressivo Auditions and Competitions "We believe that anyone, at any time, should have access to the wonderfully beautiful world of music Our mission is to provide new generations of musicians, from any part of the world, the possibility to improve their skills and enjoy a wide audience" iClassical Academy is based in Switzerland and works with clients globally. This Award is Sponsored by iClassical Academy iClassical Academy is a leader in high-quality and professional online classical music education. Thousands of music professionals, teachers, students, and amateur musicians continuously work on mastering music. iClassical Academy Catalogue contains of The Masterclasses, where Teachers go through a whole composition step by step, recorded with 5 cameras and HD audio The Courses are mainly dedicated to a single subject or topic; The Collections are lists of Masterclasses grouped by Style, Genre, Composer, or Subject The Musical Jewels, special courses dedicated to Music cardinal points, either milestone compositions or musical subjects. They contain real legacies from the most important music teachers in the world 82 Master Teachers View More Visit iClassical Website Previous Next

< Back Previous Manuel Casares Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Pianist Manuel Casares began his musical studies at the age of five under the guidance of Irina Moryatova, with whom he studied until 2022. He completed his Professional Degree at the Conservatory of A Coruña with top honors, receiving the prestigious End of Degree Award. From 2012 to 2017, Manuel studied at the Superior Conservatory of Music of A Coruña, earning an exceptional thirty honors and graduating with a distinguished Final Degree Recital awarded special honors. He continued his advanced studies at the Academy of Music in Krakow, where he completed a Master’s degree in Piano (2017–2019) with honors. His master’s research focused on the influence of Spanish music on the works of Albéniz and other composers. Manuel has been recognized as a prizewinner in numerous national and international competitions and has performed recitals in prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe and beyond. Alongside his performing career, Manuel is dedicated to music education and digital innovation. He currently serves as Content Manager at HDpiano, where he combines performance, pedagogy, and technology to bring piano music to a global audience.

< Back Previous Yvonne Pang Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Yvonne Pang is a senior at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, CA. She toured Japan as a member of the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra and previously performed with the Berkeley Youth Orchestra. This year, Yvonne completes the ASTACAP examinations and is a first-prize winner of the North California Young Talents Competition.