< Back Previous Rainer Stegmann Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Rainer Stegmann is a concert guitarist, composer, and music educator. He studied at the Musikhochschule and Dr. Hoch’s Conservatory in Frankfurt am Main. Stegmann performs as a soloist, in various chamber music ensembles, and with orchestras, with a particular focus on contemporary music, aiming to show that modern works are accessible to all audiences, not just specialists. He has performed numerous rarely heard contemporary chamber music and solo works for guitar. His CDs, Soundscapes I, II, and III, released by the classical label GENUIN, received critical acclaim and established him as a globally respected interpreter of contemporary music. Stegmann has been active as a composer since his youth. He studied composition under Prof. Jürgen Blume at the Frankfurt University of Music and continued his training both autodidactically and in courses with notable composers, including Leo Brouwer. His compositions often blend different musical styles, combining the rigor of classical forms with the freedom of contemporary improvisation, as well as influences from rock and jazz. His oeuvre includes solo, chamber, and orchestral works. For more information, visit www.rainerstegmann.de .

< Back Previous Ben Kim Next WATCH VIDEO American pianist Ben Kim’s performances have been praised by the Süddeutsche Zeitung as “practically euphoric and filled with vitality.“ He has garnered critical acclaim for his performances worldwide, at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw, Musikverein, Gewandhaus, Suntory Hall, and the Kennedy Center with orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio, German Radio, Baltimore, Seoul Philharmonic, and St Petersburg Hermitage State Symphonies. “Ben Kim belongs to that small group whose playing extends beyond mere brilliant keyboard magic and pleasing, beautiful sound.” BERLINER MORGENPOST Ben was the recipient of the Rheingau Musik Festival’s 2017 LOTTO Career Development Prize. The international jury panel made its decision upon the following stated reasons: “His brilliant technique and his incredible flair for interpretive refinement are self-evident….an exceptional phenomenon among pianists his generation – such a natural, sympathetic charisma and pleasant modesty, coupled with great virtuosity, are rarely experienced with a leading musician.” In 2014 he was one of six recipients selected among a pool of more than 13,000 graduates at the Johns Hopkins University to be awarded an Outstanding Recent Graduate Award for outstanding achievement or service in any professional field. His career was first launched after having won First Prize at the prestigious ARD Munich International Music Competition for Piano in 2006. Ben’s recording of the Chopin Préludes and Impromptus released on Universal Decca was given an Editor’s Choice selection by Record Geijutsu. “Without nervousness or over-excitement, without boasting technique or exaggeration,” the critic describes of the album, “Kim plays Chopin’s music as if he were breathing it.” He has additional recordings out on Sony Classical and Klavier-Festival Ruhr labels featuring works by his favorite composers, including Mozart, Debussy and Schumann. Most recently Ben released a new album of Mozart Piano Concertos with the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra on the Challenge Records label to critical acclaim. He is planning a second album of Mozart Piano Concertos in May 2021. Ben’s performances have been broadcast on radio and television on all continents. Ben was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he began studying piano at age five with Dorothy Fahlman. He made his solo debut at age eight and his orchestral debut at twelve. At age 20, Ben received his Bachelor’s degree at the Peabody Conservatory as a student of Leon Fleisher. He continued his studies at Peabody with Mr. Fleisher together with Yong Hi Moon after graduating. In addition, Ben was selected to attend the International Piano Academy Lake Como in Italy, a program for seven pianists, headed by Martha Argerich and William Grant Naboré. He finished his studies at the Berlin University of Arts with Klaus Hellwig. Ben is a longtime member of the German Alpine Society (Deutsche Alpenverein) and resides in Berlin.

< Back Previous Tatiana Mikova Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Tatiana Mikova is a Czech classical and film composer based in London, celebrated for her eclectic and award-winning works. She has written for symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo instruments, and films. Her concert works, including Spanish Serenade and Fantasia on Moravian Themes (performed by the Czech Nonet), have been featured on Performance Today, KUSC Los Angeles, KDFC San Francisco, and other international stations. Her accolades include a Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards (2019) and prizes for her orchestral Sinfonietta and string quartet In Modo Lidico, the latter performed by the Lehner Quartet at Carnegie Hall in 2024. Mikova has composed numerous film scores, winning over 30 international awards, and her music has been performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded at Smecky Music Studios. Featured on Spotify’s 100 Women Film Composers playlist, her work was also highlighted by British critic Mark Kermode. She holds a Master’s in Composition for Film and Television (London College of Music) and studied at Oxford University, with advanced training under Professors Milan Jira and Moisés R. Sánchez Miranda, as well as a film scoring workshop with Christopher Young. She has also pursued interdisciplinary studies in opera, musique concrète, and experimental sound at Harvard and Columbia Universities.

< Back Previous Jin Uk Lee Next Vocalist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Dr. JinUk Lee has established an extensive and distinguished career as a baritone soloist, with performances in both Korea and the United States. He is especially recognized for his interpretations of oratorio repertoire, including the baritone solos in Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s The Creation . His early vocal training was with Professor InSoo Park in South Korea, followed by advanced studies with Andreas Poulimenos and Carol Vaness at Indiana University. At Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Dr. Lee appeared in numerous leading roles, including Germont in La Traviata under David Effron and director Tito Capobianco. He also performed as Zurga in The Pearl Fishers , Silvio in Pagliacci , and the Count in Le nozze di Figaro under the mentorship of Carol Vaness. His versatility extended to lighter and modern repertoire, where he portrayed Papageno in Die Zauberflöte and Tiger Brown in The Threepenny Opera . His artistry was recognized with showcase recital honors and the Outstanding Performance Award in Ohio’s Honors Assembly. Dr. Lee is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships. His distinctions include first prize at the National Artistic Vocal Competition in Korea, second prize at the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition, and first place at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition. He was a finalist in the Mario Lanza International Singing Competition in Italy, received the Sweet Adelines International Award from the Young Singers Foundation, the Albert Rees Davis Scholarship from the S. Livingston Mather Competition in Cleveland, and the Merit Award Scholarship at Indiana University. He also served for three years as opera assistant at the University of Illinois Lyric Theatre, performing roles such as Ford in Falstaff , the Street Singer in The Threepenny Opera , and Riolobo in Florencia en el Amazonas . Currently, Dr. Lee is Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Worship (Korean Track) at Northern Seminary in Chicago, IL, and serves as music director of four choirs in the Chicagoland area. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (DMA), Ohio University (MA), Indiana University at Bloomington (PD), and Kyungpook National University (BA). His teaching career began at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, and he continues to be represented professionally by Vocal Artists Management as a baritone soloist. In addition to his academic and performance career, Dr. Lee actively engages with media to share his artistry. He has been featured in broadcasts and interviews with Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in Seoul and Daejeon, MCTV-Chicago Win Media, and GOODTV in Korea. Looking ahead, his performance schedule includes collaborations with distinguished artists in both the United States and Korea, with upcoming engagements at the Chicago Korean Cultural Center and FEBC in Seoul and Daejeon. Dr. JinUk Lee’s distinguished career as performer, teacher, and leader reflects his exceptional artistry and dedication to advancing music on the stage, in the classroom, and within the community.

< Back Previous Frane Rusinovic Next Croatian-American pianist, arranger Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Frane Rusinovic is a Croatian-American pianist. He began playing the piano at the age of 9 and has been pursuing a career as a concert pianist ever since. At the age of 10, he moved to the U.S. with his family, where he studied piano with Anna Ouspenskaya at the Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C., earning a Certificate of Distinction. He continued his studies with Boris Slutsky at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. At 18, he moved to Germany to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in piano performance under the guidance of Florence Millet, later graduating under Jacob Leuschner. What New York critics have to say: Rušinović remained fully engaged with each soloist and maintained a fresh, exciting sound from start to finish. Afton Markay, Operawire operawire.com Carnegie Hall 2025 Review: Sound Espressivo & Price Attractions Laureate Gala - OperaWire An eclectic program ranging from vocal works and piano performances, to classical guitar pieces, as well as a lively castanet choir was presented by Sound Espressivo and Price Attractions at its 11th Laureate Gala in the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on June 30. Frane has performed in numerous recitals and masterclasses with renowned pianists and has won multiple piano competitions, earning first prizes in the Alexandria Performing Arts Association Competition, the Asian-American International Piano Competition, and the MTNA State of Virginia Competition. He has appeared in prestigious venues such as Merkin Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. As a versatile musician, Frane has collaborated with ensembles such as Enigmi Quintett and SCB Jazz Big Band, and he has performed with violinist Christopher Huber. As a collaborative pianist, he has accompanied woodwind and mandolin classes at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln and performed at major competitions such as the Hans Eisler Trumpet Competition in Berlin, the Robert Schumann Voice Competition in Zwickau, as well as a voice competition at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna. Frane has toured across Europe, performing in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Croatia, Luxembourg, and Russia. He has also been featured in international festivals and live TV performances, including Podium Witteman in Amsterdam. In addition to his performing career, he is an experienced educator, having taught at Bergische Musikschule in Germany, Music Hub in Saudi Arabia, and privately in the United States. Currently, he remains active as a concert pianist, chamber musician, and educator, continuing to inspire audiences with his artistry and dedication to music

< Back Previous Marie-Claire Giraud Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Marie-Claire Giraud is a soprano, jazz singer, songwriter, and actor. Born on the island of Dominica and raised in The Bronx, NY, she began her operatic training in Rome, Italy. During the pandemic, Marie-Claire embraced the opportunity to reflect and expand her creative spirit—writing her first musical and discovering her true voice as a soprano. Her career has taken her to legendary venues such as Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, New York City Hall, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, and Smalls Jazz Club in NYC. In July and August 2024, she performed in Honolulu for the Hawaii Classical Music International Competition Winner’s Concert and headlined a sold-out performance at Maui’s Jazz Sunset Series. She has also appeared at international festivals including the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and the Cartagena Jazz Festival. Marie-Claire made her off-Broadway debut in 2022, starring in Tennessee Williams’ one-act play Hello from Bertha, and she will return to Broadway in February 2025. A fixture on the New York City jazz scene, she is also known for her one-woman show, The Great American Songbook at the Movies, performed at Parker’s at Thompson Central Park, often in collaboration with acclaimed pianist Lee Musiker. She now brings this concept to life at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge, performing with pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker. Currently, Marie-Claire is recording her upcoming jazz album, Caravan, with Plaid Dog Recording, set for release in Spring 2025. She has received the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and recognition from the NAACP, as well as citations from the New York State Senate, New York City Hall, and the United Nations. In June 2024, she was named winner in the jazz category at the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) and won the Silver Prize at the Amadeus International Music Awards in August 2024. She will make her 54 Below debut in April 2025 with From Harlem to Hollywood: The Songs of Duke Ellington and Irving Berlin. A lifelong student of her craft, Marie-Claire continues to refine her artistry while touching the hearts and souls of jazz lovers around the world.

Application deadline: November 25 DEADLINE! You must complete Preliminary LIVE audition by November 30 . First come first serve. Reserve your date early! Sign up and reserve your audition date 1. We will confirm your date/time by email which you provide on your Application Form 2. We will send you a link to log into our Studio for your audition 3. Check your computer and your Internet connection 4. Get ready to audition! Prepare your laptop and log into the Broadcast Studio for your PRIVATE audition with the Judge 1. Our sound engineer will meet you and help you with your tech setup. We will make you sound your best! 2. Competition Judge will hear your Audition performance 3. The Judge will tell you right away if you advanced to the Nominations Round. If you do, the Judge will type a Congratulations message which you then copy/paste into your registration form for the Nominations Round. Nominations Semifinal Round starts December 1 Nominations Round is a live public Broadcast!

Sound Espressivo 2020 Sound Espressivo 2020 Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 00:00 Play Video Message to Contestants Now Playing 51:25 Play Video Artist Portrait and Interview with Sound Espressivo Judge Donna Weng Friedman Now Playing 53:21 Play Video Sadie Goodman, flute - Sound Espressivo Laureates' Recital Now Playing 01:04:17 Play Video Mira Kardan, cello - Sound Espressivo Laureates' Recital Now Playing 48:58 Play Video Mio Imai, violin - Sound Espressivo Laureates' Recital Now Playing 41:55 Play Video Ryan Huang, piano - Sound Espressivo Laureates' Recital Now Playing 43:59 Play Video Simon Yao, piano - Sound Espressivo Laureates' Recital Now Playing 54:41 Play Video SEC presents Piano Masterclass with Avguste Antonov on Haydn - Sonata in A-flat Major, Hob XVI 46 Now Playing 01:16:21 Play Video SEC: meet Kara Hanson-Hajjafari, Sarah Robertson, Janette Zahia Corcelius, and Jeffrey Lavner. Now Playing 01:14:19 Play Video Sound Espressivo Competition presents the 1st Prize Winners of 2020 edition Now Playing 02:29:55 Play Video SEC Gala - presenting the Laureates, management companies name the recipients and award 49 Prizes Now Playing 02:29:56 Play Video Sound Espressivo Competition Now Playing 56:11 Play Video Sound Espressivo Competition presents the 1st Prize Winners of 2020 edition Now Playing 01:14:23 Play Video Sound Espressivo Competition presents the 1st Prize Winners of 2020 edition Now Playing 06:31:19 Play Video Sound Espressivo Finals, Day 2 Now Playing 09:04:52 Play Video Sound Espressivo Finals, Day 1

< Back Carla Algeri Bandoneon Learn More Videos About Carla Algeri was born in Almirante Brown, Buenos Aires, Carla studied with legendary Maestro Osvaldo Pugliese and she is direct disciple of Maestro Rodolfo Mederos and Maestro Néstor Marconi. Carla obtained her Master's Degree in Latin American Composers at UNAM and Conducting Youth Orchestras and Choirs at UNA National University of Arts, in addition to her studies at National University of La Plata UNLP at the Faculty of Engineering. She was also trained in Learning Pedagogy at the Violeta de Gainza and Gladys Esperanza School. Carla is Professor at the Universidad de Artes Network, Colombia, in extracurricular activities of the Faculty of Arts. Carla is Director and founder of Polo Bandoneón a Cultural Center for the preservation and dissemination of the Bandoneón as the axis of the Patrimonial Culture of the Río de La Plata. As a Cultural Advisor of the City of Buenos Aires, she is carrying out important concerts, museum activities, master classes at Universities in Colombia and Portugal about the language of Tango. Carla is member of the International Arts Council and in charge of the Bandonium Foundation and responsible for the Patrimonialization of Tango at UNESCO. Outstanding personality of the culture of the City of Buenos Aires, Carla received the Order of the Mano Blanca Mailbox and also awarded the key to the City of Miami from Miami’s Mayor Office for her work in Culture. The municipalities of Santuario, Medellín, Pereira, Andes, Jericó, Buga, Santa Fé de Antioquia, Bucaramanga, and other cities in Colombia, offered her different recognitions. Tango Cultural Ambassador of the City of Buenos Aires and her native municipality Almirante Brown and currently Member of the International Academy of History and Communication Sciences. Among her recordings can be mentioned: Rodolfo Mederos Typical Orchestra 2006; “Gardel's Seventy” together with Juanjo Domínguez 2007; Carla Algeri Quintet “Tribute Album” 2012; “Balada del Alba” with Chico Novarro 2013; “Response” for bandoneon, piano and symphony orchestra. “Tribute to Aníbal Troilo” 2015; “When you are not here” , bandoneon and string orchestra, “Tribute to Carlos Gardel” 2015; “Memories of a Bandoneón” 2016 a symphonic recording nominated for the “Buenos Aires Gardel Awards”. “Together 20 years” , 2019 with Armando de la Vega. “Two and two are three” 2020, Trio with Armando de la Vega and Rafael Gintoli. “Testament of a Mozart Milonguero” 2021 with bandoneon octet. “Tribute to Piazzolla” 2022 for Trio with Rafael Gintoli and Armando de la Vega. “Gray of Absence” 2022. Duet with Leonardo Marconi. “Song of October” 2022 with bandoneon Octet, music by Piazzolla. Previous Next

< Back Previous Nicola & Raffaele Bertolini Next Clarinet Duo Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 20, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Raffaele Bertolini Raffaele Bertolini holds a Master’s Degree in Clarinet from the “G. Verdi” Conservatory in Milan and a postgraduate degree in Bass Clarinet under Maestro S. Cardo. He has performed extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia, appearing in numerous chamber music ensembles and giving masterclasses in Brazil, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay, Mexico, and Kazakhstan. As a soloist, he has appeared with prestigious orchestras including “I Professori del Teatro San Carlo” of Naples, the “Mozarteum” Symphony Orchestra of Salzburg, and the State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. He currently collaborates with the “G. Verdi” Salerno Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Daniel Oren, and with the “I Pomeriggi Musicali” Orchestra of Milan. His recordings include several CDs, most recently featuring a contemporary work for bass clarinet and orchestra with “I Pomeriggi Musicali.” He has taught at the Conservatory of Bari and currently serves on the faculties of the “Tenca” Music High School in Milan and the “Tito Schipa” Conservatory of Lecce, Ceglie Messapica branch. Nicola Bertolini Born in 2007, Nicola Bertolini studies clarinet with Prof. Laura Magistrelli at the “G. Verdi” Conservatory in Milan. Despite his young age, he has distinguished himself as the winner of numerous national and international competitions, including Tradate, Mercadante (Naples), Stresa, Giussano, the Clarinet Academy Competition, “San Vigilio” (Rome), and “Città di Milano.” He has performed widely across Italy and abroad — in Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Kazakhstan (Kazakstan Ortalyk Koncert Zaly), Luxembourg (Philharmonie), France, Spain, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Romania, and Mexico (Sala Ponce, National Conservatory of Mexico). His appearances include both chamber music and solo performances with orchestras such as the State Symphony Orchestra of Kazakhstan, OLES Symphony Orchestra of Lecce (Teatro Apollo), “Guido d’Arezzo” Symphony Orchestra of Milan, Youth Orchestra of Salerno, Academy Symphony Orchestra of Benevento, Symphony Orchestra of Cosenza, “Opera Simphony” Orchestra of Milan, “I Filarmonici di Napoli,” “Antonio Vivaldi” Chamber Orchestra of Valle Camonica, “Assunta in Vigentino” Orchestra (former RAI Orchestra), Kurpfälzisches Kammerorchester Mannheim, Symphony Orchestra of Puebla, Youth Symphony Orchestra of Tultepec, and the Symphony Orchestra of Pazardzhik (Bulgaria). He currently serves as Principal Clarinet of the “INERBA” Orchestra of the European Music Academy in Erba and of the “Guido d’Arezzo” Orchestra in Milan.

< Back Previous Emily Snelbecker Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Emily Snelbecker is a classical pianist who has studied at the Hunter Mill Piano Studio in Vienna, Virginia, under the guidance of Dr. Anna Ouspenskaya for seven years. During this time, she received comprehensive technical and performance training, participated in six judged studio concerts each year, and learned a new concerto annually. Emily has performed four-hand duets with fellow pianists and maintains an active repertoire across Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods.