Danbury ​Fifth Grader Plays Carnegie Hall

DANBURY, CT. — Lucia Trudo, a fifth grader at King Street Intermediate School, has been playing the piano for five years and practices at least an hour a day and takes weekly piano lessons. Her hard work paid off this winter when she competed against 40 other pianists, and was chosen to play in February on New York City's famed Carnegie Hall.

Despite her dedication and talent, Lucia took nothing for granted when she competed in the Crescendo International Music Competition in December.

"I was hoping to get second or third place, but thought maybe I would get honorable mention,"
Lucia said.

A nonprofit organization, the Crescendo International Music Competition is a youth music competition for musicians ages five through 22 held annually since 2007 through the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. The competition is open to all instrumentalists (piano, strings and winds), vocalists, duets and ensembles.

Under the bright lights, Lucia played composer M.K. Oginski’s "Polonaise in A minor," which she has been practicing faithfully since September.

Lucia, who was a little nervous about performing, said the audience was made up mostly of parents and students.

"I was proud, but it was nerve wracking. I was proud of myself for doing it," said Lucia, who also plays in the worship band at the children’s service at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel.

Lucia said that she enjoys playing the piano, but mostly enjoys the challenge of new compositions.

"I like learning new pieces, and not repeating things over and over," Lucia said.

Despite her talent, Lucia said that she isn’t likely to pursue music as a career, mostly because she prefers science and academic pursuits.

"I'd like to be a scientist, but I do want to keep playing," she said. Her advice for aspiring musicians is to "practice, and you’ll get to your goal."

This press release was provided by Danbury Public Schools.