Neighbor News
St. Louis Teen Wins Second Place in Philadelphia International Music Festival Competition
Excelling on violin as well as piano, Estelle Zhang dazzled the distinguished judges with her turn at the keyboard
The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) awarded over $20,000 USD in scholarships and performance opportunities this past year to young musicians who took top spots in PIMF’s Concerto Competitions, online and at its summer festivals.
Estelle Zhang, now 14, of St. Louis, MO took second place in her age group in PIMF’s June Concerto Competition. She was awarded a $600 scholarship to PIMF’s intensive classical music training program featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Estelle’s performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 impressed the judges: Derek Barnes, Cello, The Philadelphia Orchestra; Elizabeth Masoudnia, English Horn, The Philadelphia Orchestra; and Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin, The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Find out what's happening in St. Louisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The piece has a perfect mix of melodic lines and quirky sections that seem to represent different aspects of a character,” the high school freshman said. “The iconic opening line also stood out to me. When people hear my interpretation of the concerto, I want them to remember a person they admired but also had an unwonted side to their personality. It is a piece that speaks to me both musically and personally.”
A gifted musician, Estelle had to choose among her instruments for the competition, having brought her violin to study at PIMF as well. “I messed around on a keyboard in my house as a toddler and started taking both piano and violin lessons when I was 4,” she explained. “Recently, I picked up the drums!”
Find out what's happening in St. Louisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Estelle is focused on her development as a soloist, and traveled to Italy with PIMF in August for PIMF Vanoli-Cremona, a solo performance intensive based in Cremona that combines rigorous training with performance and cultural immersion.
“Music is a way for me to understand emotions and connect with others,” Estelle said. “Especially as a teen, I am learning new things emotionally and socially. When you can’t put things into words, you can express yourself through music.”
ABOUT The Philadelphia International Music Festival:
The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a resident summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity of spending up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.
PIMF also offers week-long solo performance intensive programs: Music in the Mansion, during the post-Christmas holiday break in Miami, Florida; and PIMF Vanoli-Cremona in Italy in August.
Chat online for additional information at: pimf.org or phone: 856.875.6816.
The Philadelphia International Music Festival is a program of Sandy Marcucci International Camps, Inc.