Young Ardmore Pianist Shines in Worldwide Master Class

James Gates of Ardmore, PA has spent his time in coronavirus isolation perfecting a piano piece that won him a coveted spot in The Philadelphia International Music Festival’s new PIMFOnline.org Master Class last week taught by former Assistant Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Kensho Watanabe.

“Students around the world auditioned for the opportunity to be featured in the series,” says PIMF President Sandy Marcucci. “We’re delighted by the enthusiasm and so heartened to see how young musicians are pursuing their musical passion with a will to learn and improve in spite of so much disruption.”

James, a 14-year-old 9th grader at The Haverford School, played Chopin’s “Waltz Op 34 No 1 in A flat major - Vivace” for Maestro Watanabe and a worldwide online audience at Friday’s interactive Master Class, after which he received analysis and constructive criticism from the internationally-renowned conductor, along with supportive running commentary from viewers in real time.

“I want to show what Chopin wanted when I play this piece,” James explained during the class. “It has a lot of ups and downs all over, really passionate or really held in.”

Maestro Watanabe applauded what he called James’ “high-octane, passionate playing, which you have in spades!” He offered the young pianist specific insights into approaching more subdued passages, urging James to consider “the beauty and virtuosity when you’re going 20 miles an hour, too.”

James studies piano with Joy Kiszely and Natalie Zhu.

PIMF launched PIMFOnline.org to fill the void for social distancing music students with programs including individual and group lessons and free online practice rooms. The popular Master Class Series draws not only music students, but music teachers and music lovers missing the concert hall.

Upcoming Master Classes include an all-instruments class October 8th with Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, a violin class with Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Concertmaster Marc Rovetti October 15th, and a trombone class with Philadelphia Orchestra Co-Principal Trombone Matthew Vaughn October 23rd.

“More and more, we’re finding that there’s a real hunger for that connection to live classical music performance that we’ve had to put on hold during the pandemic,” Ms. Marcucci adds, “along with a growing interest in improving musical skills and even just learning something new. Not to mention, we’re showcasing the classical music superstars of tomorrow! Our Master Class series hits all the right notes for so many music lovers, and we’re delighted to make them widely accessible.”