I
t can be said that parents know
their children better than they know
themselves. Sara Botkin, who is mom to
8-year-old Henry Manciu, can attest.
“My husband and I noticed that at a
very young age Henry had an unusual
capacity to concentrate for long periods
of time. I’ve read that studying music in
early childhood is good for the brain so
we decided to pursue piano lessons for
Henry,” she recalls.
What they didn’t know was how far
Henry’s ability would take him.
He began playing the piano at the age
of 3 under the tutelage of Phyllis Kiser of
McMurray. “Because most teachers won’t
accept students until the age of 5, it was
a challenge to find a piano teacher who
would consider teaching Henry,” says Sara.
“But Phyllis agreed to give it a try, and he
took to it quickly. I’m so proud of him for
all he’s accomplished and while we work
to keep our nerves and excitement to a
minimum for Henry’s sake, this really is a
thrilling time for us.”
What Botkin is referring to is Henry’s
second appearance at Carnegie Hall in New
York City in July.
“Henry tied for first place with pianist Ziyi
Hua of Qingdao, China, at the Pittsburgh
International Piano Competition in April at
Chatham University, which awarded him
the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall,”
she explains. Henry’s debut performance
there came when he was just 6 years old
as a result of winning first prize in the
American Protégé International Music
Competition.
For his most recent showcase, Henry
performed Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz in A
Minor.
“He was excited and well-prepared,”
notes Botkin. “And, of course, there were
nerves in all of us. But we breathed a sigh
of relief after he played beautifully. All of
the children featured in the recital did well,
and you could feel the love and pride in the
audience from the families of all these kids
who had worked so hard for this moment.”
As an added benefit of being a
performer at the showcase, coordinators
at Carnegie Hall gave each competitor
four complimentary tickets. This allowed
other Manciu family members to attend:
Henry’s dad, Ovi; little brother, Alex; and
grandmother, Maria Manciu, who is from
Romania.
“It was so wonderful having her there,”
says Botkin. “She comes to visit us every
summer, but this was a special event and
she was over the moon with excitement to
be in New York City and be all dressed up at
Carnegie Hall to see her grandson perform.”
Afterward, the Manciu family visited
Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.
“It was great family fun and something
we’ll all remember,” adds Botkin. “It also
marks the end of the competition season
until next year.”
For Henry, this is a good thing. Although
he’s never been one to get too nervous, his
mom says she can see the nerves setting
in at his performances as he gets older.
“We’ve always tried to keep things light
and fun with his music, but with age comes
knowledge. I think as long as he knows this
is supposed to be fun he’ll be all right.”
As for a future in music, the Mancius
aren’t sure about Henry making it a career.
“It’s so difficult to make a living in the music
industry,” notes Botkin, “but of course his
father and I will support him in whatever
he decides to do. That goes for Alex, too,
who has also shown an interest in the piano
and will begin kindergarten and his piano
lessons this year.”
For now, though, even as Henry’s mom
watches her young son grow into a fine
musician, she is happy to know he is a
loving, caring, respectful young boy with
a good heart. “He has come so far with his
music in a short amount of time and I know
these skills, the ability to have music in his
life, will bring him and others joy. I’m so
proud of him, and I just love him, and I’m so
lucky to be his mom.” n
Henry Manciu
and family
outside the
famed Carnegie
Hall in New
York City.
CANON-MAC
❘
FALL 2018
13