Beginner Category:
Isaac Watts from Nagercoil : Winner
Palak Chauhan from Chennai: Runner Up
The journey through the competition:
Aaron: I got to know about the competition through
my music teacher, Mr. Ivan Enos. He sent me the
details through WhatsApp. I began practicing a few
pieces and selected two for the preliminary round. It
was my first experience at a competition held at this
level. On 16th Feb, was the audition at Coimbatore
and everything went quite well. Two days later I got
the news that I was selected for the finals. I just could
not contain my excitement but I was equally anxious
about the competition that I’d have to face in the finals.
So, I began practicing as much as I could (with just a
few days left) to ensure that I’ll be able to give my best
shot in the finals. It’s still hard for me to digest the
fact that I actually won the competition amongst other
equally worthy contestants. I felt extremely happy to
see so many budding pianists, who might have been
waiting for this opportunity to showcase their talent.
Tavan: It was a last moment decision to take up this
challenge, but it was a lot of fun. I had to select a piece
in such a way that it should come well within the 5
minutes time limit, at the same time ensure that it gave
the actual feel of the music and showed the abilities of
the pianist. I was surprised how I managed to learn it,
memorise it and get it under my hands within the time.
Immanuel: I'm so grateful to receive this award for the
Casio’s “The Pianist” contest. I'm very excited to have
won the Intermediate category. I would like to thank
Casio and all judges for giving me this opportunity.
This is a life changing moment for me. It definitely has
assured me that I 'm good enough and has motivated me
to further develop my piano skills. Music is my life!
Akshara: This is my first competitive Piano event and
I was nervous and excited at the same time. I played
the Hungarian Dance by Brahms at the Prelims and
it was great to get Mr. Anil Srinivasan’s handwritten
feedback (and a picture!). It was a very pleasant
surprise to be selected among the hundreds of other
great performers, especially being one of the youngest
in the Intermediate category. Playing my favourite
piece by Yanni at the Grand finale in front of the
Immanuel
Tavan Shah
esteemed judges and a big crowd was an amazing first
experience that I’ll remember for a long time to come.
Isaac: I started lessons at the age of 5 with my
Father, who got lessons from Mr. Cleophas Anthony.
Choosing to compete is a commitment. More than
me, my parents committed a lot of time for my
Practice, Learning, Recitals and Competitions. They
encouraged me and my mind set was to win.
Palak: This is my first competition on a big stage. I
enjoyed every minute. I have played on stage before
but this time it was a different feeling. I was very
excited and nervous. I thank God, my Piano teachers
Dr. Surojeet Chatterji sir and Nitin Sir and my school
KM Music Conservatory for this opportunity.
What were your biggest learning’s through this?
Aaron: It all lies in the head; and the hands too!
The ability to focus on what you’re supposed
to do amidst all the attention is a major factor
which affects our performance. Not only
focus, but also enjoying what you’re doing and
doing it the way it’s supposed to be done.
Tavan: The biggest thing I learnt from this
competition was to keep myself composed, calm
and focused in spite of the nerves, pressures
and mental exhaustion I was feeling.
Immanuel: I learnt overall musicality. I practiced
for more than six hours for every day during
this competition. Then I got new ideas for this
competition also overcame stage fear.
Akshara: My biggest learning from the competition
was to enjoy and feel the piece while playing. I learnt
that bringing out the dynamism of the piece is very
important. I also learnt never to be scared before and
while presenting yourself. I’ve made a few friends at
the event that I’m looking forward to reaching out to!
Isaac: I can say it in one sentence: I believe that this
competition will be a new path to my success.
Palak: My mother always says participation is
important than winning. I met so many big musicians
like Anil sir, Augustine sir, Santosh sir and Navneeth
sir. I want to be like them one day. Also, I learnt that
how much ever you practice, on stage if you don’t be
calm you will never be able to perform your best.
Aaron Alex Abraham
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
41