Atlanta hails "our" Robert

[Pianorak]

(Headline) Local favourite takes Atlanta

The first Atlanta International Piano Competition, which concluded on 19 May at Georgia State University, has been won by local pianist Robert Henry. Henry, 29, was awarded US$15,000 plus recital dates. Second prize went to Russia's Valentina Igoshina, 24, who also shared the best Barili Performance category with Henry. 19-year-old Aiko Yajima from Japan took third prize, with the Audience Favourite going to Shinmyung Rho of Korea.

Well done, Robert - we now look forward to reading all about your forthcoming Carnegie Hall recital.  

[robert_henry]

Wow, thanks for the congrats.  After the final round of the competition, the conductor of the Atlanta Symphony (Robert Spano), who was one of the judges,  very graciously offered me a performance engagement in the 2004 season.  This was not a scheduled prize, and it was probably the most satisfying thing that has happened to me in a professional sense; it was a classic thing to do, as many pianists got their start by a conductor's generosity.  It's good to know that there are still people like Robert Spano who will give unknowns like me a chance.

Robert Henry

BTW, I'm 28. :p

[Pianorak]

Robert - Have just visited your new website - and am gobsmacked! It's magnificent. You and Frederic Chui seem to have this in common: brilliant pianists and computer-savvy! A rare combination?
By the way what's on the programme for your Wells Cathedral recital on 27 July?

[robert_henry]

Mozart 488 in A.  

Yes, I've heard about Chiu and his other interests.  He is a smart guy.  I will have the opportunity to spend a few days with him in September.  I've never met him, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Do you live in England?  Maybe we could grab something to eat.

Robert Henry

[Pianorak]

Have sent you a private email message.

[ludwig]

wow, congrats Robert, what did you play for the competition? hehe, we have a celebrity on the boards, or are there any of you still lurking around :p well, hope everything goes well with your performance. And have a good lunch with pianorak.

[robert_henry]

Bach P&F in F# Major, Bk II
Mozart Sonata 282
Carl Vine Sonata
Chopin-Godowsky Etudes (4)
Chopin Scherzo #4 in E
Two Pieces by Alfredo Barilli
Rachmaninoff Moments Musical, complete
Scarlatti Sonatas (3)
Debussy Prelude Bk II, No 7
Schubert Sonata in A minor, Op 143

Thanks, Ludwig.  The competition itself is in tribute to composer/pianist Alfredo Barilli, who lived in Atlanta for most of his life.  The first prize was underwritten by the oldest living student of Barilli.  

Celebrity...me?...I don't think so.  At least not yet.  We'll see what happens in the coming years.  I only feel that I've become a musician in the last year or so, so I am careful not to let my ego get the better of me.  

England must get issues of International Piano before the States, because I just now got the prior issue.  I haven't even seen this new issue.  I love that magazine though.  To me, it's focus is on the professional pianist and classical piano enthusiasts.  Clavier magazine  has become more for teachers, and I find that many of the articles aren't particulary useful.  International Piano has become my new favorite.  Now, if only they would publish it MONTHLY.

Robert Henry

[dinosaurtales]

WOW!  Congratulations!  That's quite a program.  Lots of music in there!  I'm not a performer, so I cannot imagine what you went through to prepare, but I will keep my eyes open for your name on concerts!  Let us know if you come out west to Portland or Seattle!

[selsa]

Robert, Congrats on your recent accomplishments. Good luck in the upcoming years.

I live in Atlanta, Georgia. So I wonder, do you know of any upcoming recitals, concerts, or any events or places I can watch live performances in Atlanta and vicinity?

Thanks,

-Selsa.