Pianist Emily Wang wins special prize at the International Claudette Sorel Competition

CENTRAL VALLEY — Pianist Emily Wang of Central Valley, a sophomore at Monroe-Woodbury High School, is the special prize winner at the recent International Claudette Sorel Competition at SUNY Fredonia.
The piano competition is open to young artists ages 15 to 18 who are passionate about piano performance and repertoire.
As a finalist, Wang performed a 15-minute program that demonstrated an artistic vision, such as works of a specific known or unknown composer, a thematic connection between works or an original way of presenting the music.
The competition is named for pianist and SUNY Distinguished Professor Claudette Sorel and is supported by a foundation she established.
The Sorel Organization creates opportunities for women in composition, conducting, piano, voice and film scoring to keep musical excellence alive while expanding the boundaries for women in music.
Wang’s piano accomplishments also include recently winning second place at the Music Teachers National Association’s Eastern Division Competition, where 14 states were represented.
She also won second place at the New York State Music Teachers Association Competition in the Senior Division in 2018.
Additionally in 2018, Wang won first place at the Vivo International Competition and has now advanced to compete for its gold prize in Manhattan in 2019.
The VIVO International Music Competition is open to instrumentalists of all nationalities under age 18. This competition offers opportunities for gifted young musicians to develop and advance their talents through participating in competition and performing on a world-class stage and is committed to inspiring young artists and enriching their musical experiences at early stages of their careers in music.
Wang’s piano accomplishments also include winning four first place prizes - including eight years with high honors distinction - at the New Jersey State Music Teachers Association competition.
She also won first place in the Cecilia International Music Competition, co-managed with the Osaka International Music Competition and held in Carnegie Weil Hall in New York City every other year; and eight first place awards in the International Crescendo Music Competition, which gives pianists the opportunity to pursue their passion for music through involvement in competitions, master classes and other educational programs.
In 2018, Wang performed at the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) piano showcase at the All-State Festival in Rochester.
In addition, Wang has also performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum and Madison Square Garden.
Wang has been playing piano since age 7 with her current piano teacher Stella Xu.
- Nancy Kriz