Pierre van der Westhuizen — Master Class

Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA) was established by concert pianist Ching-Yun Hu to help young artists achieve their dreams of becoming professional pianists. It has blossomed into one of the most highly-anticipated and unique organizations, presenting the sought after PYPA Summer Piano Festival, the PYPA Young Virtuosi, and PYPA Piano World. Each program offers a distinctive platform, offering intensive master classes, public concerts and audience forums, featuring internationally celebrated pianists. The accompanying guest lecture series led by music industry executives offers insight to students and the international music community.

PYPA Piano Festival

Academy of Vocal Arts

Pierre van der Westhuizen, Director of the Gilmore International Piano Festival, will be giving a masterclass on Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 am to 12:45 pm at the PYPA Piano Festival!-<h3>Pierre van der Westhuizen</h3>With performances described as showcasing the “utmost polish,” “impressive control” with a “broad stylistic spectrum” (Beeld, South Africa), South African pianist Pierre van der Westhuizen has established himself as an accomplished and versatile musician, with critically acclaimed performances across South Africa, the USA, and Europe. Pierre graduated from Northwest University (Potchefstroom, South Africa) with a double major in Piano Performance and Composition. Pierre has received several prizes, awards and scholarships, which included the M.C. Rhoode Memorial Performance Prize, and a grant from the National Research Foundation. He made his concerto debut in 1998, performing with the National Chamber Orchestra of South Africa. His performances have been heard on WCLV (Cleveland), WYSU (Youngstown), ClassicFM, and WGTE (Toledo), and he has appeared as guest artist with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Chelsea Tipton, as well as frequent collaborations with violinists Annette-Barbara Vogel and Ioana Galu. Pierre is also part of the Westhuizen Piano Duo, with his wife Sophié. As duo, they have performed across the U.S. and South Africa, where they also teach master classes. Their performances were heard on WGTE (Toledo), Radiosonder Grense and ClassicFM. They were featured as guest artists at the Volksblad Arts Festival, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, Northwest University (Potchefstroom) and the University of South Africa/UNISA Concert Series in South Africa, as well as the Firelands Concert Series, Lakeside Summer Music Festival, and the Colorado International Piano Academy. They were featured on the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago, which was broadcast live on NPR and PBS, and have recorded the complete works for two pianos by Poulenc, which has been released by AMP Recordings. The Westhuizen Duo has also been named international Steinway Artists, and recent highlights include a New York debut at Steinway Hall, as well as being the featured guest artists for concerto and recital performances at Baldwin Wallace University’s Bach Festival. Pierre also enjoys teaching, and has previously served as guest artist and faculty member at the Colorado International Piano Academy, Cleveland Institute of Music’s Summer Sonata, Chautauqua Institute, and served on the piano faculty of Heidelberg University. Having previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, Pierre was recently appointed as the new Director of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Awards in Michigan. Pierre has received honors and recognition for his work as an arts administrator, including an honoree of Crain’s Cleveland “40 under 40” business and community leaders, and was named as one of the Top 30 Industry Influencers by Musical America Worldwide.-<h3>About PYPA Piano Festival</h3>The 2024 PYPA Piano Festival is coming back to Philadelphia in the summer of 2024! We have prepared 9 days of in-person events, including concerts, masterclasses, and the Philadelphia International Competition from July 27-August 4, 2024!PYPA Summer Piano Festival was founded in 2013. For the first five years, the festival took place at the Curtis Institute of Music, and since 2018, it has been in residence at the historic Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.Each summer, the piano festival offers an intensive nine-day program that encompasses master classes, lectures, and concerts performed by international renowned pianists, as well as PYPA young artists. The Summer Piano Festival also presents the annual Philadelphia International Piano Competition.

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Pierre van der Westhuizen — Master Class

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Pierre van der Westhuizen — Master Class

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