The Sorel Piano Fellows program at SUNY Fredonia, a unique, tuition-free weekend of events designed specifically for high school pianists, ages 15 to 18, and held in tandem with the Claudette Sorel Piano Competition, announced its 2022 participants.
Support for the competition and fellows program was made possible through a charitable gift by the Sorel Charitable Organization, Inc., through the Fredonia College Foundation.
School of Music Associate Professor of Piano Eliran Avni created the fellows program as a way to engage talented young pianists in a creative and intensive weekend of activities that include lessons, workshops, master classes and performances designed to expand their musical experiences and confidence.
During the pandemic, the fellows program moved to an online format, which proved successful in reaching a wider international audience. The program is now offered in a hybrid format. This year’s program will have 10 in-person fellows and 11 online fellows. In-person fellows will give a piano recital in Rosch Recital Hall on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The event is free and the community is encouraged to attend.
The second day of the weekend event provides fellows with exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the international Claudette Sorel Piano Competition. Fellows will meet with competition judges, assist with tallying Audience Choice Award votes and attend a follow-up meeting with the competition director to discuss the competition after its conclusion.
Now in its seventh year, the competition, named after SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus Claudette Sorel, who was a pianist and former Fredonia faculty member, attracts top pianists from around the world.
Fourteen finalists were invited this year to perform in the live Final Round in Rosch Recital Hall on Sunday, Nov. 6, at noon. The event will also be live streamed
Travel scholarships have been made available for qualifying fellows to help offset the cost of traveling to the tuition-free event. "We want to make the fellows program accessible to everyone," said Dr. Avni. "Travel scholarships are new this year, and we are so thankful for the incredible generosity of The Sorel Organization for making it possible."
