Advanced Piano Master Class,
presented by
Leon Fleisher
Sunday, March 19, 10:30 A.M.–12:00 NOON Legendary pianist Leon Fleisher represents the gold standard of musicianship, and he continues to impart his life-affirming artistry throughout the world, thriving in a sustained career as conductor and soloist, recitalist, chamber music artist, and master class mentor.
Fleisher made his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1944 and in 1952, he became the first American to win the prestigious Queen Elisabeth of Belgium competition, establishing himself as one of the world’s premier classical pianists. At the height of his success, he was suddenly struck silent at age 36 with a neurological affliction later identified as focal dystonia, rendering two fingers on his right hand immobile. Rather than end his career, Fleisher began focusing on repertoire for the left hand only, conducting and teaching. Not until some 40 years later was he able to return to playing with both hands after undergoing experimental treatments using a regimen of rolfing and botulinum toxin injections. |
Intermediate Piano Master Class,
presented by
Diane Hidy and Elissa Milne
Tuesday, March 21, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 NOON
 
Pianist Diane Hidy made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1991, following her studies with John Perry, NCTM, and Leon Fleisher. She was the first woman Fellow of the American Pianist Association and won the 1982 MTNA Collegiate Artist Competition. Hidy attended the Julliard School of Music and holds music degrees from the University of Southern California and the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
Elissa Milne is one of Australia’s leading composers and teachers, specializing in the composition of educational piano music and creating new resources for 21st-century piano teachers. Her music is included in the syllabuses of the major examination boards around the world. She has more 25 years of experience as a private piano teacher, and has been a featured presenter at piano and music teacher conferences around the world. |
