Bella Music Foundation International Music Competition for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2020 Winners’ Concert in Review
Junior Division (ages 10-18): Julia LaGrand, violin, (USA), 1st prize; Ryan Maxwell, piano, (USA), 2nd prize; Sihu Hwang, piano (S. Korea) 3rd prize; Laura P. Muñoz, piano, (Spain), encouragement award
Young Artist Division (ages 19-30): Jisun Kim violin, (S. Korea), 1st prize; Mackenzie Jacquemin, voice, (USA), 2nd prize; Guillem León, piano, (Spain), 3rd prize; Fernando Apan, piano (Mexico), encouragement prize
National Opera Center, Marc A. Scorca Hall, New York, NY 10001
September 3, 2022
The Bella Music Foundation presented the winners of its 2020 competition in the intimate Marc A. Scorca hall at New York’s National Opera Center. Yes, they were delayed by “that” virus. Now imagine winning a competition two years ago and having to hold on to that piece and maintain its level for two more years.
Let me frame this another way: I often tell my students to close their eyes for fifteen minutes or a half-hour if they can stand it (no peeking!) to sharpen their spatial awareness at the keyboard. What if you could “never” open your eyes?
Bella’s mission statement is: “supporting musically talented individuals and schools for the blind by presenting opportunities for world-class education in classical music.” Judging from these talented performers, it is a resounding success.
In all, there were eight winners (see above for full list), but only five were able to make it to New York, despite six being listed on the program.
First to appear were the Division I (ages 10-18) winners. Pianist Laura P. Muñoz gave a rapturous, mature reading of Liszt’s Transcendental Etude No. 9, “La Ricordanza,” with beautifully lyrical melody and sparkling filigree, reminding me a bit of Arrau. She was followed by pianist Ryan Maxwell, who created a deep, meaty, appropriately Brahmsian tone in Brahms’s Rhapsody in G minor, Op. 79, No. 2, while also bringing out its essential mysterious quality. This portion of the recital concluded with violinist Julia LaGrand’s stunning rendition of Ravel’s treacherous showpiece Tzigane. Every firework was perfectly carried out with wit and poise, and the whole built beautifully to its final frenzy. She was more than ably accompanied by the evening’s collaborative pianist, the excellent Hyunjin Cho.
Two of the Division II winners (ages 19-30) then took the stage. First, soprano Mackenzie Jacquemin, who showed off a bright, clear lyric soprano in Pamina’s aria from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, “Ach, ich fühl’s,” sung with gentle sorrow. Ms. Jacquemin had some lovely soft high notes too. The concert was brought to a stunning close by violinist Jisun Kim, (with Hyunjin Cho again, wonderful), who tossed off Sarasate’s blistering Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25, as though she had been born playing it. Every dazzling special effect was spot on, and, by the way, her intonation was perfect.
All took the stage for the official presentation of the prizes. The audience, naturally, was wild with ovation for everyone.
Bella’s motto is: “In every note there is hope.” I’d venture to add, even more than hope: realization, the ultimate achievement.
