Author: Music and Stars Awards

Meet William Mendelbaum, a multi-talented pianist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger representing the vibrant new generation of modern jazz musicians. Born to Moroccan, Polish, and Reunionese roots, William seamlessly weaves diverse influences from his identity into his music, creating a captivating and unique style that sets him apart in the jazz world.

William’s musical journey began with a strong foundation in jazz as part of “EMA Réunion,” where he delved into current music and jazz, enriching his artistic expression. Over the years, he has ventured into modern jazz, infusing it with elements inspired by his cultural background, including world, klezmer, and gnawa influences. This harmonious blend has garnered international recognition, and William now graces prestigious clubs, halls, and festivals in major cities worldwide, from Paris and London to Tokyo, New York, Toronto, and Sydney.

A virtuoso on the keys, William’s talents have been recognized through numerous prizes at high-level international piano competitions. His prowess extends beyond competitions, with awards and accolades for his albums, compositions, and contributions to the world of movie soundtracks. As he continues to rise on the global stage, he recently performed at the renowned Jazz Festival at La Défense and released his latest album, “Life Through White Keys and Black Keys.”

William’s music exudes a sense of freedom and openness, embracing the beauty of life and creativity. His love for jazz, a genre that encourages freedom of expression, resonates deeply within him, reflecting his philosophy of cherishing moments of joy and creativity in life.

In his quest for musical excellence, William has studied with a distinguished roster of mentors, including Shai Maestro, Thuryn Mitchell, Nitai Herskovits, Yonathan Avishai, and Yaron Herman. Each instructor has played a vital role in shaping his musicality and artistic vision.

Beyond his personal achievements, William aspires to use music as a medium to promote peace and cultural unity on Earth. His dream is to play music all day and continuously learn, spreading happiness and joy to audiences worldwide through his soul-stirring performances.

With a strong belief in the power of music to connect people and transcend borders, William has chosen a humanitarian project dedicated to fostering peace in the world. His artistry and passion for a harmonious world serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging us all to embrace diversity and celebrate the universal language of music.

In the heart of Portugal, in the picturesque town of Alvaiázere, a young and talented saxophonist, Ana Maria Rosa, has been making waves in the world of music. At just 27 years old, Ana Maria’s journey is a testament to her passion, dedication, and the harmonious balance she strikes between her love for music and her academic pursuits.

Ana Maria’s musical odyssey began at the age of 12 when she took her first steps into the enchanting world of music. It was in Alvaiázere that she embarked on her musical voyage under the guidance of band conductor Jorge Nunes. Her instrument of choice was the saxophone, a choice that would eventually become her signature voice in the world of music.

With unwavering determination, Ana Maria’s musical talents led her to the Music Conservatory of Vila Real, where she studied under the tutelage of saxophone professor Filipe Fonseca. Her journey continued at the Music Conservatory of Coimbra, guided by professor António Madeira Alves.

Parallel to her music studies, Ana Maria pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the University of Coimbra, a testament to her commitment to both the arts and sciences. Her ability to strike a balance between these two seemingly disparate worlds would later become a hallmark of her character.

Ana Maria’s pursuit of excellence brought her to the University of Évora, where she embarked on a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance under the mentorship of professor Mário Marques. It was at this venerable institution that she found her musical home and a teacher who would play a pivotal role in her journey.

Her academic path continued, and she concluded her education with a Master’s Degree in Music Teaching, still under the guidance of professor Mário Marques. Her unwavering commitment to education and the saxophone was nothing short of inspiring.

Ana Maria’s musical prowess didn’t go unnoticed. Her talent and dedication earned her prestigious accolades, including the Gold Star in the Music and Stars Awards, an honor she achieved this year. This achievement followed her Silver Star win in the 2020 edition, showcasing her consistent excellence in the world of music.

Another notable achievement in her musical journey was her 2nd place finish (with no 1st place assigned) at the Gilberta Paiva competition in 2019, where she showcased her remarkable talent as a member of the Yeborath Sax Quartet in the category of chamber music.

Ana Maria Rosa’s favorite piece, Ida Gotkovsky’s Concerto for alto saxophone and orchestra, reflects her deep connection to the saxophone’s expressive possibilities. This choice underscores her passion for the instrument and her dedication to bringing out its full potential in her performances.

Ana Maria’s practice routine is a reflection of her disciplined approach to music. Her practice sessions vary in duration, depending on her teaching schedule. However, they always begin with a meticulous warm-up, including scales with different articulations and intervals. Ana Maria’s commitment to mastering her instrument is evident in her practice regimen, which includes exercises to explore overtones before diving into her repertoire.

In Ana Maria Rosa’s journey, the influence of her teachers cannot be overstated. From Jorge Nunes, her first teacher who instilled the importance of fearlessness in performance and good study habits, to professors who helped her shape her musical identity, each mentor left an indelible mark. Ana Maria acknowledges the lessons she learned from each of them, lessons that continue to guide her musical endeavors.

In the end, Ana Maria’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of herself. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and those who dare to combine their passions, demonstrating that the pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries.

As Ana Maria Rosa continues her journey, we can only anticipate more extraordinary performances and musical discoveries, all grounded in her love for the saxophone and her dedication to the harmonious union of music and science.

Get ready to be inspired by Uğur Gökhan Cihan, an extraordinary young violinist from Ankara, born in February 2015. Uğur’s love for the violin began at the age of four when he saw his older brother Efe playing. Since then, he has been learning from his dedicated violin teacher, Armağan Erman from Ondokuz Mayıs University, who has been helping him grow and improve.

Even at a young age, Uğur’s talent was recognized. At five years old, he received a special certificate, the Twinkle certificate, in an exam organized by the Suzuki Association. Since then, he has been working hard and recently passed the ABRSM Grade 1 exam from the Royal Academy on December 29, 2021. Currently, Uğur is getting ready for his Grade 4 exams, showing his commitment to his musical journey.

Uğur has been given opportunities to perform in many concerts organized by Ankara Caka. Whether playing solo or as part of a group, he delights audiences with his violin skills. In December 2021, Uğur received a special award, the “Special Jury Award,” in the Caka Online Music Contest in Category A, recognizing his exceptional talent.

When he’s not playing the violin, Uğur is a bright student at Ankara University Development Foundation Private Primary School, where he does very well in his studies. He also gets to be part of the school orchestra, playing his violin and sharing his musical talent with his classmates.

Uğur not only loves music but also cares deeply for animals and the environment. His passion for these causes makes him a true friend to our planet. Playing the violin and learning about music has brought him happiness and boosted his confidence.

As Uğur’s musical journey continues, he aims to make a positive impact in the world of classical music. With the guidance of his teacher, Armağan Erman, and the support of his family and friends, Uğur is on the path to success. His dedication to his craft, academic achievements, and love for animals and the environment paint a bright future ahead.

Introducing Eva Delcheva, a 12-year-old piano prodigy whose passion for music and love for the planet knows no bounds. With her fingers dancing on the keys, Eva’s talent shines brightly, bringing joy to all who listen.

From a tender age of 6, Eva embarked on her musical adventure, embracing the piano as her instrument of choice. Now studying at the esteemed National School of Music in Sofia, she is under the expert guidance of her teacher, Yavor Rusev. Eva’s dedication to the piano emanates through her heartfelt performances and original compositions.

For Eva, playing the piano is more than a skill; it is a source of pure joy, allowing her to express her deepest emotions through the melodies she creates. The world becomes a symphony, and the piano becomes her voice, resonating with her innermost thoughts and feelings.

Preparation for competitions demands hard work and unwavering concentration from Eva. With her tenacity and commitment, she strives to showcase her musical prowess on every stage she graces.

Beyond her love for music, Eva also delights in spending quality time with friends, exploring her artistic talents through drawing, and experiencing the wonders of the world through travel.

Among the classical masterpieces, Für Elise holds a special place in Eva’s heart. This timeless composition has been a beloved piece since her early years of playing, and its enchanting notes continue to captivate her to this day.

Amidst her musical pursuits, Eva’s compassionate nature extends beyond the realm of music. Concerned about the impact of global warming on the planet and its inhabitants, she wishes to make a difference. She envisions a humanitarian project dedicated to improving the situation with global warming, preserving the beauty of our planet and protecting the endangered wildlife affected by melting ice at the North pole.

Eva’s unwavering dedication to her music and her compassion for the environment demonstrate the power of young hearts and minds to influence positive change in the world. As she continues to evolve as a pianist, she also seeks to leave a lasting impact on the planet through her philanthropic endeavors.

Eva Delcheva is a shining example of how music and empathy converge, forging a path of artistic brilliance and humanitarian spirit. Her journey as a pianist and her commitment to a sustainable future inspire us all to make a positive difference, one note at a time.

Beatrice Consolata, a rising star in the music industry, was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. Since 2017, she has been honing her vocal skills at The Resonanz Music Studio in Jakarta under the guidance of renowned voice coaches, Valentina Nova and Aning Katamsi.

In December 2022, Beatrice made her debut at Carnegie Hall during the Winners Concert of the American Protégé International Music Competition and Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition. Her talent has also earned her a spot among the Top Five World Musicians of the year 2021/2022 London Young Musicians Award.

Classical music has been a part of Beatrice’s life since childhood, as she learned to play the violin and piano. Her love of music spans various genres, including classical, contemporary, and modern music. She particularly enjoys classical crossover, musical theater, and popular genres that convey powerful messages for a better world.

Beatrice emphasizes the importance of regular practice and rehearsal to prepare for competitions, but she also emphasizes the significance of finding joy in what one is doing. Additionally, she is passionate about contributing to the community and society through her musical talent.

One of her primary goals is to promote music education, particularly for young children. She advocates for the provision of scholarships for music education from an early age, enabling children to enjoy, play, and create music, leading to better mental health and a better world. Beatrice documents her musical journey and performances on her Instagram account, @beatriceconsolata, and her YouTube channel, Beatrice Consolata.

In conclusion, Beatrice Consolata is a remarkable talent who is making waves in the music industry. With her dedication to music and her desire to promote music education, she is a shining example of how music can positively impact people’s lives.

“I am Francesa Khalifa, an Italian-Egyptian artist, born and raised in the suburbs just outside Milan. Italy never felt like the right place for me, so after my bachelor, I moved to The Netherlands for my Masters, spending 4 years there and becoming a founding member of the Van Eyck Piano Trio and the Zannin- Khalifa duo. When the political situation shifted there, and I felt it was time to expand my experiences, I eventually won the President’s Trio Fellowship at the University of South Florida and moved to the States.

In the past 10 years I have made New York City a place that I am happy to call home. Here, I gained a post-graduate degree from NYU on a talent scholarship and, most importantly, I met my mentor, the late Cuban pianist German Diez (1924-2014). The encounter with German marked a turning point in my life, both as a person and as an artist.

A longtime pupil of the great Claudio Arrau, German had made his mission to pass on the principles of the piano playing tradition he inherited from him, and which traces back to Franz Liszt (via Martin Krause and Claudio Arrau). As Arrau would say, one of the main elements of the approach is relaxation: relaxation and no stiffness in the joints is the ultimate tool to allow our soul to pour into music, to express itself and give flesh and blood to the score. But If I had to summarize the most important lesson I learned from German, is the recognition of the value, and the respect towards, the artist’s struggle: understanding its importance and embracing it are the path to become an authentic artist, big or small is not relevant.

German’s life and impact on many artistic journeys has been captured in the documentary Piano Lessons, shaped out of my research on my late mentor and officially endorsed by the American Liszt Society for its value in brining light to Franz Liszt’s legacy. The movie received many screenings, at festivals and institutions, and is now released on Amazon Prime Video worldwide and Tubi Tv in the US.

But aside from German, I was lucky enough to have other relevant presences in my life who have been, and continue to be, a lighthouse in my artistic journey: Chilean pianist Ena Bronstein-Barton, also a longtime student of Claudio Arrau, and German pianist and friend Marcus Baban.

  Though with much differences, all these artists share the same vision, artistically and personally: they seek to elevate (others) through art, serve and contribute to a better human community, and to celebrate the greatness of humanity. Their dedication is the biggest encouragement I have ever received in my life.

And so, in spite of the many challenges that becoming an artist meant for me (from unsupporting family members to societal pressure into fitting and conforming to stingy artistic parameters), I feel strong today in saying that I have made my childhood’s dream come true: I am making contributions and engaging on the issues that are closest to my heart with my music. This, to me, is success.

As I continue to shape my contribution to this world, I am currently keeping my curatorial position at EXTENSITY Concert Series, which I co-founded and which, at its core, is a place for cultural, racial and gender diversity and equity in the classical music scene, a scene with some of the most conservative tendencies in the artistic world. The series was featured on NPR, WWFM, I care if you listen, and other major media outlets in the country and it has received support from Yamaha Corporation and many, many members of the artistic and non-artistic community in the City (for which, I am extremely and eternally grateful).

I also continue my work on Legado, a project recipient of the New York City Artist Corps Grant, and dedicated to the performing, commissioning and recording of music by under-represented, under-performed Latin classical living composers. Most recently, the project has led me to a collaboration with SOLA (String of Latin America) for the critical edition of music by Alfredo Diez Nieto.

If I had to ask for one more dream to come true, given the state of the affairs in the world, it would be for the awakening of humanity: as we stand on the edge of this abyss, risking to lose our planet and the memory of our existence, I can’t help but feel that if more people were to stop chasing inhumane ideals of success and happiness, and really question the meaning of self-realization, we would surely solve the majority of our problems.

To finish up, as Jimi Hendrix said, “music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”