Through The Stayton Cliburn Recital Series™, residents and special guests of The Stayton have been awestruck at the remarkable level of talent the artists have exhibited during events. Since the launch of this unique and intriguing series, The Stayton has welcomed Juilliard graduate and international competitor Alex McDonald, as well as Taiwanese-American pianist Steven Lin, who was accepted into the Juilliard Pre-College Division on a full scholarship at age 10. Most recently, an extra-special experience was provided for those in attendance as multiple performers from the First Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival came to the retirement community. This inaugural edition of the competition brought 23 teen competitors from 13 different countries to the DFW metroplex specifically to give exceptional 13- to 17-year-old artists an opportunity to share the transformative powers of music, and that is exactly what they did for the senior residents and guests of The Stayton.
During the Quarterfinal Round, five of the 12 remarkable young musicians remaining in the competition came to The Stayton with Jacques Marquis, President and CEO of The Cliburn, to provide a private recital. Those who performed included Zitong Wang, a 15-year-old competitor from China, Natasha Wu, a 15-year-old Taiwanese competitor, and three U.S. competitors, Anna Boonyanit (16), Amir Siraj (15), and Anna Larsen, (15). Afterward, everyone was encouraged to enjoy a spring tea with champagne and refreshments.
“It was truly a privilege to host not one but five amazing musicians here at The Stayton for this recital and hear from the amazing international teenage prodigies,” said Scott Polzin, executive director at The Stayton. “An extreme and impressive level of talent and intense passion was demonstrated by each performer. You could have heard a pin drop as each pianist approached the bench to begin his or her performance; everyone in attendance was listening that intently. It was especially nice to hear the competitors introduce themselves and describe what they were about to perform. We, at The Stayton, wish each of them great success in their future music careers and were grateful to be a part of their journey during the competition in Fort Worth.”
Images courtesy of Bruce Maxwell Photography