2017 Finalists
Andrew Dong (14 years old, from Guelph)
Beethoven: Sonata in D major, Op. 28 (Allegro)
Chopin: Nocturne in F-sharp major, Op. 15, No. 2
Andrew Dong is an eighth-grade student from École Arbour Vista Public School in Guelph. He is currently studying piano with Gail Lange, who he has been studying with since he was four years old. He will be entering Guelph’s Kiwanis Music Festival for the eighth time this year. Andrew has been to Provincials three times, winning first prize last year in the Grade 9 Piano category. Last year, he completed his RCM Grade 9 examination, and is now preparing for level 10. When Andrew has some spare time, he enjoys playing a variety of team and individual sports (especially tennis), solving puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
Naoise McCarthy (15 years old, from Oakville)
J.S. Bach: Toccata in E Minor, BWV914
Oskar Morawetz: Scherzo
Naoise is a 15-year old Grade 10 student at Thomas A. Blakelock High School in Oakville. He has been playing the piano since he was 4, and has studied principally with Mrs. Andrea Battista in Burlington, and will be continuing his piano study with
Dr. Benjamin Smith in Toronto. Naoise has recently completed his ARCT practical examination, and is preparing for his final theory exam in the spring. In 2016, Naoise received an honourable mention at the 2016 OMFA provincials, and has been chosen to proceed to the 2017 OMFA provincials. He also received the Irish Family Memorial Fund Scholarship for the Most Promising Overall Performer at the 2016 Rotary Burlington Music Festival. In his spare time, Naoise likes to play games, read books, and spend time with his friends.
Rebecca Qiu (16 years old, from Burlington)
J.S. Bach: Partita no. 1 (Prelude, Sarabande & Gigue)
Chopin: Scherzo no. 1
Rebecca Qiu is a 16 year old student at Nelson High School in Burlington and has been taking piano lesson since age six.
She has studied piano with 3 piano teachers. Previously under the inspiration of Professor Mei Lu in China and Shirley Wong in Burlington, currently she is studying with Lydia Wong at U of T. Rebecca has received many medals and won the scholarships at festivals. She was recommended to the provincial competition in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016.and was awarded the Honorable Mention in 2012 and the 3rd place for ARCT in 2016. She got the first class honor with distinction with the mark 91 at Grade 10 RCM Examination and was awarded the Ellen Ambrose Memorial Scholarship in the Fall 2013. Rebecca played a solo and accompanied for a singer at the 10th Anniversary Celebration Event of Halton Learning Foundation in Burlington Performance Art Center in October, 2013. When she isn’t playing the piano, she enjoys singing, reading, swimming , playing tennis as well as learning new instruments, such as the flute.