Leonid Nediak may have been the ultimate expression of the spirit of the 2015 Young Artists competition. Barely 12 years old at the time, he looked to many like a small boy about to perform in his first recital. Within seconds of the start of his first performance, however, the impression was quickly dispelled. Young Leonid was thoroughly in command of the keyboard, as well as a daunting repertoire of Haydn, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven. He went on to win second prize in the Junior Division and, not surprisingly, the audience favorite prize.
CIPC is delighted that Leonid accepted an invitation to perform at the opening ceremony for the 2018 Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists, which will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 7:00 pm at the Cleveland Institute of Music (Kulas Hall). He will perform solo works, then collaborate with Cleveland’s Contemporary Youth Orchestra to present the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Liza Grossman will conduct.
At the intermission, WCLV’S Robert Conrad will introduce all of the 2018 contestants and a reception will be held immediately following. Tickets for the concert and reception are $35 and can be purchased by calling 216-707-5397 or clicking here.