Alex Chien Wins 2011 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition

April 25, 2011 - PRLog -- SARATOGA, Calif., – The Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School (http://www.st-andrews.org/) community congratulates seventh grade student Alex Chien for placing first in the Junior Solo Division of the 2011 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition.

Alex was selected as one of 40 contestants from more than 140 applicants from around the world.  Participating in three rounds of competition at the University of California San Bernardino’s Indian Wells Theatre, Alex performed pieces as varied as Prokofiev's Toccata and the Beatles “A Hard Day’s Night” redone in the style of Bach.

“We’re very excited for Alex. This prestigious award recognizes his incredible talent and dedication to his craft,” said Harry V. McKay, Jr., Head of School. “Our community is very fortunate to have Alex share his gift with us as the pianist for our middle school concert choir.”

As the first place winner, Alex was awarded a recital at Snowmass, CO and a cash prize.

About The Virgina Waring International Piano Competition
The Virginia Waring International Piano Competition (VWIPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Palm Desert, California. The VWIPC brings classical piano music to the California Desert through outreach concerts to schools, the community and by hosting eight days of an international piano competition every other year with participants coming from around the world.

Contestants participate in solo and concerto events as well as Master Classes in each age category. Winners have earned performance opportunities in Vienna, London, Rome, Carnegie Hall (NYC), Florida, Denver, Snowmass, San Francisco, as well as Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California. Performance opportunities and cash prizes are awarded to the winners.

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Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School is a coed, pre-K - 8th grade school in Saratoga, Calif. offering a traditional academic program with enrichment in arts, phys education, foreign languages, technology, character development and community service.