The 2024 Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition is set to feature a world premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Two Andean Portraits. This marks only the third time in the competition’s history that all 12 semifinalists will play a new commissioned solo work. Frank, a prominent American composer and the composer-in-residence with The Philadelphia Orchestra, has crafted a unique piece that will showcase the interpretative skills of each pianist.
The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to perform Two Andean Portraits at a future Carnegie Hall recital in New York City. This commission is a significant development for the competition, demonstrating a commitment to building a diverse repertoire for emerging pianists.
Frank’s inspiration for the commission stems from her diverse heritage, blending Peruvian and Andean folk music with classical influences. The first portrait, Introducción: Zampoñas, challenges pianists to emulate the sounds of the Indigenous panpipe, while the second portrait, Adagio del Altiplano, captures the mysticism of the Andean highlands.
In addition to her work with the Gina Bachauer competition, Frank has been actively involved in the Utah music scene, collaborating with the Fry Street Quartet and premiering works like A Psalm of Disquiet. Her opera, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, has received critical acclaim and showcases her talent as a composer.
As a composer-in-residence for The Philadelphia Orchestra, Frank continues to push boundaries in the world of classical music. Her unique blend of cultural influences and innovative compositions set her apart as a leading voice in the contemporary music scene.
For more information on the Gina Bachauer competition and upcoming performances, visit the Bachauer website.