Studio News

Allison performs at the NVMTA Judged Recital

Sophia W. after her performance at the Herndon Theater

Nicole after performance

   Sophia G. performs at the NVMTA Judged Recital

New school year is off to a terrific start. First quarter is finished, so it is time for a quick summary of events and accomplishments. Many students were able to attend Brightview recital and a Studio Recital at Jordan Kitts before attending VMTA Fall Festival. It was exciting to hear new repertoire and welcome Allison and Annabel to our studio.

 Please see the latest update:

WMTA Judged Recital, December:
Nicole-Honors

NVMTA Judged Recital, November:
Sophia G.- Honors
Allison- Honors

WMTA Judged Recital, October:
Annabel- Honors

NVMTA Judged Recital, October:
Raelyn-Honors, chosen for YAM

AAMS Competition:
Raelyn -2nd place

VMTA Fall Festival:
Superior- Kevin, Cameron, Sophia W., Jacqui, Nicole, Teddy, Kenneth, Sophia G., Annabel

Brightview Recital

Raelyn was invited to participate in the masterclasses organized by William Knabe Piano Institute.

Raelyn enjoyed her class with Michael Angelucci very much and she learned a lot! Thank you for this opportunity!

Please mark your calendar for the upcoming events:
December 15-Group Class
December 16- Recital at Brightview
January 13- NVMTA JR
January 14- Skills Day, Sight-reading exam
January 14- NVMTA General Recital
February 10- Theory Exam

Raelyn- MTNA Virginia State Winner!

Congratulations to Raelyn! She is a Virginia State MTNA Junior Piano Winner! Raelyn has advanced to the Southern Division of MTNA and will be performing her program in January. WOW!

Achievements, 2016-2017

Jacqui

Raelyn and Nicole with their biggest helpers and supporters, their moms

Virginia State Competition Finals:

Jacqui (1A)-1st place

Nicole (1B)-3rd place

VIII International Piano Competition at Hartford, CT:

Raelyn-GRAND PRIX

NVMTA Piano Achievement Awards:

Nicole (level 2)- 1st place

Raelyn (level 2)- 2nd place

Jacqui (level 1)- 2nd place

YMIC International Competition:

Raelyn- GRAND PRIX, $500 prize

Nicole &Raelyn (Duet)-2nd place

Nicole- HM

2017 W. Knabe Young Artist Piano Competition:

Nicole-1st place

Raelyn- 2nd place and Audience Award

V.Hartman Piano Performance Awards:

Sophia G. (12)- 1st place

Teddy (11)-2nd place

Kayleigh (14)-2nd place

Northern District Auditions:

Nicole (level 2)-2nd place

Jacqui (level 1B)-3rd place

NVMTA Sonata Festival:

2nd round- Kevin, Kayleigh, Lucy, Raelyn, Sophia G., Jacqui, Kenneth, Katherine

Honors-Katherine, Sophia G., Jacqui, Kenneth, Nicole

Kaufman Youth Piano Competition:

Raelyn- finalist

VMTA Fall Festival:

Superior-Kevin, Teddy, Kenneth, Sophia W., Jacqui, Sophia G.

AAMS Competition:

Raelyn-2nd place

NVMTA Judged Recitals:

Nicole- Honors

Teddy- HM

Jacqui-HM

Raelyn-HM

WMTA Judged Recital:

Raelyn- Honors

Bland Contest:

Cameron-2nd place

Raelyn-2nd place

Sophia G.-3rd place

Golden Key Festival, Composition:

Kayleigh-1st place in the National Category, 2nd place in the International category, $500 prize

Golden Key, Performance:

Raelyn-winner, performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, NY and at the Honors Concerts in Vienna, Austria

Kayleigh-winner, performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, NY.and at the Honors Concerts in Vienna, Austria

WMTA Modern Piano Music Competition:

Cameron (K-3)-2nd place

Nicole (4-6)-1st place

Jacqui (4-6)-3rd place

NVMTA Piano Concerto Festival:

Kenneth (6-7)-1st place

Sophia G. (6-7)-1st place

Jacqui (4-5)-2nd place

Cameron (K-3)-HM

Steinway Piano Competition:

Jacqui-3rd place

Nicole-HM

Raelyn-HM

WMTA Composition Competition:

Kayleigh-2nd place

NVMTA Bach Baroque Festival/Competition:

Superior-Kevin, Jacqui, Sophia G., Nicole, Lucy, Raelyn, Teddy, Kayleigh

30 Point Award-Lucy, Kayleigh, Raelyn

2nd round-Kayleigh, Raelyn, Nicole

Honors- Nicole, Raelyn

NVMTA Piano Ensemble Competition:

Kevin&Cameron (level1)- 1st place

Nicole&Raelyn (level 3)-1st place

Kenneth&Teddy (level 3)-3rd place

Kayleigh&Raelyn (level4)-1st place

Lucy& Katherine (level4)- HM

Alden Theater Young Artist Concert Series:

Raelyn and Nicole

Kayleigh at the Weill Recital Hall

Sophia W., Kevin and Cameron

Kayleigh's Summer Summary

Kayleigh performs her composition at the Ehrbar Hall

This past January, I received the exciting news that my composition, “Dans Le Vol”, had won first prize in the national level and second prize in the international level of the Golden Key Composition Competition.  With these honors, I was invited to play my piece at the Ehrbar Hall in Vienna, Austria.  This trip gave my family an opportunity to visit two additional cities: Amsterdam and Budapest.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, presented a mixture of the rural and urban lifestyle.  There was an abundance of windmills, built in the style that differed from Vienna’s because their traditional appearance made them aesthetically pleasing, while those in Vienna were purely functional.  Amsterdam also took pride in their wooden shoes, which were crafted using German and French modelled tools.  Their shape showed no resemblance to casual footwear; I thought they looked more like colorful elf shoes.

Amongst some of Amsterdam’s variety of special treats, the Gouda cheese, which came in every flavor and color, was the most interesting.  Nuttier and softer than cheeses found in the United States, the Gouda appealed to even my cheese-despising taste buds.  After a short lunch of French fries, we helped ourselves to quick orders of stroopwafels and poffertjes.  The poffertjes were as puffy and cloudy as their name implies, and the stroopwafels tasted like an old birthday treat.

The city of Vienna sparked with its undying legacy for its music, art, and architecture.  Even from the day that we arrived, we had the privilege of visiting a wide variety of ancient masterpieces, such as St. Michael’s Church, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Lichtenstein Castle, which was a surviving artifact from the Middle Ages.  I was wildly familiar with the content presented in the tours, as they contained information that I had studied in school, and for this reason, I learned to gain appreciation for those forms of living history.

I had the opportunity to make my own history on the prestigious stage of Ehrbar Hall.  Standing at the peak of the steps was overwhelming, yet unforgettable, and the ensemble of applauding hands kept my mind awake to capture every breathtaking moment of that single bow.  When my focus shifted to the shimmering keys, every image of my peripheral vision dropped into nothingness, and I was alone in my two-foot world, free to roam with only the piano and my imagination.  My fingers on the keyboard felt of talons upon a branch, and like all birds, the sensation flew away as quickly as it had come.

The tours that most appealed to me were the ones that revolved around music, such as the Mozarthaus, Beethoven House, and the House of Music.  Each showcased the unique characters of different composers as they told the life stories of musical geniuses such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.  What captured my attention the most was the apparent contrast in personalities between Mozart and Beethoven.  Mozart was a cunning young man that almost regularly faced Clementi in musical competitions arranged by higher officials, whereas Beethoven was reserved and somewhat carefree to the extent that he wrote some of his music on the window of his apartment.  This much insight of the lives of these composers gave me hope that I, as a unique individual, have the potential to compose many great works like the legends before me.

After the tour around the Mozarthaus, we gathered downstairs for the Mozart in Context recital, where I learned of several musical figures whose works inspired those of many well-known composers.  Pieces by Mozart and Clementi were showcased, and I was able to enjoy writing styles of two completely different people.  For my performance, I wanted to use the information I had received in the tours to finish the last shaping of my interpretation of the piece, so that the “Mozart in Context” was fully expressed. 

The city of Vienna would not have had such a big impact if it was not for the classic Austrian dishes and desserts.  Prior to visiting Europe, I had gotten familiar with a certain cake called the Sachertorte from the anime, The Royal Tutor, so when we visited Hotel Sacher on the day of our arrival, I could not help but pretend I was a spoiled prince receiving his favorite treat.  In addition to that, we stopped by the Figlmuller restaurant to try Austria’s most famous schnitzel.  As a sore critic for fried foods, I was doubtful about my liking towards it, but the aroma of flavors from the pork to the lemon juice disintegrated my dread of the heat outside.  Straight after the performance at the Mozarthaus, my grandfather’s friend joined us at Heindls Schmarren and Palatschinkenkuchl for Kaiserschmarrns, which were chopped up Austrian pancakes served with fruit preservatives.

After the tour of Vienna concluded, my family and I packed our bags and headed straight for Budapest, Hungary.  The city merely reminded me of New York City, but the architecture was much more diverse and intricate.  Crossing the Elisabeth Bridge, I saw the most breathtaking view of the glistening buildings lined together along the side of the Danube River between Buda and Pest.  The palaces and churches were based heavily on the Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture.  The enormous House of Parliament and Buda Castle were seen to illuminate in the night’s shadow from the cruise down the Danube River.

Hungary’s goulash was the most delightful treat on the day we arrived, and I grew so fond of it that I proceeded to have it again the next day.  Although, deep down inside me, a memory stirred of goulash’s familiarity, a feeling that almost reminded me of home. Walking down the busy streets of the city, the smell of food was unavoidable, but the taste of it was unbelievable.

Not only did this trip teach me about the rich music, history and culture of those beautiful thriving countries, but it also taught me many life lessons about motivation, determination, and perseverance.  It was an experience that I could have never found anywhere else, and I am proud to have been given this life-changing opportunity.

Kayleigh with the president of the Golden Key Music Festival, George Borisov

Raelyn's Travel Sketches

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit three countries in Europe.  I stayed at Amsterdam, Vienna, and Budapest for two weeks, in early August.  All three countries had similarities and differences.  It was amazing to see different culture, currency, people, history, food, and way of life.  The purpose of this trip was for Kayleigh and me to perform at the winners concert at the Ehrbar Hall in Vienna, Austria.  The event was organized by the Golden Key organization, which I entered for festival event, while my sister entered for the composition competition.  It was such a great experience for the both of us.

Amsterdam was a very rural country.  The country is best known for their windmills, Gouda cheese, canals, wooden shoes, and many beautiful buildings.  We visited Dam Square, Anne Frank's House, Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, and many more historic landmarks.  We ate their famous stroopwafels, poffertjes, loempia and Gouda cheese.  My favorite part about Amsterdam was seeing the windmills and wooden shoes.

Vienna was probably my favorite city during the trip.  It also had very beautiful buildings and palaces, which attracted many tourists around the world.  We went to the House of Music, Mozart’s house, Beethoven’s house, Schonbrunn Palace, Lichtenstein Castle, and many other places.  During one of the tours, I learned more about Beethoven’s music and hardship in his life, with many health problems.  Later in his life, he became deaf.  He never cared about his appearance or personal hygiene.

From another excursion, I found out that Mozart was different in many ways from such composers like Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and Haydn.  He was a manipulated man who gambled to earn money, and used people to buy him expensive clothing.  I had the great opportunity to perform at his house, The Mozarthaus.

During stay-over in Vienna, I also had the privilege and honor to perform at the Ehrbar Hall.  I was very nervous in the beginning of the concert, but once I rested my fingers down on the keys, all my worries went away and thoughts were in the music.  And in another occasion at the Ehrbar Hall, my family and I came to listen to Stephan Möller performed Symphony No.9 by Beethoven.  That was any amazing performance and I really enjoyed the concert.

My favorite part our trip in Austria was going to Salzburg.  It had many beautiful buildings and sights, and it was where The Sound of Music was filmed.  It was crowded with many tourists all over the world.  We had the opportunity to try famous Austrian food like schnitzel, kaiserschmarrn, strudel and the famous sachertorte - the delicious chocolate cake served with whipped cream.

The final stop on our European trip was the very beautiful city, Budapest, Hungary.  It is an urban city rich with history and architecture.  During our visit, it was very hot, but we still walked around to see all the great buildings and statues.  We also went on a Danube River cruise and saw many more buildings in a different view.  We also tried Hungarian food, and I loved the goulash and hot stone meat dishes.

I truly loved and learned so much from this trip.  My experience was not just performing in the concert halls that Mozart and other musical masters passed by, but now I understand how these composers lived, what inspired their music and the challenges that they faced during their times.  I have learned so much about different music, history, art and culture, and I hope to explore more countries and their composers.

Cameron's Journal

Cameron, pianist Stephan Moller and her older sister Kayleigh

This summer, our family went to Europe because my sisters, Kayleigh and Raelyn, performed at the Golden Key Music Festival and the Mozart House in Vienna, Austria.  We also went to Amsterdam and Budapest, before and after visiting Vienna.

First, we flew to Amsterdam.  It is a very nice city.  There were bikers everywhere.  If you are on their path and don’t pay attention, they might bump into you.  We went to a shop that sells cheese. We got wooden shoes and I got pink ones.  It was hot and sunny, and my daddy took a lot of pictures.  We went to food stands and I had strawberry juice.

After visiting Amsterdam, we took a flight to Vienna.  Vienna is pretty, and my mommy bought a lot of dolls.  I went to the Mozart House with my family because my sisters had piano stuff going on.  I learned that Mozart tricked people to get him stuff.  Mozart saw someone wore a red coat that he really wanted, so he asked the person where they got that coat and the person knew how famous he was so that person gave Mozart it.

My family and I also went to the Beethoven house and I learned that he was deaf.

In Vienna, I got one spinner at one of the stores.  After Vienna, we took a train to Budapest, where I got another spinner, and we all got ice cream.  We got to try beef and chicken goulash with egg noodles.

After Budapest we took a flight to Amsterdam again and I got another spinner.  After we took another flight to USA, we finally got home.My Favorite part of Europe was Vienna because it is very beautiful and AWESOME. 

W.Knabe Young Artist Piano Competition

Nicole with the Jury Chair, Mr.Bradford Gowen after the Awards Ceremony

Raelyn after the Awards Ceremony 

Congratulations to Nicole Papenfuss and Raelyn Hoang on their outstanding achievements at the 2017 William Knabe Young Artist Piano Competition! After 3 days of preliminary auditions, judges selected Nicole and Raelyn as finalists. Nicole performed Scherzo-Valse by E.Chabrier. Raelyn played Impromptu op.31 #2 by G. Faure. Congratulations to both students on their superb performances!
 Nicole-1st place
Raelyn-2nd place and Audience Award

Division 2 Finalists

Summer Kaleidoscope

  

Nicole and Sophia after District Auditions

Jacqui after District Auditions

   Summer heat and spontaneous rain showers have not stopped us from continuing an active piano performance season. Big Congratulations to Nicole and Jacqui on their fantastic achievements  at the Northern District Auditions. 

Nicole (level II)-2nd place

Jacqui (level IB)-3rd place

Raelyn, Kayleigh, Cameron and Nicole performed a beautiful program at the concert organized by the Riderwood Piano Club. It was the most enjoyable afternoon for all, audience and families. Thank you to Ms. Belson and Ms.White for the invitation and this unique opportunity to perform for the Riderwood Community!

 In June, Kayleigh and Raelyn enjoyed the most wonderful opportunity to perform at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, NY. They were invited to attend the Golden Key Winners Concert and AADGT Winners Concert. Both, Kayleigh and Raelyn, are gold medal recipients of the competition.

  Soon Katherine Wang will be saying goodbyes to us as she prepares to move to her new school in Massachusetts. We will miss her musical playing, her smile and her exquisite ballet performances very much. We look forward to hearing from you, Katherine, about your new life endeavors!

Katherine performs at Sonata Honors Recital, GMU

Honors Recital Collage

 Jacqui and Sophia after Sonata Honors at GMU

Katherine, after Sonata Honors, GMU

Kenneth and Nicole, at NVMTA Sonata Honors

                                        Raelyn at Bach Baroque Competition Honors

Nicole at NVMTA Judged Recital Honors

Kayleigh, Raelyn and Ms. Yoon Huh, chairman of the WMTA Honors Recitals

      Impressive parade of Honors Recitals from different competitions has ended a very busy school year in the Silva Blazquez Piano Studio. Thank you, parents and students, for your dedication and continues commitment to music studies. This summer will be quick since we plan to return to school last week of August instead of September. We will continue to work during summer at a different pace, so please enjoy your summer camps, travels and family vacations! 

Piano Sonata Festival

Lucy and Katherine after 2nd round

  Kevin, 2nd round Honors

NVMTA Sonata Festival was the last event of this school year. Many students were chosen for the 2nd round; several will participate in the Honors Concert. Congratulations to all students on their terrific performances!

 2nd Round Honors- Kevin, Jacqui, Raelyn, Nicole, Sophia G., Kenneth, Lucy, Katherine, Kayleigh

Honors- Jacqui, Sophia G., Kenneth, Nicole and Katherine 

Kenneth after 2nd round

  

V.Hartman Piano Performance Awards

Sophia performs "The Nightingale" by F. Liszt

Sophia G., 1st place winner

 Congratulations to V.Hartman Piano Performance Awards participants, it was another wonderful event!

  Sophia G. (12)-1st place
  Teddy (11) - 2nd place
  Kayleigh (14)-2nd place

Teddy, 2nd place winner

Kayleigh, 2nd place winner

NVMTA Piano Achievement Awards

  Nicole, 1st place winner

Several students from our studio braved to participate in a highly competitive event, NVMTA Piano Achievement Awards Competition. Program requirements included, three pieces representing three of the following five periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic and Contemporary. Congratulations to Nicole, Jacqui and Raelyn!

Level I
Jacqui- 2nd place

Level II
Nicole- 1st place
Raelyn- 2nd place

NVMTA Piano Ensemble Competition

Cameron and Kevin

   Kenneth, Nicole, Raelyn and Teddy

Katherine and Lucy

Raelyn  and Kayleigh

NVMTA Piano Ensemble Competition results:

Level 1

Cameron/Kevin-1st place

Level 3

Nicole/Raelyn-1st place

Kenneth/Teddy-3rd place

Level 4

Raelyn/Kayleigh-1st place

Katherine/Lucy- HM