Pianist Michael Cu, Philippines, garners top and special prizes in the 22nd International Young Artist’s Piano Competition in Washington DC, USA. The final round of the Competition was held in the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music of the Catholic University of America, from June 21-24, 2007.

Out of all who auditioned from all over America, UK and Asia, 9 finalists were chosen in the young professional category (aged 19-27)to compete for cash awards and special prizes. Michael, who was the youngest of the group, ended up garnering the honorable mention and best performance prize for “Sin Kiang Dance,” a Chinese piece.

After the winners’ performance last Sunday, he was then chosen to give a solo piano concert sponsored by the US Department of State, which will take place on July 25 2007, as part of the Foreign Affairs Recreation Association’s State of the Arts Cultural Series in the nation’s capital.

Michael, 19, is currently under the mentorship of renowned Filipino pianist and pedagogue Reynaldo Reyes of Towson University, Maryland. Being in the US for just over a year, Michael has already performed extensively as a soloist and accompanist, and has already won three competitions. As an international student, he is a recipient of numerous awards and scholarships - most notable are the International
Gold Merit Award, the Fine Arts Scholarship, and the Music Department Award of Towson University; he has also been consistently named into the school’s Dean’s List.

Michael is an alumnus of Xavier School (Class 2005) in Greenhills, Metro Manila. Before transferring to the US, he began his undergraduate studies in Chemistry in the University of the Philippines. He is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in music with a major in Piano Performance in Towson University, MD.