The annual Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles welcomed youth from across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey Counties to compete in a classical solo piano competition honoring the name of famous Paso Robles musician, landowner, and wine maker Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Several local youth from SLO and Santa Barbara counties left the competition with distinction after performing pieces by classical greats such as Paderewski.
Orcutt Junior High eighth-grader Kevin Park won first place in the Junior Division for his performance of Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne, Op. 27, No. 2. Mission College Preparatory High School freshman Jack Raventos earned the third-place distinction for his performance of Chopin’s posthumous Polonaise in G-flat major. Daniel Ha of Arroyo Grande won first place in the senior division, followed closely by Kanna Freyaldenhoven of San Luis Obispo. All students mentioned study with Lynne Garrett, local pianist, teacher, and Santa Maria Philharmonic Society board vice president.
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 3, 2014.