The semifinals of NTD’s 7th International Piano Competition concluded on Oct. 18 in New York with five contestants advancing to the finals.
The semifinalists were required to prepare a commissioned piece called “Holy Grace,” which was rearranged from one of the vocal pieces composed by the artistic director of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
The contestants said that the technical challenge of the commissioned piece was to create the effect of an orchestra on the piano, so they tried to mimic many sounds of Chinese instruments on the keys. At the same time, in the process of learning and performing this piece, they experienced the “extraordinary realm,” “profound wisdom,” and “sacred gratitude” behind the music, they said….