Music, friendships blossom as CIM hosts Cleveland International Piano Institute for Young Artists

Twenty-nine pianists (ages 11-18) from six countries recently participated in the Cleveland International Piano Institute for Young Artists, hosted by CIM in partnership with Piano Cleveland, Steinway & Sons, and the Lang Lang Foundation. 

Kathryn Brown, head of CIM’s Keyboard Division, teamed up with Piano Cleveland President Yaron Kohlberg to present an event that expanded students musically, professionally, and personally.  

Over 12 days, students attended workshops, master classes, Eurhythmics classes, recitals, and social activities, and performed in an Institute competition for cash prizes. Students received eight lessons from CIM piano department faculty as well as distinguished professors from peer international institutions.  

Workshop topics included highlights from Zsolt Bognar’s award-winning podcast, Living the Classical Life, an improvisation session with pianist Gabriela Montero, and an interview with Eva Gevorgyan following her opening night recital.  

Students joined the greater Cleveland community for a recital presented by Montero at Reinberger Hall and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Severance Music Center. Students also relaxed with outings to Blossom Music Center and Edgewater Park.  

“It is our hope that the ‘Cleveland torch’ shines brightly in the hearts of our participants from around the world,” Brown said. “The brilliance of these gifted aspiring artists offered another glimpse of the bright future of classical music.” 

One important, unique aspect of the Institute was its alignment with Piano Cleveland's International Piano Competition for Young Artists. Six competition finalists arrived in town early to prepare their Chamber Music Final Round with members of The Cleveland Orchestra and work with Maestro Steven Byess to prepare their Final Concerto Round with the Canton Symphony Orchestra at the Cleveland Museum of Art.  

Incorporating the finalists into the Institute fostered a sense of inspiration and community. Participants and finalists stayed together on campus and took part in workshops on career growth, artist management, concerto performance, and chamber music.  

All students also experienced life at CIM, staying in the school’s state-of-the-art residence complex and taking meals at Leutner Dining Hall, part of Case Western Reserve University. Lifelong bonds formed as faculty, students, and parents alike shared their love for music and the piano.  

“CIM is a place for passionate musicians of all ages,” said Jennifer Call, Associate Dean of Preparatory and Public Programs at CIM. “The incredible artistry we saw on stage left a lasting impression because it stemmed from the exuberance, creative energy, and intense focus students exhibited everywhere they went.”