Following a 21-year legacy in Sedona, Arizona, the Quick Bowman Piano Competition is being brought to Southern California and will be presented in collaboration with the New West Symphony during the orchestra’s 2015-2016 concert season.
The New West Symphony Quick Bowman Piano Competition will have a Youth Division for ages 7-17, and a Professional Division for pianists age 30 and under.
New West Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger stated, “It is with great pleasure that we announce our new partnership with the Quick Bowman Piano Competition. This exciting opportunity not only provides incentive to young, talented pianists but also demonstrates the Symphony’s commitment to investing in current and future generations.”
The piano competition was originally inspired by LaReine Quick’s love for piano. She and her husband, Henry Quick, lived in Sedona and created the competition in 1990 to give that region’s young pianists an opportunity to perform and compete before professional judges.
“It was my father and particularly my mother who gave us the love of music, and outside of family and friends, music is the most important thing in my life,” said LaReine and Henry’s son and Ventura County resident, Douglas “Pete” Quick. “My brothers and I wish to share it with local youth just as our parents did. I have been involved with the competition since its inception and, having been a New West Symphony season subscriber from the beginning and aware of its wonderful music education programs, I wanted to work with the orchestra to start a new great piano competition in this area.”
LaReine Quick died in 1994, and both Henry Quick and great grandson Jesse Bowman passed away in 2007. The son of Shauna Quick (LaReine and Henry’s granddaughter) and her husband, Russ Bowman, Jesse was just three months old.
“The Quick Bowman Piano Competition represents one of the ways we remember our son, Jesse,” said Russ Bowman. “I grew up with my dad playing the piano and organ; as a boy it was one of my fond memories. Sadly, I will never be able to share this wonderful experience with my son, but we can help talented kids pursue their dreams and provide a means to share their gift of music.”
New West Symphony executive director Natalia Staneva commented, “Three generations of the Quick Bowman families have come together through their love of music to honor their departed family members, resulting in this wonderful legacy. Our organization is honored to become their partner.”
The competition’s Youth Division will comprise a total of 30 contestants selected from preliminary YouTube submissions to compete in up to three age categories. The final round will take place on August 22, 2015, at California Lutheran University’s Samuelson Chapel in Thousand Oaks. The top three finalists in each category will receive cash prizes of $500, $350, and $250.
For the Professional Division, two to three pianists will be selected from preliminary YouTube submissions to compete alongside selected semi-finalists from the 2015 Concert Artists Guild International Competition. Specific dates and location for the Professional Division’s final competition will be announced at a later date. The top three contestants will win cash prizes, and the first place winner will also be featured as a guest soloist with the New West Symphony.
Youth Division applications that include a link to their YouTube video submissions must be received by mail and postmarked by July 15, 2015. Applications and YouTube links for the Professional Division must be postmarked no later than August 24, 2015. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee for all applicants. Applications and details may be found online at www.newwestsymphony.org. Contact New West Symphony Director of Education and Community Engagement Samantha Theisen at 805-558-4412 or stheisen@newwestsymphony.org for further information.
