December 6 concert to honor Wideman Piano Competition
SHREVEPORT, LA — Three internationally known pianists — Asiya Korepanova, Alon Goldstein, and Stanislav Khristenko — will perform Monday, December 6, in a concert honoring the Nena Plant Wideman International Piano Competition and its longtime artistic director, Dr. Lester Senter Wilson. All three performers are former Wideman Gold Medalists.
The 5:00 p.m. concert, hosted by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and Friends of the Wideman, will be streamed live and free of charge via YouTube from Anderson Auditorium on the Centenary College campus. Due to COVID restrictions, in-person seating is limited.
For over 70 years, the Wideman Competition has attracted thousands of pianists to Shreveport. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions of its kind in the United States.
The competition has advanced the careers of hundreds of promising young artists, who now teach and concertize throughout the world. Many have also won medals at internationally known competitions including the Van Cliburn Piano Competition in Fort Worth and the Tchaikowsky International Piano Competition in Moscow.
The Tribute Concert includes:
- Alon Goldstein, a sought-after performer and teacher and currently serving as artistic director of the Wideman Competition, performing Franz Liszt (1811-1886): Reminiscences of Norma by Bellini.
- Asiya Korepanova, described as ‘a pianistic powerhouse,' performing Frederic Chopin: Nocturne Op. 62, No. 1 and Richard Wagner (1811-1883): Tannhauser Overture (arr. by Liszt).
- Stanislav Khristenko, a ‘poet of piano,’ performing Franz Liszt (1811-1886): Dante Sonata (1849).
The last piece, a special tribute to Dr. Wilson, will be performed by the three pianists playing Robert Schumann’s Dedication, an arrangement for six hands by Asiya Korepanova.
The Wideman International Piano Competition was founded in 1950 by the late Nena Plant Wideman, a prominent Shreveport piano teacher, concert pianist, and member of the Centenary College piano faculty, and by the late John Shenaut, conductor and founder of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.
Wilson has served as artistic director of the competition since 1985, following Wideman's death. Wilson’s work has enhanced the reputation of the competition, earning it recognition throughout the world. Now under the auspices of a newly created board along with the Shreveport Symphony Guild, the Wideman Competition not only brings recognition to outstanding young artists, but also to Centenary College, where the competition is held, and to the City of Shreveport. It is an important link to the rich history of music in North Louisiana.
To access the live stream on YouTube, search for Wideman Tribute Piano Concert.