Celebrating 20 Years of Music at the Chopin Academy
The Chopin Academy of Music proudly marks its 20th anniversary this season with a year-long series of concerts and special events. Since its founding in Issaquah, CAM has become a place where artistry and education meet, shaping hundreds of young musicians who have gone on to achieve success locally, nationally, and internationally. This milestone season offers our community an opportunity both to reflect on two decades of growth and to look ahead to the future of music-making.
All concerts take place on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm at the Sacred Heart Chapel, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue. General admission is $20 at the door, and free for CAM students with up to two accompanying adults.
The 20th Anniversary Season at a Glance
September 14, 2025 – Guest Artist Concert: Dominic Doutney
British pianist Dominic Doutney, winner of the 2024 Washington International Competition and the Seattle International Piano Competition (Professional Artist Category), opens the season with a recital of profound artistry and technical brilliance. This event is free of charge and made possible in part by the Seattle International Piano Festival and Classic Pianos.
Masterclass: September 13.October 19, 2025 – Guest Artist Concert: Sara Davis Buechner
Internationally celebrated pianist Sara Davis Buechner joins the season with a landmark recital. A Steinway Artist with a career spanning major world stages and acclaimed recordings, Buechner is recognized as one of today’s most compelling and original performers.
Masterclass: October 20.November 8–9, 2025 – Guest Artist Clinic: Dr. Alexandre Dossin
CAM welcomes Dr. Alexandre Dossin, Steinway Artist and Professor of Piano at the University of Oregon, for a two-day residency. Praised by Martha Argerich as an “extraordinary musician” and hailed internationally as a “master of contrasts,” he leads a series of masterclasses and performances for our students.November 23, 2025 – Guest Artist Concert: Zeru Wang
Dr. Zeru Wang, pianist, scholar, and CAM faculty member, shares a recital featuring both known and lesser-known repertoire. His artistry combines technical mastery with historical insight, offering a performance that reflects his reputation as both performer and pedagogue.January 25, 2026 – Joint Faculty Concert
Our distinguished faculty, recognized both as gifted teachers and accomplished performers, present an afternoon of solo works for piano and cello. Featured performers include Maxwell Adkisson, Isaac Berglind, Chelsea Bloomberg, Chen Liang, and Ross Salvosa.March 1, 2026 – Alumni & Honors Students in Concert
We welcome back CAM graduates alongside our rising stars. Distinguished alumni Robert Yan and Shichu (David) Liu join top Honors Students for a celebratory concert that showcases both legacy and the future of CAM talent.March 29, 2026 – Founders’ Concert
As founders and directors of CAM, Dr. Ivona Kaminska and Dr. Christopher Bowlby share the stage in a rare joint performance. Their program combines solo and four-hand works, highlighting both beloved repertoire and hidden gems.April 26, 2026 – Guest Artist Concert: Sean Terada Yang & Cezary Karwowski
Closing the anniversary season are Sean Terada Yang (Collegiate Gold Medalist, SIPC 2024) and Cezary Karwowski (Collegiate Silver Medalist, SIPC 2024) in a joint recital of virtuosic solo works. Together, they promise a finale filled with dazzling technique and inspired artistry.
Masterclass: April 25.
Looking Ahead
The 20th Anniversary Season is more than a celebration of the past—it is a launchpad for the future. Through guest concerts, faculty and alumni recitals, and an extraordinary series of masterclasses, we reaffirm our mission: to nurture artistry, inspire passion, and build a community of musicians prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
We invite you to join us for this extraordinary year of music.
