If you thought our 20th Anniversary season started strong with Dominic Doutney’s electrifying performance, get ready—the celebration continues with another world-class artist. On Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2 PM, the Chopin Academy of Music proudly welcomes Sara Davis Buechner, one of North America’s most compelling concert pianists, in a live recital at Sacred Heart Chapel, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (4800 139th Ave SE, Bellevue).
Free parking is available, and admission is $20 at the door—CAM students attend free with up to two accompanying family members.

A Rare Artist, A Remarkable Career

With performances hailed as “fascinating and astounding virtuosity” (Philippine Star) and “intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (New York Times), Sara Davis Buechner stands among the foremost pianists of our time. Her artistry has captivated audiences at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl, and she has appeared as soloist with the world’s leading orchestras—from New York and Philadelphia to Tokyo and Shanghai.

A prodigious competition winner, Ms. Buechner earned top honors at the Queen Elisabeth, Leeds, Salzburg, Sydney, and Vienna international piano competitions, as well as the Gold Medal at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. This year, she performed duos by personal invitation from Martha Argerich at the Argerich Festival in Hamburg—an honor reserved for the rarest few.

Sara Davis Buechner’s Program: Impressions from America and France

For this special Sara Davis Buechner piano concert, audiences will enjoy an evocative program titled, “Impressions from America and France,” featuring masterworks of elegance, wit, and color:

• John Alden Carpenter – Diversions (1923): A witty, jazz-tinged suite evoking early American modernism.
• Dana Suesse – The Cocktail Suite (1942): Sparkling vignettes—“Old-Fashioned,” “Champagne,” “Bacardi,” and “Manhattan”—that channel the glamour of 1940s Manhattan.
• Claude Debussy – La Plus Que Lente: A lush waltz that breathes the smoky perfume of Parisian salons.
• Francis Poulenc – Les Soirées de Nazelles: Nine sparkling character sketches that dance between nostalgia and wit—a perfect showcase for Buechner’s lyrical and mercurial touch.

Experience It Live

This concert is not to be missed. To witness Sara Davis Buechner in person is to experience both a virtuoso and a storyteller—one whose performances have been praised for their “thoughtful artistry in the full service of music” (Washington Post).

Online ticket purchases for non-CAM guests (or for additional invited friends and family beyond the two free family members) can be made securely here:
👉 Purchase Tickets Online
Simply show a screenshot of your receipt at will call to receive your ticket.

The Celebration Continues

The 20th Anniversary Season is just beginning. Upcoming highlights include:

• Oct 20 – Sara Davis Buechner Masterclass (2:30–6 PM, CAM)
• Nov 8–9 – Alexandre Dossin Masterclasses
• Nov 23 – Dr. Zeru Wang in Recital
• Jan 25, 2026 – CAM Faculty in Concert
• Mar 1, 2026 – Alumni Recital
• Mar 29, 2026 – Drs. Ivona Kaminska & Christopher Bowlby in Concert
• Apr 25–26, 2026 – Sean Terada Yang & Cezary Karwowski Masterclass and Recital

For CAM students enrolled in Exam Track, attendance at two professional concerts during the anniversary season counts toward the Honors Recital requirement—but we encourage everyone to attend as many as possible. The lessons you’ll gain from hearing artists like Sara Davis Buechner are immeasurable. Live performances can ignite a student’s imagination in ways that lessons and recordings never can.

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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.

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This summer marks a truly momentous occasion for the Chopin Academy of Music (CAM)—our 20th anniversary in the heart of Issaquah, Washington. From our humble beginnings to our evolution into one of the region’s most esteemed institutions for classical music education, we are filled with gratitude as we look back on two decades of artistry, growth, and unforgettable performances.

Whether you’re a current CAM family from Issaquah, a student traveling from Sammamish, or an alumnus who began your musical journey with us years ago, this is a celebration for our entire community.

🎶 A Year-Long Festival of Music and Inspiration

To honor this special 20-year milestone, CAM is preparing a full slate of special events and performances throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. Our goal is to make this anniversary not only a reflection on the past, but a launchpad for the next generation of musicians.

Here’s what you can expect:

• World-renowned guest artists performing exclusive recitals and leading masterclasses for CAM students.

• Opportunities to participate in student recitals at exciting new venues beyond our usual stages.

• Engaging events that unite our music community across Issaquah, Sammamish, and the greater Eastside.

These experiences will give our students access to inspirational performances and hands-on learning that go beyond the classroom. It’s a chance to celebrate not just how far we’ve come, but where our music can take us next.

🎹 A New Instrument for a New Chapter

In honor of this important anniversary, the Chopin Academy of Music has also invested in a brand-new, high-level concert piano that will become the primary instrument of the Chopin Recital Hall. This exceptional instrument will be available for use during:

• Performance classes

• Small recitals

• Special events

Whether you’re performing a polished sonata or presenting a work-in-progress to peers, this new piano will offer an inspiring platform for musical expression. For students from Sammamish and nearby cities who regularly attend classes in Issaquah, this is a meaningful upgrade that enriches every playing opportunity.

📅 Stay Tuned

We’ll be unveiling more details in the coming months—including the names of our featured guest artists, full event schedules, and exciting updates on venues. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and follow us on social media so you don’t miss a single note of this year-long celebration.

This 20th anniversary is more than a milestone—it’s a tribute to every student, parent, teacher, and music lover who has been part of the Chopin Academy of Music family. From Issaquah to Sammamish and beyond, thank you for making these past two decades extraordinary. Here’s to the next 20 years of music, inspiration, and excellence.

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We are thrilled to announce the details of the 2025 Honors Recital, one of the most anticipated events of the year for students enrolled in our Exam Track and Competition Track programs. This formal celebration of excellence will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the prestigious Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.

Whether you’re a family of gifted musicans from Issaquah, Sammamish, or the greater Eastside area, this is a wonderful opportunity to see your hard work culminate in a performance on one of the finest stages in the region.

🗓️ Important Recital Day Details

The day will be divided into three programs to accommodate student performers:

• 1:00 PM

• 3:30 PM

• 5:30 PM

Each studio will be assigned to a specific recital time. More information about your assigned slot will be shared in the coming weeks, but please plan to reserve the entire afternoon so your family is ready for whichever performance window your student is assigned.

🎓 Who Participates?

The Honors Recital is not open to all students by default—it is a privilege extended to students enrolled in the Exam Track or Competition Track, and only those who have met all the following requirements will be considered eligible to perform and receive their certificate of completion for the 2024–25 academic year:

✅ Requirements at a Glance

1. Fulfill all requirements set by the primary instructor
   Refer to your personalized Exam Projection Sheet located in your student profile.

2. Complete Exam 1 (Winter) and Exam 2 (Spring)
   Participation in both is mandatory for recital eligibility.

3. Perform in at least three group events throughout the year
   These include general student recitals, masterclasses, or performance classes.

4. Participate in at least one outside music festival or competition
   This must include at least one educational festival presented by the Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF), such as the Bach Festival, Classical Viennese Festival, or Virtuoso Artists Festival. Additional festivals and competitions may supplement this requirement.

5. Attend at least one professional classical music performance
   Observing live performances is essential to artistic growth. Issaquah and Sammamish families are encouraged to take advantage of local events at Benaroya Hall and Meany Center to meet this requirement.

6. Audition and be accepted to perform in the Honors Recital
   Live audition takes place during Exam 2. No recorded auditions will be accepted.

🎵 Upcoming Concerts to Consider for Observation

Attending a professional-level concert is not only inspiring but required for Honors Recital qualification. Below are a few events ideal for meeting this goal:

Benaroya Hall – Seattle Symphony & Visiting Artists

• Saturday, April 5 – Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

• Thursday, April 10 – Tiffany Poon, pianist

• Saturday, April 26 – Evgeny Kissin: Performance & Discussion (Highly Recommended!)

Meany Center for the Performing Arts – University of Washington

• Tuesday, May 13 – Jonathan Biss, pianist

Students in Sammamish and Issaquah often find these events accessible and enriching. Consider organizing a family outing or studio field trip!

📌 Mid-Year Check-In

With June fast approaching, now is the perfect time for a mid-year tally of accomplishments. Many students discover they are short on group performances or haven’t yet attended a qualifying concert. Avoid last-minute scrambles—review your progress now and plan your remaining performances accordingly.

The 2025 Honors Recital isn’t just about celebrating talent—it’s about honoring the dedication, consistency, and growth each student has shown throughout the year. Families from Issaquah to Sammamish will be proud to see their students shine on the stage at Benaroya Hall.

For more information, including the full list of policies and requirements, consult the 2024–25 CAM Agreementavailable in your Shared Resources tab.

We can’t wait to celebrate your accomplishments in June—see you at Benaroya!

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The Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) is excited to announce the upcoming deadline for the 14th Annual Classical Viennese Festival International, a recorded video competition that highlights the rich tradition of Classical and pre-Classical sonata forms. Whether you’re based in Seattle, Issaquah, Sammamish, or anywhere around the globe, this is a unique opportunity for young pianists to deepen their understanding of Classical-era repertoire while gaining performance experience and meaningful feedback.

Why This Festival Is a Great Fit for Students

This festival has long been a favorite among instructors and students alike. Designed to be both accessible and educational, the Classical Viennese Festival invites participants of all ages to explore the music of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and their contemporaries—composers who laid the foundation of Western classical music.

Participants benefit from:

• A fully online format—no travel required. Submit your performance video from the comfort of home or your local piano studio in Sammamish or Issaquah.

• Structured age and performance categories, ensuring every participant receives fair evaluation.

• Expert feedback from adjudicators with a deep knowledge of Classical repertoire.

Important Dates to Remember

🗓️ Application Deadline: April 3, 2025
📢 Results Announced: On or shortly after April 17, 2025

If you or your student is preparing a sonata by a Classical-era composer, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase that repertoire. Not sure if your piece qualifies? Speak with your primary instructor to confirm eligibility.

🎓 Special Benefits for 2025 Participants

One of the most exciting perks of the festival is the opportunity for advancement. All Gold and Silver Medalists are eligible to receive a tuition waiver of up to $300 to attend the prestigious 2025 Amici International Music Festival. This is a wonderful stepping stone for students eager to take their musical development to the next level. Learn more at www.amicisummer.org.

Ready to Participate?

Don’t wait until the last minute—submit your application before April 3, 2025.
🔗 Apply Now & Learn More

We look forward to celebrating the elegance, precision, and expressive beauty of Classical music with pianists from Issaquah, Sammamish, and beyond!

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Saturday, September 21: Unranked Gold Medalist Winners’ Concert and Final Round Competitions

Morning Session: Unranked Gold Medalist Winners’ Concert (Ages 9 and under) & Final Round (Ages 10 to 13)

• Time: 10:00 am to 12:15 pm
• Details: The morning kicks off with the Unranked Gold Medalist Winners’ Concert for the youngest category, followed by the final round for ages 10 to 13. This session showcases the extraordinary talent of young pianists who have already achieved remarkable success. Attendees have the exciting opportunity to vote for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards, making your participation even more interactive and impactful.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Afternoon Session: Seattle Int’l Piano Competition Finalists (Youth, Ages 14 to 18)

• Time: 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm
• Details: The afternoon continues with the final performances of the Youth category, ages 14 to 18. These young artists are on the cusp of their professional careers, and their performances promise to be both technically and emotionally compelling. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards!
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Sunday, September 22: Final Rounds and the Grand Finale

Morning Session: Seattle Int’l Piano Competition Finalists (Collegiate Artists)

• Time: 10:00 am to 12:15 pm
• Details: The day begins with the Collegiate Artists category, where top-tier students from prestigious music institutions compete for the top honors. Their performances will demonstrate the high level of skill and artistry expected from musicians at this stage of their careers. As with all sessions, attendees can vote for their favorite performers.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Afternoon Session: Seattle Int’l Piano Competition Finalists (Professional Artists)

• Time: 1:30 pm to 3:45 pm
• Details: The final round for the Professional Artists category is the highlight of the competition. These seasoned performers bring years of experience and a deep understanding of their repertoire to the stage. It’s a session that will leave a lasting impression, and your vote for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards will help shape the outcome.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Evening: Guest Artist Recital, Awards Ceremony, and Presentation of 2024 Laureates

• Time: 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
• Details: The festival concludes with a special recital by Cameron Akioka, the 2022 President’s Prizewinner, followed by the awards ceremony and presentation of the 2024 SIPF laureates. Cameron’s program will include works by Schubert, Debussy, and Bach, offering a masterful conclusion to the weekend’s events. The ceremony will honor the competition’s top performers, celebrating their achievements and hard work.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Venue Information

All events will take place at: Illsely Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
Benaroya Hall
200 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101
(Entry through box office at corner of Union & 3rd)

Why You Should Attend

For students in Issaquah and Sammamish, attending the SIPF not only fulfills your concert attendance requirement but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of piano performance. You’ll see firsthand the level of excellence that’s achievable through dedication and hard work, and you’ll be inspired to push your own limits as a musician. Plus, your participation in voting for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards adds a personal touch to the event, allowing you to directly influence the outcome.

Tickets are available now, and they’re going fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event!

🎟️ Link to tickets

For any questions regarding your concert attendance requirements or if you need help selecting which events to attend, please feel free to reach out to your instructor. We look forward to seeing you at the Seattle International Piano Competition!

The post SIPF Lineup Schedule for September 21-22 appeared first on Chopin Academy of Music.

The Importance of Live Performance

At CAM, we emphasize the importance of attending live performances for several reasons. First, it allows you to observe professional musicians at the peak of their craft, offering a real-time education that recordings simply cannot provide. Watching a skilled pianist handle challenging passages, interpret complex emotions, and engage with the audience can be incredibly inspiring and informative.

For exam track students, attendance at two professional concerts is a requirement to earn your annual certificate. This requirement isn’t just a checkbox; it’s an integral part of your development as a musician. By attending the SIPC, you fulfill this requirement while being exposed to a wide range of styles, interpretations, and levels of pianistic mastery. Each performance you attend will deepen your understanding of the music you study and help you develop a more nuanced approach to your own playing. Besides, how often do we have the chance to hear the greatest aspiring pianists in one place. I guess we are lucky! We can do that every two years.

Why the SIPC is a Unique Opportunity

The Seattle International Piano Competition is a renowned event that attracts some of the most talented pianists from around the world. This year, the competition features over 250 participants from 17 different countries, each bringing their unique cultural and musical perspectives to the stage. Whether you’re listening to a Youth category finalist who is only a few years older than you, or a seasoned Professional Artist performing a challenging repertoire, you’ll gain insights into the level of dedication and skill required to excel in the world of classical music.

It can be daunting sometimes to cross the water from Issaquah and Sammamish to downtown Seattle, but this year’s SIPC offers an experience that’s well worth the trip. Moreover, the SIPC’s commitment to a 100% blind jury process ensures that the competition is merit-based, with each performance judged solely on its artistic quality. This level of fairness and professionalism is something you should witness firsthand, as it underscores the importance of hard work, authenticity, and the pursuit of excellence—values that are also at the core of your education at CAM.

Participate in the “Audience Favorite” Award

One of the most exciting aspects of attending the SIPC is the opportunity for you and your family to actively participate in the event by helping to elect the “Audience Favorite” in each category. As a member of the audience, your voice matters! This award allows you to support the performers who resonate with you the most, based on their artistry, technique, and emotional connection. It’s a unique way to engage with the competition and feel directly involved in the outcomes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

The Highlight: Cameron Akioka’s Recital and Awards Ceremony

One of the most anticipated events of the SIPC is the recital by Cameron Akioka, the 2022 President’s Prizewinner. Cameron, a young and dynamic pianist, has been praised for her “impressive aplomb and virtuosity” and has already made significant strides in her career. Her recital on September 22, 2024, will feature works by Schubert, Debussy, and the monumental Bach-Busoni Chaconne, showcasing her versatility and deep musical insight. Even our violin students should find this performance riveting!

Following Cameron’s recital, the festival will transition to the awards ceremony, where the winners of the 2024 competition will be announced. This ceremony is not just about the prizes; it’s a celebration of all the competitors’ hard work, dedication, and passion for music. Attending this event will give you a glimpse into what it takes to compete at an international level and the rewards that come with perseverance and excellence.

The atmosphere will be electric as the names of the laureates are revealed, and the audience shares in the joy and triumph of these remarkable young musicians.

How to Get Involved

As a student of CAM, you are strongly encouraged to attend at least one event of the SIPC. Not only will this help to satisfy your concert attendance requirement, but it will also connect you to a broader musical community. You’ll have the chance to witness history in the making, as some of these young artists will go on to become the leading pianists of their generation. Plus, by attending, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite performances, making your experience even more interactive and memorable.

While the trek from Sammamish or Issaquah might seem long, the cultural enrichment and inspiration you’ll gain from attending this event will make it more than worthwhile. Tickets for the Seattle International Piano Competition are available now, and we recommend securing your spot as soon as possible. The events are held at Benaroya Hall, a world-class venue that offers an exceptional listening experience.

🎟️ Link to tickets

For any questions regarding your concert attendance requirements or if you need help selecting which events to attend, please feel free to reach out to your instructor.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a significant cultural event that will inspire you and enrich your musical journey. If you do, you will understand why attending the Seattle International Piano Competition is a must!

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