William Hume was a finalist and second place winner in the 2013 Harold Protsman Classical Period Piano Competition. The competition was sponsored by the Old Dominion University (ODU) Music Department and was held on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the ODU Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Local college professors and piano teachers adjudicated preliminary competition rounds and selected three finalists in each of five categories – pre-school to grade 3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, and college undergraduate.
The competition is named after Professor Harold Protsman who joined ODU as an adjunct professor of piano and music history in 1957, and taught full time from 1970 until his retirement in 1995. A professor emeritus of music, he continues to teach piano on an adjunct basis. In recognition of his professionalism and service, the department’s annual classical period piano competition, which Protsman directed for 18 years, was named in his honor in 2007.
Selected finalists preformed a second-round recital that was open to the public. Internationally acclaimed Irish pianist John O’Conor who has earned a worldwide reputation as a masterful interpreter of the Classic and early-Romantic repertoires, adjudicated the final round. At the end of the competition, Professor O’Conor acknowledged every finalist and gave each a public critique before awarding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes in each category.
William and three other finalists were selected to participate in a master class with John O’Conor that was held on Sunday, March 24, 2013.
and John O’Conor.
“I really enjoyed the competition and it was a great honor to meet Professor John O’Conor. The highlight of the event was his master class. It was an amazing experience to work with Professor O’Conor. His knowledge and enthusiasm helped me understand Beethoven’s intentions and bring his music to life. Professor O’Conor had a great sense of humor which made us all feel more comfortable – especially as he helped me with my rendition of Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 10 No. 2! What a great learning experience!” –William Hume
John O’Conor will be featured in the F. Ludwig Diehn Concert Series Recital
Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, Old Dominion University.
“The Harold Protsman Classical Period Piano Competition at ODU is held annually in March. Next year’s competition will take place on March 22, 2014, featuring the return of distinguished concert pianist and teacher Lambert Orkis and National Symphony cellist, David Hardy.” (2013 Competition Program, for more information: http//al.odu.edu/music/competition)