Bachauer gold medalist inaugurates new season

In 2002, the classical world paused to take notice of Cedric Pescia when he won the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. Now, two years later, the gold medalist is returning to inaugurate the 2004-05 season of events for the Bachauer Foundation.

Pescia has a week of activities planned with the Bachauer Foundation, including recitals and master classes at Weber State University and Brigham Young University, as well as outreach concerts in elementary schools.

On Friday and Saturday, Pescia will wrap up the week with two concerts — both of which will be open to the public.

The first, a recital in the Assembly Hall at Temple Square, features Pescia playing Bach's "Goldberg Variations" and Schubert's Sonata in B-flat Major.

The second will be held Saturday evening in Libby Gardner Concert Hall and will include works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Debussy. Following Saturday evening's performance, a dinner and silent auction will be held to benefit the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation.

Pescia said by phone from Germany that the big win two years ago came as a surprise. "It was the first competition I attended, and since then I haven't done any more competitions. I didn't expect to win."

He added that he came because he liked the way all competitors had complete freedom in selecting their program, and he could play three rounds before eliminations.

As a result of taking top prize, Pescia has had many opportunities to play concerts in the United States and Europe, where the Bachauer competition is very well known. His winning program prominently featured Bach's "Goldberg Variations," which Pescia will be playing on Friday night.

Pescia said the work is his favorite piece and is featured on first commercial CD, which has just been released in Europe.

When he's not playing solo concerts, Pescia has kept busy with his piano trio, the Esart Trio Berlin. In fact, the group will be making its Carnegie Hall debut before Pescia comes to Salt Lake City.

"I'm always very happy (to return to Salt Lake City)," said Pescia, "because I met a lot of people, and I have a lot of friends in this area," adding that audiences here seem to know and appreciate piano music.

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If you go . . .

What: Pianist Cedric Pescia (benefit concert)

Where: Libby Gardner Concert Hall, University of Utah

When: Saturday, 6:00 p.m.

How much: $10

Phone: 297-4250

Dinner and silent auction (following concert): $100 donation to benefit The Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation

Also . . .

What: Pianist Cedric Pescia

Where: Assembly Hall, Temple Square

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

How much: Free

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E-mail: rcline@desnews.com