Bachauer finalists named

After 10 days and three lengthy rounds of performances, the 10 judges at the Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition have chosen their six finalists.

They are — Vadym Kholodenko, Ukraine; Hinrich Alpers, Germany; Takashi Yamamoto, Japan; Colleen Lee, Hong Kong; Stephen Beus, United States; and Jue Wang, China.

After the semi-final rounds, in which 39 pianists performed one 45-minute performance each, starting last Thursday, the judges deliberated Tuesday for one hour and 15 minutes before disclosing the finalists. Utahn Jonathan Bowman did not make the cut.

Today the pianists will take a day off to recuperate before jumping into the finals, which will take place Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. in Abravanel Hall. The pianists will perform with the Utah Symphony, conducted by Alastair Willis.

Thursday's finals performances will include Kholodenko, Alpers and Yamamoto. Friday's finals performances will feature Lee, Beus and Wang.

The top three winners will be announced Friday night.

Tickets are $22 to $45 and are available at all Arttix outlets or by calling 355-2787 or 888-451-2787. Tickets can also be purchased at www.arttix.org

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