Salt Lake pianist Eugene Watanabe has been named one of the top three prize winners in the Esther Honens Calgary International Piano Competition in Canada.
Along with 27-year-old Albert Tiu from the Philippines, the 25-year-old Watanabe tied for second in the competition finals last weekend. Each will receive $10,250 in prize money, along with a career-development program that may include recordings, assistance in finding professional management and concert and recital engagements.The $25,000 first prize was awarded to Russia's Maxim Philippov, 24.
A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Watanabe is a former Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition contestant and has soloed on many occasions with the Utah Symphony.