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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 11:12 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2007

Former Hawaii piano student wins international award

Advertiser Staff

 

Sean Kennard, 23, of Honolulu, won first prize in the XXXIV Dr. Luis Sigall International Piano Competition held in Viņa del Mar, Chile.

Courtesy Nancy Masaki

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Sean Kennard, 23, a former student of Ellen Masaki and currently with Enrique Graf at the School of the Arts, College of Charleston, won first prize in the XXXIV Dr. Luis Sigall International Piano Competition held in Viņa del Mar, Chile.

The Honolulu resident, who won a string of awards while studying with Masaki, received $10,000, a medal and 2008 engagements with the National Symphony of Chile in Santiago and at the Frutillar Summer Festival plus recitals in several cities throughout Chile. He played the Chopin Concerto in F Minor, Op.21. He was also awarded the prize for "Best interpretation of the required piece" written by Chilean composer Jorge Pepi.

Kennard was one of 19 pianists from 14 nations tapped for the final rounds of competition Nov. 11 at the Municipal Theatre of Viņa del Mar.