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

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.