GINA BACHAUER INTERNATIONAL PIANO FOUNDATION WELCOMES
NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
The board of Trustees of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation eagerly greets new Artistic Director, Douglas Humphreys, and bids fond farewell to Founder and visionary, Artistic Director, Dr. Paul Pollei. Upon his retirement, Paul Pollei will retain the title of Founder and Artistic Director, Emeritus.
Dr. Paul Pollei has been a champion of piano competitions, a much sought after adjudicator,a quintessential teacher and lecturer, presenter of master classes, and a brilliant performer. It would be difficult to catalogue his influence among pianists, teachers and audiences, or to find a contemporary pianist who does not have a fond memory and a story to tell about his or her interaction with Paul Pollei.
During the 37 years of Bachauer competition history, approximately 1,500 pianists have competed, more than $430,000 prize money has been awarded, and countless careers have been launched. The Bachauer competition format has never been static. Paul Pollei led the way with such innovations as competitors free choice of repertoire, two rounds of competition with no eliminations, and organizing separate competitions for three different
age groups of aspiring pianists. These innovations have been emulated by many other piano competitions.
Douglas Humpherys was the Gold Medal winner of the first Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in 1976. A Steinway Artist, his concert career has spanned more than three decades across four continents. His academic career is no less impressive with advanced degrees from Juilliard School (MM) and the Eastman School of Music (DMA), where he is currently a Professor and Chair of the Piano Department. While continuing his position at Eastman, he will perform the role of Artistic Director for the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, facilitated by electronic communication
and his frequent presence in Salt Lake City
Douglas Humpherys has collaborated with Paul Pollei for many years. They have been University colleagues, have served together as jurors at International piano competitions, and have jointly participated in numerous piano festivals and educational projects. Using this experience, Mr. Humpherys founded the Eastman Young Artists International Piano Competition and Festival in 1997. Mr. Humpherys has served as chair of the Bachauer jury ten times and as a jury member on four other occasions. We, the Board of Trustees, are confident that Douglas Humpherys will honor the legacy and vision of Paul Pollei, by
maintaining the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition as one of the premiere musical events in Utah
Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation
138 West Broadway, Ste 220
801-297-4250
www.bachauer.com
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