Fred Pattison Piano Competition

Fred PattisonProceeds from the Fred Pattison Award Fund support the Fred Pattison Piano Award at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, which is to be awarded to the winner of an annual piano competition. In addition to receiving a cash award, the winner will give a public performance the following academic year.

Dr. Pattison was Western’s former Head of Chemistry (1959-1965) and Director of Student Health Services (1973-1988). He passed away in August 2010. Dr. Pattison had a great passion for the piano and spent many hours enjoying performances in von Kuster Hall at the Faculty of Music. This award reflects his love of music and his desire to reward excellence in piano performance. 2008-2009 was the inaugural year for this competition.

Competition Details

The Fred Pattison Piano Award will be awarded to a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year full-time student enrolled in a Music Degree program, whose principal instrument is piano. Fourth year students can only participate if they are returning for a Master of Music program the following year.

The competition consists of two rounds:

1. Live Audition – Round One
Students should prepare 10 minutes of music for Round One, which will be performed live in front of the adjudicator. This round will be closed to the public. Music should be chosen carefully to demonstrate technique, range, and musicality. Material performed in Round One may be performed in Round Two.

2. Public Performance – Round Two
This round is judged by an adjudicator and requires each of the finalists to perform 20 to 30 minutes of solo repertoire (30 minutes is the maximum). Contestants must perform their program as outlined in their application.

Russian pianist Sofya Bugayan will adjudicate the 2020 Competition on Friday, January 24, 2020, 8:00 p.m., von Kuster Hall. Bugayan will present a public masterclass on Saturday, January 25, 2020, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., von Kuster Hall.

2020 Performance Dates

Fred Pattison Piano Award Competition Winner’s Recital featuring 2019 recipient Kevin Lu
Thursday, January 23, 2020, 8:00 p.m., von Kuster Hall

Live Audition – Round One (closed to the public)
TBA

Public Performance – Round Two
Friday, January 24, 2020, 8:00 p.m., von Kuster Hall

Public Masterclass
Saturday, January 25, 2020, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., von Kuster Hall

Registration

To register for this competition, students must submit the following information to the Academic Departments and Student Services Office, TC 210 on paper & in person (i.e. not put under the door, not in their mailbox, not emailed, etc.) by Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

  • Name
  • Proposed Round Two Recital Program and duration of each composition (should be 20-30 minutes total and no longer than 30 minutes)
  • Studio teacher's signature of approval to participate
  • Round One repertoire and duration of each piece (no more than 10 minutes of music). Music may include repertoire to be performed in Round Two.

2018-19 Winner

kevin luCongratulations to Kevin Lu, winner of the 2019 Fred Pattison Competition. Kevin will give a public performance on January 23, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall. This year’s competition was adjudicated by Yael Weiss.

2017-18 Winner

elizabeth vogelCongratulations to Elizabeth Vogel, winner of the 2018 Fred Pattison Competition. Elizabeth's public performance was given on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall. This year’s competition was adjudicated by Enrico Elisi.

2016-17 Winner

Ethan Lacey headshotCongratulations to Ethan Lacey, winner of the 2017 Fred Pattison Competition. His public performance was given on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall. This year’s competition was adjudicated by David Jalbert.

2015-16 Winner

James Masschelein headshotCongratulations to James Masschelein winner of the 2016 Fred Pattison Piano Competition. His public performance was given on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall. This year's competition was adjudicated by Jimmy Brière.

2014-15 Winner

Bryce Lansdell headshotCongratulations to Bryce Lansdell winner of the 2015 Fred Pattison Piano Competition. His public performance was given on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall.

2013-14 Winner

Dan Luong headshotCongratulations to Dan Luong winner of the 2014 Fred Pattison Piano Competition.

2012-13 Winner

Vladimir Soloviev headshotCongratulations to Vladimir Soloviev winner of the 2013 Fred Pattison Piano Competition.

2011-12 Winner

Bryn Blackwood headshotBryn Blackwood was the winner of the 2012 Fred Pattison Piano Competition on Friday January 27, 2012. Bryn presented a recital on Thursday January 24, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall.

2010-11 Winner

Vladimir SolovievCongratulations to Vladimir Soloviev who won the 2011 Fred Pattison Piano Competition! All three finalists played brilliantly - the other two were Edgar Robert Suski and Brian Barber. Attending the competition were Mrs. Anne Pattison and their daughter Elizabeth. The 8:00 p.m. final round concert marked the first time the Don Wright Faculty of Music presented a live streamed event. Vladimir presented a recital on Thursday January 26, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. in von Kuster Hall.

2009-10 Winner

Ingrid Gan headshotIngrid Gan was the winner of the 2009-10 Fred Pattison Competition. Ingrid was a student of Gwen Beamish.

2008-09 Winner

2008-2009 Winners
From L to R: Mrs. Pattison, Dr. Pattison, Ms. Sara Laimon (Adjudicator), Mr. Neal Cabigon (Winner)

Jan. 31, 2009 - Congratulations to Neal Cabigon, winner of the inaugural Fred Pattison Competition. Neal came to Western after a year in the Science Faculty of his hometown University of Regina, Saskatchewan. He is in the third year of the Honors Performance program.