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SALT LAKE CITY — 65 piano prodigies from 14 countries are now living in Salt Lake for the next two weeks to participate in the Gina Bachauer International Piano competitions. The competitions take place between some of the world's most talented 11- to 13-year-olds at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.
Only one of them is a Utahn, and the rest are staying with gracious host families in the area.
The Handley home in Emigration Canyon now has a constant flow of classical music. 13-year-old Ryota Yamazaki of Fukushima, Japan has traveled to Utah to compete in the Junior Bachauer International Competition.
"I open the windows so the neighbors can hear," said Kate Handley. Kate and husband Ken volunteered to host a competitor. Classical music is close to Kate's heart. She plays frequently, so they have two grand pianos.
Ryota was one of 300 who auditioned in 10 cities around the world. "I dreamed of getting into this international competition, so, this was my dream to come over here," he said.
He began studying piano at age 7, now practicing as many hours a day as possible. His teacher, Yuko Ninomiya, Ph.D., describes him as a dynamic performer.
"I have been here before as a judge. So, I thought, ok, I should bring him," said Ninomiya, who teaches at the Toho Gakuen School of Music
Music may be a universal language but so, it turns out, is food. "I was worried about having to cook Japanese food, but he likes hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream. So, it's easy," said Kate Handley.
Ryota Yamazaki's first appearance before the judges comes Tuesday. He and the other 11- to 13-year-olds are competing for a top prize of $7000.
