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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Jonathan Bowman is hoping the "home-court advantage" is more than just a cliche reserved for sporting events.
Bowman, a Santaquin native and Brigham Young University graduate, is the lone Utahn competing in the final rounds of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition under way in Salt Lake City. Founded 30 years ago, the competition honors the legacy of the late Greek concert pianist Gina Bachauer.
"I hope I do a really good job," Bowman said. "It adds a little bit more pressure, since I'm representing the state where the competition is held."
Forty-one pianists from two-dozen countries made it through the audition process.
The final rounds, which last for a week and half, continue through Tuesday at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in downtown Salt Lake City.
Judges will select six finalists, who will compete in performances with the Utah Symphony in Abravanel Hall Thursday and Friday.
Bachauer director and founder Paul Pollei, one of Bowman's former teachers, said he likes having a Utah presence in the competition. But it didn't give Bowman an edge in the worldwide entry auditions, he said.
"There is no lowering of standards or breaking of protocol to make sure a Utahn gets in," Pollei said.
Bowman is one of 39 competitors who auditioned in 10 cities around the world, only two of which -- Salt Lake City and New York City -- are in North America.
"It's a little bit intimidating to play against all these people," said Bowman. "Some of them have impressive careers, and all of them come from major conservatories in the biggest cities in the world. I've always admired the Bachauer so much because of that, because they bring these high-level musicians to Salt Lake."
Bowman began piano at age nine and competed in Bachauer's youth divisions. He studied seven years with Pollei, and later got a bachelor's degree from BYU.
Although back home in Utah for the competition, Bowman said he's staying with a host family in Sandy instead of making the 90-minute drive from Santaquin.
But he said there's also another reason: "I don't practice as well at home."
------ Information from: The Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
