Stillman hosted its annual Zelpha Wells Piano Competition for Collegiate Artists April 15-16. The event pays homage to one of Tuscaloosa’s most distinguished citizens, music educators, and humanitarians.

On Friday evening, internationally acclaimed pianist, Dr. Anthony Pattin, gave a recital in the Warner Presentation Room. Dr. Patten is Professor of Music at the University of Montevallo, where he received the 2001-2002 Distinguished Teacher Award for the College of Fine Arts.  He was also named the University of Montevallo University Scholar for 2002-2003.  A versatile musician, he is also a skilled improviser, organist, composer and arranger.  He has recorded six CDs: “With a Touch of Class”; “ Live from New York”;  “Recital Highlights”; “Tidings of Comfort and Joy”; “Trip Down Memory Lane”; and “Pianist with a Romantic Touch”.

On Saturday evening, students were featured. The six finalist participants included: Knar Abrahamyan, Hannah Rose Johnson, Hsin-Hu Lo and Matthew Steven Wilkinson, all student at Lee University; Wesley Alan Haye, a student at The University of Alabama; and Lilya Ugay, a student at Columbus State University.

Liliya Ugay won first place and a prize of $1500, having played Piano Sonata op. 1 by Alban Berg for the final piece from her repertoire. 

Matthew Steven Wilkinson won second place and a $800 prize, having also played Alban Berg’s Piano Sonata op. 1 for the final piece in his repertoire.

Hsin-Hu Lo won third place and a $500 prize, having played Polonaise-Fantasie op. 61 by Fredric Chopin for her final piece. Lo won second place in last year’s competition having played Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian” Rhapsody No. 12 for the final piece.

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