Ralph Votapek
Ralph Votapek (born 1939 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin[1]) is an American pianist notable for winning the First Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1962; the inaugural competition's First Place prize was $10,000. He is the Jury Chairman of the 2022 (EIGHTH) Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition
From the age of nine, he studied music at the Wisconsin Conservatory in Milwaukee, as well as Northwestern University, Manhattan, and Juilliard. Votapek was awarded the Naumburg Award in 1959, and performed his debut recital at New York's Town Hall. After winning the First Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1962, Votapek signed contracts with RCA and Sol Hurok, and made his debut at Carnegie Hall.[1]
Votapek was a professor of piano and Artist in Residence at the Michigan State University College of Music, and served there for 36 years before retiring in 2004.[2]
References
- ^ a b Cummings, Robert. "Ralph Votapek". AllMusic. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
- ^ "Ralph Votapek | College of Music | Michigan State University". People.music.msu.edu. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
External links
| International | |
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| National | |
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- 1939 births
- Living people
- American classical pianists
- Male classical pianists
- American male pianists
- Michigan State University faculty
- Musicians from Milwaukee
- Prize-winners of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
- 20th-century American pianists
- Classical musicians from Wisconsin
- 21st-century classical pianists
- 20th-century American male musicians
- 21st-century American male musicians
- 21st-century American pianists