Atlanta, GA - December 14, 2023
The piano studio under the guidance of Dr. Sergio Gallo at Georgia State University has hit a high note with a series of remarkable achievements over the past year.
The impressive performances by students from Dr. Sergio Gallo's piano studio have left an enduring impact on prestigious international stages. The collaborative efforts between the piano studio and the Chopin Society of Atlanta (CSA) have yielded incredible opportunities for aspiring musicians. Several students, including Fernanda Miranda, Lauren Vaccaro, Ísis Cardoso, Gregorio Oliveira (a student of Dr. Geoff Haydon), Hannah Jung, and Victoria Allen, were awarded full scholarships to attend international courses in prestigious locations such as Paris and Vienna. Reflecting on her journey, Hannah Jung shares, "My trip to Paris and Vienna, guided by the encouragement and recommendation of my esteemed professor, Dr. Sergio Gallo, has been a pivotal chapter in my musical career. Immersing myself in the rich musical heritage of these cities taught me the importance of seeking inspiration from diverse environments. Dr. Gallo's unwavering support and mentorship have been instrumental in unlocking my true potential. The experiences in Paris and Vienna in 2023 are cherished as key milestones in my musical development."
Junior piano performance major Victoria Allen gained attention with a compelling Carnegie Hall performance in New York City on June 1, 2023, and at Altes Rathaus in Vienna, Austria, on July 13, 2023. Artist Certificate student Hannah Jung continued to captivate audiences with diverse performances, including engagements at Altes Rathaus in Vienna on July 13, a Master Class with Robert Lehrbaumer at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music in Vienna on July 11, and a mesmerizing display at the Conservatoire Municipal in Paris, France, on July 7, 2023. The resonance of these achievements reverberated to renowned venues, as former graduate student Hyun-hwa Jang, on the cusp of completing her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Georgia, delivered a memorable performance at Carnegie Hall on November 14th. These achievements underscore the studio's commitment to excellence on both national and international platforms.
CSA further demonstrates its commitment to nurturing musical excellence by sponsoring a recital featuring Martín García García, a laureate at the last Chopin Competition, held at Kopleff Recital Hall last spring. This partnership promises an exciting lineup of future performances and masterclasses with international artists. Ísis Cordoso adds, "The Chopin Academy of Atlanta has been hosting many recitals where both we, the students, and guest artists get to perform. It's been an incredible experience to be surrounded by such talented and inspiring individuals and to have these opportunities to showcase our skills. All of this has been highly motivating."
The Georgia State University Collegiate Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) chapter, advised by Dr. Gallo, has garnered national attention. Recently, the chapter achieved a significant milestone by securing a grant from MTNA, allowing all its members to attend the 2025 national conference. As part of this year's conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, Ísis Cardoso, a graduate piano performance major and a talented member of the studio, will be presenting her accepted research poster titled "Folklore Stylization in Suite no. 2 (Nordestina by Guerra-Peixe)." Ísis comments, "I am thrilled to announce that my poster has been accepted for the MTNA conference next year. This is my first research experience in the United States, and I will be presenting on the topic of Brazilian music. I believe this will be a fantastic opportunity to connect with other musicians and the academic community." Graduate student Gregorio Oliveira adds, "I am honored to have represented Georgia State at the Georgia Music Teacher Association annual conference this year. This edition had a record-breaking attendance of collegiate members, and it was great to be part of it, creating meaningful connections with students and faculty from all over the state."
In conclusion, Dr. Sergio Gallo reflects on the collective achievements and promising future of his piano studio at Georgia State University, stating, "It is a pleasure to work with and advise this group of students at GSU. They are curious and driven." With a year marked by notable accomplishments, the future holds the promise of even greater achievements for these aspiring musicians and the musical community at Georgia State University.