Application cycle begins for Sorel Piano Competition/Fellows Program

Now in its eighth year, the Claudette Sorel Piano Competition and Fellows Program at the SUNY Fredonia School of Music is accepting applications.

Young pianists, ages 15 to 18 and of all nationalities, are invited to apply for the 2023 Sorel competition. The first prize is $4,000 cash. Smaller cash prizes totaling $4,000 are also awarded.

"We have intentionally designed our competition to be a uniquely positive and welcoming experience," commented School of Music Associate Professor Eliran Avni. “One thing that makes the Sorel Competition unique is that there is no prescribed repertoire; rather, we are looking for unique and innovative programming that reflects the individuality of each musician,” explained Dr. Avni, the competition director.

“Applicants will need to put some real thought into creating a program that stands out with an interesting and cohesive theme," Avni advised.

The competition consists of two rounds. The preliminary round, by video submission, is due Friday, Sept. 15. Judges will review the videos and invite 10 to 12 finalists to campus for the live Final Round, to be held in Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall on Sunday, Nov. 5, at noon. The event is free and open to the community, and will also be livestreamed for friends and family who cannot attend in person.

“One thing that makes the Sorel Competition unique is that there is no prescribed repertoire; rather, we are looking for unique and innovative programming that reflects the individuality of each musician.” – Dr. Eliran Avni

Since its start, the competition has received applications from 23 U.S. states and 10 foreign countries.
In addition to the competition, the Sorel weekend includes the Piano Fellows Program, an in-person intensive program that is tuition-free for invited pianists and offers travel scholarships for eligible students.

"The Piano Fellows Program is designed specifically for high school pianists who may not yet be ready for the competition circuit," Avni noted, "but who are looking for an exceptional experience to grow as a musician, feel more prepared for auditions and meet other young pianists."

Students who are interested in pursuing piano studies at SUNY Fredonia will be given priority consideration. Activities will include lessons, master classes/workshops, performance coaching, social time, college search process info session and behind-the-scenes access to the Sorel Competition, among other sessions.

The Fellows Program is considered an excellent opportunity for young pianists to begin exploring possible career tracks both in and out of music. Fellows participants may indicate if they are interested in a particular field, and sessions will be tailored to individual interests that can be chosen from among performance, music education, music therapy, composition, sound recording technology and jazz. Details can be found online

The competition is named for pianist and SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus Claudette Sorel, a former SUNY Fredonia faculty member, and is supported by a foundation she founded. The Sorel Organization intends to create opportunities for women in composition, conducting, piano, voice and film scoring and to keep musical excellence alive while expanding the boundaries for women in music.

The application deadline for both the competition and Fellows Program is Friday, Sept. 15. Questions may be directed via email