Northwestern Bienen School of Music

Join us for the prestigious Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Competition at the Northwestern Bienen School of Music. This annual event, set to take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00pm CDT in the Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall, showcases the exceptional talent of Northwestern piano students. These students, nominated by the Bienen School piano faculty, compete for the Thaviu/Isaak Award in Piano Performance, the program’s most prestigious honor.

The competition honors the legacy of the late violin professor Samuel Thaviu and his wife, Elinor Thaviu, alongside the late piano professor Donald Isaak. It's an opportunity to witness the high caliber of piano performance fostered at Northwestern.

The Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall, located in the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts at 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL, provides an intimate setting for this event. The hall, known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, features optimal acoustics with its undulating walls of Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood covered with African moabi wood. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound and video equipment, the hall ensures a memorable experience for both performers and audience members.

This event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience the next generation of piano virtuosos. Don't miss the chance to be part of this inspiring musical tradition. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available, ensuring you can enjoy the performances from anywhere.

For more information, visit the Northwestern Bienen School of Music website or contact the ticket office. Join us in celebrating the remarkable talents of our piano students and the enduring legacy of Samuel Thaviu, Elinor Thaviu, and Donald Isaak.