• Three contrasting works selected from the following periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, Contemporary.
• One of the pieces may be an original arrangement of a native song.
• A PDF of the score is required for each of the three works.

Round 1

• Two contrasting works.
• Suggested playing time: 6–8 minutes.
• Time limit: 8 minutes.

Round 2

• One work, or a movement of a work, not performed in Round 1.
• Suggested playing time: 6–8 minutes.
• Time limit: 8 minutes.

• Three contrasting works chosen from the following classical music periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, Contemporary.
• One selected work must be an example of Classical Sonata Form, preferably the first movement of a sonata.
• The participant may play an original arrangement of a native song for their Contemporary work.
• No two works may be from the same musical period.
• A PDF of the score is required for each of the three works.

Round 1

• Two contrasting works.
• Suggested playing time: 8–10 minutes.
• Time limit: 10 minutes.

Round 2

• One work or a movement of a work, not performed in Round 1.
• Suggested playing time: 8–12 minutes.
• Time limit: 12 minutes.

Joey has been involved with music for the large majority of his life. Starting with learning the piano then adopting the cello and trombone, he has been steeped in musical arts since his most formative years. A student of the distinguished Aldo Dotto, Joey has participated in various piano performances and competitions, including winning first prize in his category in the 2020 Fujairah International Piano Competition, playing the keyboard in his school’s musical productions, and participating in the Abu Dhabi Young Musician competition.

Stanford Yu, age 18, is a freshman pursuing a major in mechanical engineering and a minor in music at New York University Abu Dhabi. His musical journey started on piano at age five and later broadened to violin (age seven) and viola (age 13). He previously studied piano with Melody Wu, Daniel Cheng, Benjamin Choupak, Professor Kevin Fitz-Gerald of USC, and currently studies with Professor Ioannis Potamousis. Stanford has participated in masterclasses conducted by Till Fellner, Péter Nagy, Mark Livshits, Professor Bernadene Blaha, Dr. Wei-Yi Yang, Dr. Ning An, Alexander Kobrin and Jon Nakamatsu. He also previously attended music festivals in Poland (Euro Arts Academy in Szczecin) and Italy (Virtuoso & Belcanto in Lucca, and Amalfi Coast Music & Art Festival). Stanford has won numerous awards, most notable being the Winner of Golden State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, with the opportunity to perform with the Senior Symphony, and the finalist of the International Piano Competition for Young Musicians in Enschede, the Netherlands. Outside of music, Stanford loves watching movies, swimming on the school team, and traveling around the world. Back in his hometown Cupertino, California, USA, he also loves playing water polo with his friends and spending time with his pug, named Mozart. As Stanford continues his journey almost halfway across the world from his hometown, he strives to find the perfect balance between academics and the arts to inspire him to this day and onward.

Kaiwen Xu has been studying with his piano teacher Aldo Dotto for four years. He recently played in the Livorno Piano Competition 2024.

Born in 2011, Qingxin received her first piano lesson at the age of 5. She attended Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra and played Mozart concerto No. 12 in A major K.414 at Abu Dhabi Culture Foundation in 2022. Currently, Qingxin is studying with Dr. Jordan Rashkov. She has received several prizes such as:

• 1st Prize Category II, ULJUS X International Piano Competition Smederevo-Online, May 2023
• 1st Prize Group C, King’s Peak International Classical Music Competition, June 2023
• 1st Prize Category B, 4 Seasons Vienna International Young Musician Competition, June 2023
• 1st Prize Junior, Ad Libitum Piano Competition, September 2023
• 1st Prize Category C, Servaas International Online Music Competition, October 2023
• 3rd Prize Category C and Special prize Best Performance of a work of F. Liszt, WPTA SPAIN International Piano Competition, January 2024
• Commended Award, Professional Category A, LOML international piano Competition, March 2024
• 3rd Prize, Category 2, Four Notes International Piano Competition, May 2024
• 2nd Place Senior Instrument group, 6th UAE Young Talent Music Competition, November 2024
• 1st Prize, Preliminary Round, Middle East and Europe Region, Washington International Rachmaninoff Music Competition, December 2024

At present, Qingxin is preparing for several competitions in the UAE and other countries. Moreover, she was the winner of the small choir category with her team as piano accompanists at the Abu Dhabi Young Musician Competition 2024. She has performed many times as a pianist in public venues such as Dubai Mall, Galleria Mall, Steinway Dubai Concert Hall, Four Notes Concert Hall, JMI Concert Hall and more. Qingxin has participated in masterclasses with Professor Eteri Andjaparidze, Professor Aleksandar Serdar, Anton Gerzenberg and Giorgi Gigashvili.

Round 1

Round 2

Yanwen Wang received her first piano lesson at the age of nine and very soon she discovered her passion for music. Currently, she is studying with Jordan Rashkov in Dubai. 

Elia Salvadore has actively participated in many performance programs, completed the ABRSM Piano Performance Exam Course with Distinction (highest marks achievable) as well as openly performing in many different theatrical pantomimes with a band and an orchestra, being involved in many regional concerts and participating gratefully in as many piano competitions as he can. 

Round 2

Born in Dubai, Dongdong Li, 14 years old, is a young musician with nine years of piano experience. Currently she is studying music under instruction of Dr. Jordan Rashkov. She won second place in the Four Notes International Piano Competition in 2024, first prize at YMTC 2023, and achieved the ARSM diploma in 2021. Dongdong is a highly intelligent young lady with the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts. Her awakened mind and excellent manual skills provide a great foundation to build musical proficiency in performance. She displays passion and artistic strength in her stage presence, as well as ability to captivate the audience. With Dr. Rashkov’s instruction, Dongdong has managed to deepen her overall musical knowledge while working tirelessly on obtaining new skills.

Round 1

Round 2

Ballade No. 2 - F Liszt

Bingzhuo Li is a Year 10 student currently studying in Abu Dhabi. He has been playing the piano for over seven years. Since relocating to the UAE in 2023, he has continued his musical development under the mentorship of Dr. Ioannis Potamousis. In 2024, he performed in a concert at the Steinway Center in Dubai. Most recently, in 2025,

Bingzhuo participated in the Young Musician of the Gulf competition and advanced to the second round. 

Round 1

Sonata No. 9, Op. 14, No. 1, 1st movement - L Beethoven

Rumores de la Caleta - Malagueña (No.6) - I Albeniz 

Round 2

Variations on a theme of Paganini - I Berkowitsch

Jua Lee is a 17-year-old pianist currently attending Raha International School (Khalifa City Campus) in Abu Dhabi. She began formal piano studies at the age of seven and has since won numerous awards in various competitions across Korea. After relocating to Abu Dhabi two and a half years ago, she continued to develop her artistry, winning first place in her school’s piano competition. She has distinguished herself by advancing to the third round of the prestigious Abu Dhabi Young Musician Competition in both 2023 and 2024. In addition to her competition successes, Jua has actively performed in many recitals, including notable performances in Dubai. Her principal piano teacher is Aldo Dotto.

Round 1

Sonata Op. 10 No. 2 - L Beethoven

Rumores de la Caleta - I Albéniz 

Round 2

Prelude Op. 32 No. 12 - S Rachmaninoff

Majd Hannoun began musical study at age six in Furat Qadouri Center in Al Qasbaa (first music teacher: Ms. Katrina), where he studied for two years. He continued to study with his second music teacher (Mr. Zaid) and completed several ABRSM practical and theoretical music exams (including a distinction in grade 5 theory exam and merit in grades up to 5 for practical exams). After four to five years, he continued his study of piano at the Melodica Music Center (third music teacher: Ms. Gretel) for one year. Since then, he has joined the Russian Music Center (fourth and current music teacher: Ms. Iryna), with his accomplishments summarized below:

• continuous performances/concerts in the Russian Music Center (roughly three to four per year)
• Graduation Diploma from the Russian music curriculum
• participation in 19th Emirates Peace Music Competition (1st prize)
• Distinction in ABRSM grade 8 performance exam
• participation in Ural Competition for Young Pianists (named by Prokofiev) (3rd prize)
• participation in Four Notes music competition in Abu Dhabi (2nd prize) 

Round 1

“Pathétique” Sonata (op. 13, no. 8 in C minor) 1st Movement - L Beethoven

“Over the Bars” - JP Johnson 

Round 2

“Pathétique” Sonata (op. 13, no. 8 in C minor) 2nd and 3rd Movements - L Beethoven

A UAE resident, Sadra Ghaneei has been playing piano for 10 years. He is a student of Dr. Jordan Rashkov. At the Odessa 4th piano festival TEHRAN, he took second place in the 14-17 age group.

Round 1

Op 31 no 2, 1st movement - L Beethoven
Étude op 25 no 12 - F Chopin

Round 2

Weinen-Klagen Variations - F Liszt

Riah Chai began her piano studies at the age of five and has been passionately developing her skills ever since. Since August 2020, she has been studying under the mentorship of Dr. Jordan Rashkov, whose guidance has helped her grow into a dedicated and disciplined student of classical music. Riah is an active participant in regional and international competitions and music festivals, earning recognition for both her talent and her commitment to excellence. She won first place in the senior instrumental category at the Young Talent Music Competition in Dubai for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), and was awarded 1st prize at the Four NotesInternational Piano Competition in Abu Dhabi in 2024. In January 2025, she won the finalist award in the prestigious 26th Young Musician of the Gulf Competition—the longest standing and most respected contest for young musicians in the GCC. Beyond competitions, Riah has sought to broaden her musical experience through summer programs at renowned institutions, including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Concordia University (Irvine, CA), the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina, USA. With a solid foundation in performance and an enduring passion for growth, Riah continues to pursue new opportunities to refine her artistry and share her love of music with wider audiences. 

Round 1

Piano Sonata No. 34 in E minor - J Haydn
Miroirs Alborada Del Gracioso - M Ravel 

Round 2

Chaconne in D major BWV 1004 - Bach/Busoni

Benjo Antonyan first touched a piano when he was five years old and wanted to learn to play it. He joined the Russian Music Center Sharjah, where he started piano lessons with teacher Gorska Iryna. In November 2019, he participated in a competition in Fujairah, where he earned the third prize. He continued playing the piano, and in 2024 participated in his second competition, the Four Notes International Piano Competition in Abu Dhabi, where he earned fifth place and first prize in the Piano Duo / Category 2. That same year, he graduated from his piano school, but he was still interested in playing more advanced pieces such as Chopin’s Winter and Fanatasie Impromptu. After graduation, he gave a concert in his school where he played Arno Babajanian’s Elegy. 

Round 1
Waltz in c# minor Op.64 No.2 - F Chopin
“Variations for the theme of Paganini” - N Paganini, arr. N Vygotsky 

Round 2

“Elegy”- A Babajanian

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tamara displayed a passion for music from an early age. At the age of 4, Tamara moved to the United Arab Emirates, where a profound love for the piano blossomed. By the age of 6, Tamara began formal piano lessons, dedicating herself to mastering art with enthusiasm and discipline.

This commitment was reflected in exceptional achievements in piano performance. Tamara earned distinctions and merits in the ABRSM exams, completing five grades. After a brief pause in graded examinations, Tamara is now preparing to reach new heights, aiming to complete Trinity Grade 8 certification. Tamara’s talent has graced many stages. She has performed at numerous school

concerts, international days in LFIGP and VES, and shared her artistry at the House of Pianos in March 2024. Her musical journey has also been marked by competitive success, including earning first and second places in the talent shows organized by Sophia Talent Academy in Dubai. Through these accomplishments, Tamara continues to express a deep love for the piano and a dedication to artistic growth.

Round 1

"Flight of the Bumblebee" - N Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. Rachmaninoff
Sonata #14 "Moonlight", 1st movement - L Beethoven 

Round 2

“Ukrainian Suite: II Vesnyanka” - I Shamo

Noel Nadado III started playing piano on his own during the pandemic lockdown. After the lockdown, he started formal lessons under Music Zone in Ras Al Khaimah for around 9 months. He was self taught until January 2025, when he began taking professional piano lessons under the tutelage of Natalia Tykhonova, professor at American University of Sharjah. He attended two piano masterclasses under Professor Aleksandar Serdar (November 2024), and Dr. Andreas Xenopoulos (February 2025). His hobbies include playing other musical instruments such as the violin, classical guitar, electric guitar, ukulele and saxophone. He also makes musical arrangements for his church’s youth band, and sings in the church’s choir and plays violin for the church’s orchestra. 

Round 1

Liebesträume in A Flat Major, Op. 62, S.541, No. 3 - F Liszt
Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Op. 3, No. 2 - S Rachmaninoff

Round 2

Piano Sonata No. 6 in F major, Op. 10, No. 2, Mvt 1 - L Beethoven

Ciara Angela Murphy Kassatly, age 14, has been playing the piano for about two years. Music has become a significant part of her life, and she truly enjoys learning new pieces and continuously developing her skills. Alongside piano, she also loves reading and swimming, which give her other ways to express her creativity and persistence. She is excited to keep exploring different musical styles and looks forward to the chance to share her music with others through performance. 

Round 1

Jackson Street Blues, Martha Mier
La tarantelle, J. Burgmuller 

Round 2

Beethoven Sonata n.20 op49 no.2, first movement

As a music lover ever since he was a kid, Je-Luen is always passionate about all genres of music, including classical music. While studying French horn as a

kid, he also casually played piano on the side. When he enrolled in NYU Abu Dhabi, he started to receive weekly piano lessons to improve his skills and hopefully create some compositions. Although studying

business in university, Je-Luen’s love for music stopped him from giving up his music dreams. 

Round 1

2-Part Invention in A Minor, No.13 - JS Bach Sonatine, 3rd Movement - M Ravel 

Round 2

Allegro Appassionato, Op.70 – C Saint-Saens

Shaha Alohali, originally from Saudi Arabia, began learning piano at a young age at the Russian Music Centre. Later, she continued her studies at the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy under the guidance of Aldo Dotto. She is currently minoring in music at American University of Sharjah, where she studies piano with professor Natalie Tykhonova. Shaha has participated in various performances with the Masterpieces program in the UAE, most notably in The Fathers Legend Show. Additionally, she has performed in Italy with the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, accompanied by the Luigi Cherubini Orchestra. 

Round 1

Consolations No.2 - F Liszt
Prelude No.1 - Gershwin

Round 2

Sonata No.21 Op.53 - L Beethoven

Rashed AlMarzooqi, age 14, started his career playing the piano when he was 6 with his father as his first teacher. Rashed’s father taught him the national anthem, which he learned in a very short time, surprising his father. After that, he started playing the national anthem in the morning assembly at school. Now, he is proudly considered the first and youngest Emirati pianist to play a piano using artificial intelligence technology at the Dubai Assembly for Generative Al. He also won the Best Piano Player award at the Dubai Festival for Youth Music in 2023. His ambition is to become an Emirati Gulf Arab pianist who represents his country both in the UAE and abroad. 

Round 1

Prelude op. 3 no. 2 - S Rachmaninov
Impromptu op. 90 no. 2 - F Schubert 

Round 2

Chord of Reverie - Darwish

Reem Baqeri is a 22-year-old pianist from Bahrain with a lifelong passion for music. Growing up in a musical household, she learned to play the piano by ear under the guidance of her father, a musician himself. From the ages of 10 to 14, Reem actively participated in piano competitions across Bahrain and was a member of the National Bahrain Orchestra. After taking a break from formal performance, she began independently studying music theory two years ago and is now dedicated to returning to the world of piano with renewed focus and artistry. 

Round 1

Fur Elise - L Beethoven
Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 - F Chopin 

Round 2

Original Piano Composition

Ioannis Potamousis, described by the Pasatiempo as “New Colossus of the keys,” is internationally acclaimed as a charismatic and passionate performer, known for his captivating artistry and introspective poetic expression. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues across Europe, the Middle East and North America. Potamousis is a Steinway Artist and a prizewinner of several international piano contests, including the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati, where he won a silver medal, and the International Piano Competition in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He received degrees from Musikhochschule Cologne and New York’s Mannes College of Music, and earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts from Rutgers University.

Currently, he serves as the Head of Keyboard Studies at Brighton College Abu Dhabi and as Adjunct Piano Faculty at New York University in Abu Dhabi. He organized  the Young Artist Competition on behalf of the NSO Symphony Orchestra and is currently the co-founder of the Young Musician series “Pollen”–Spreading the Seed of Music.

Natalia Tykhonova (Mills) is a celebrated, classically trained pianist from Ukraine. She began her piano studies at the age of five and holds a bachelor's degree from the Kaarabitsa State Musical College in Artemovsk, Ukraine. She went on to earn her master's degree from the Donetsk Conservatory in 2006. Tykhonova is a winner of several international and Ukrainian competitions and has performed with different chamber orchestras, jazz bands and at numerous festivals.

A dedicated piano pedagogue with over 19 years of teaching experience, she currently serves as adjunct professor of music at American University of Sharjah. There she maintains a piano studio, instructs group piano classes and performs solo concerts. Additionally, Tykhonova instructs a diverse range of private piano students, preparing them for ABRSM examinations, as well as coaching and supporting young pianists in recitals and international competitions.

Jane Yevheniya Shumilova is Ukrainian classical pianist, trained by some of the best teachers at the S. Krushelnytska Special Music Boarding School and M. Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy in Ukraine. In 2008, she was invited to perform in the UAE as Concert Pianist in Residence, where she developed an admiration for the country’s rich culture. Since then, she has been living, performing and teaching in the UAE.

Shumilova is a proud member of the AUS Performing Arts Program, where she works as a piano instructor and accompanist to the AUS Choir. With over 20 years of teaching and performance, Shumilova has performed in Europe, the Middle East and Canada. She has taken part in many concerts and philanthropic events with solo and collaborative programs. Her repertoire ranges from Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin to the ever popular classics of the Beatles, Sting, Fairouz and jazz standards.

Born in Novi Sad, Serbia, Jelena Dukic received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Academy of Arts at th eUniversity of Novi Sad. She went on to receive her master’s and doctoral degrees in music from Florida International University-Miami and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. There and at Southeast Community College, Dukic also went on to teach piano and music theory as Graduate Teaching Assistant. Dukic has participated in numerous competitions and has consistently received recognition in many, including the UNL Solo Concerto Competition, Florida International University Concerto Competition, Concorsi Internazionali di Musica-Citta di Stressa in Italy, International Competition of Pianists "Nikolai Rubinstein" in France, and the Competition of Young Pianists of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, among others.  She has also performed as a soloist with the FIU Symphony Orchestra and the UNL Symphony Orchestra following her victories in their solo concerto competitions. She became a Member of The Golden Key International Honor Society in 2010.

Currently based in Dubai, Dukic is the founder of JD Group where she teaches and prepares students for ABRSM and Trinity exams. She is also a music faculty member at Nord Anglia International School’s Music Academy in Dubai and Adjunct Piano Professor at American University of Sharjah. She was awarded the Golden Visa by the Government of Dubai in July 2022 for her contribution to Culture in the United Arab Emirates.

Fatima Alhashmi is a distinguished Emirati opera singer, recognized for her contributions to the UAE’s cultural landscape. She has performed internationally at prestigious venues like Bolshoi and Enescu Hall with renowned orchestras, representing the UAE in diplomatic and cultural

events. With a background in performing arts management, Alhashmi is committed to bridging performance, education and research. Passionate about advancing the arts, she continuously seeks opportunities to elevate the presence of Emirati talent on the global stage. Her work promotes artistic excellence while fostering cultural appreciation and education. She has performed in 20 different languages in Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. 

Alhashmi is a leading figure in the UAE’s music scene, inspiring the next generation by proving that a career in music is both viable and impactful. As a cultural ambassador and role model, she is dedicated to shaping the future of music in the UAE through performance, mentorship and academic research. She is an artist resident at American University of Sharjah and a founding member of Emirati Musicians Association.

Lina Hejjawi earned her Doctorate in Music Education at Boston University, USA. She joined AUS in 2007 after more than 15 years of teaching at Amman Baccalaureate School, the National Music Conservatory-Noor Al Hussein Foundation, and her piano studio. She has taught instrumental piano lessons, music history and appreciation, composition and arranging, and ethnomusicology. Currently, she teaches music theory and ear training at AUS.