The deadline for submission of applications for the first annual New West Symphony Quick Bowman Piano Competition has been extended to July 31, 2015. The competition, which is being brought to Southern California following a 21-year legacy in Sedona, Arizona and presented in collaboration with the New West Symphony, will initially comprise a youth division for ages 7-17. The professional division of the competition will be announced at a later date.
Contestants will be selected from preliminary YouTube submissions and will compete in up to three age categories which will be determined by the applications received. The final round will take place on August 22, 2015 at California Lutheran University’s Samuelson Chapel in Thousand Oaks. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top finalist in each category.
About the Competition
Originally inspired by LaReine Quick’s love for the piano, the competition was created in 1990 by her and her husband, Henry Quick, who lived in Sedona and wanted to give that region’s young pianists an opportunity to perform and compete before professional judges.
“It was my father and particularly my mother who gave us the love of music, and outside of family and friends, music is the most important thing in my life,” said LaReine and Henry’s son and Ventura County resident, Douglas “Pete” Quick. “My brothers and I wish to share it with local youth just as our parents did. I have been involved with the competition since its inception and, having been a New West Symphony season subscriber from the beginning and aware of its wonderful music education programs, I wanted to work with the orchestra to start a new great piano competition in this area.”
LaReine Quick died in 1994, and both Henry Quick and great grandson Jesse Bowman passed away in 2007. Jesse, who was just three months old, was the son of Shauna Quick (LaReine and Henry’s granddaughter) and her husband, Russ Bowman.
“The Quick Bowman Piano Competition represents one of the ways we remember our son, Jesse,” said Mr. Bowman. “I grew up with my dad playing the piano and organ; as a boy it was one of my fond memories. Sadly, I will never be able to share this wonderful experience with my son, but we can help talented kids pursue their dreams and provide a means to share their gift of music.”
Applications and details may be found online at www.newwestsymphony.org. For further information about the competition please contact New West Symphony Director of Education and Community Engagement Karen Gatchel at kgatchel@newwestsymphony.org or at 805-558-4412.
