RACHMANINOFF

Celicia Thendean, age 15, started to learn piano with her mother and Prof. Anna Poklewski. Celicia then continued advanced her studies with Ilana Vered. She had her first solo recital in October 2022 to raise money for her high school music program. Recently, Celicia won top prizes in numerous piano competition including Claudette Sorel Piano Competition, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Young Artist competition, Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, Philadelphia International Music Festival in both virtual and in person competition, Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition Senior Division, and MTAC VOCE State Winner. In summer, Celicia attended Music Fest Perugia, Southeastern Piano Festival, Vivace Music Festival, Philadelphia International Music Festival, and Edward Auer Summer Workshop. She won the Vivace Award at Vivace Music Festival in 2020 and was invited to perform in Wilmington, North Carolina alongside with Prof. Marina Lomazov, Prof. Joseph Rackers, and Prof. Ara Gregorian. Besides piano, Celicia enjoys playing cello, oboe, and clarinet.

SEMI-FINALIST