6-Year-Old Deemed Pianist Protege In International Competition

MILTON, GA -- A local boy is being called a protege after he placed first in an international piano competition.

William Zhang, 6, is from Milton and is a current student of concert pianist and professor Raffi Besalyan. Zhang began his piano studies at age of 4 after he showed keen interest in music as early as 2-years-old.

American Protege is Zhang's first piano competition, and he took home a first place Judges Distinction Award (Plaque Trophies) through all age groups, from 5 to 56-years-old. He worked hard through the process of rehearsal and enjoyed playing his favorite music.

“I think it takes a lot of hard work, and also comes naturally,” Zhang told CBS 46. "It can bring me happiness, and I want to bring the audience happiness."

Zhang has been called a cheerful, passionate and inquisitive boy. He has participated in a variety of recitals in different venues, including local churches, schools, golf clubs and senior homes.

The American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition is open to school students and adults of all nationalities and countries. A record number of musicians, about 1,000, from 17 countries applied for this year’s Competition. They hailed from the different parts of the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Italy, Germany, Israel, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

All instruments, including piano, strings, voice and winds were welcome to participate in the competition.

Participants were required to submit video/audio recording materials for the audition. Four qualified judges evaluated audition materials. All judges are independent; their students are not allowed to apply this season. Sophya Genis was invited as a Chairwoman of the Competition 2019. A graduate of the Moscow Gnessin Academy of Music, Genis holds a Doctor of Music Arts Degree. She studied piano with such renowned professors as Alexander Yoheles, Yakov Milstein and Yakov Zak.

Multiple winners were chosen in each age category, and they will perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City sometime this spring and summer.