American Melting Pot CD Wins Gold Medal in Global Music Awards

Sheridan Music Studio presents the multi-awarded and internationally-acclaimed classical pianist, music director, and educator Susan Merdinger with the American Melting Pot album, joined by Composers Aaron Alter, Elbio Barilari, Morton Gould, Ilya Levinson, Fernando Vasquez, and Violinist David Yonan, and Cellist Christopher Ferrer.
With international influences emanating from China, Eastern and Western Europe, South America, combined with the spirit of American classical music, the American Melting Pot won two Gold Medals in the Global Music Awards for Album and Instrumentalist 2019, and Best Classical Album in the Clouzine International Music Awards 2019. The album currently “For Your Consideration” in the 63rd Grammy Awards is entered in the categories of Best Classical Solo Instrumental (Album), Best Classical Contemporary Compositions (Aaron Alter, Elbio Barilari), and Best Arrangement—Instrumental or A Capella (Ilya Levinson).
Fanfare Magazine critic Ken Meltzer has said of the album “…and in the main, the works are conceived for a virtuoso pianist, one with an impressive technique, as well as a sensitivity for a wide range of moods, colors, and styles. Throughout American Melting Pot, Merdinger demonstrates those qualities in abundance, and proves expert in capturing the spirit of each. She has provided an important service by performing and recording contemporary American piano works that are of a very high caliber.”
John J. Puccio of Classical Candor described Ilya Levinson's Shtetl Scenes “melancholic, dramatic, joyful, introspective, energetic, and haunting by turns.” Phil Muse of the Atlanta Audio-Video Club stated in his review "In the last analysis, American Melting Pot is eloquent tribute to the ethnic diversity that is vital to a country such as ours. A country in which newcomers from other lands have traditionally brought new perspectives and ways of doing things that have enriched us all."
Performances by Steinway artist Susan Merdinger have been hailed as "exhilarating" by the Scotland Herald, while the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung declared her playing was "breathtaking, daring, and enormously joyous.” Critics are unanimous in their descriptions of Susan's fire, passion, thought-provoking interpretations, and astonishing technique that goes beyond the mere playing of notes on a page; every work she presents with a masterful sound and style, reminiscent of the "Golden Era of Pianists.”
As Sheridan Music Studio’s Founder and Artistic Director, Susan currently has her sights on the Fall reopening of their two flagship concert series—Music With a View and Blue Skies, aside from her other ongoing shows—Merdinger's Musings and Steinway Sundays with Susan and Svetlana, sponsored by Silicon-valley's newest Livestream company, IN.LIVE, for which she currently serves as the Classical Music Artistic Advisor. Susan is currently available to perform as a soloist with orchestra, a solo recitalist, a duo pianist, or with a chamber music ensemble and will soon be embarking on a recording project of the Complete Five Beethoven Piano Concerti with Maestro Mina Zikri.
The American Melting Pot album is available for streaming and purchase at www.susanmerdingerpianist.com/store, and all other major online retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and more.
Susan Merdinger is represented by Vida Art Management in Europe.
For World-Wide inquiries, you may reach out to her assistant Miguel Tarrosa at tarrosamiguel@gmail.com