Ishida places 2nd in Guam competition

Yonsei Academy’s Kate Ishida said her success in the Young Artists Competition couldn’t come as a better time after Super Typhoon devastated Saipan and Tinian in October 2018. (Contributed Photo)

Yonsei Academy’s Kate Ishida finished second in the senior division of the recent Young Artists Competition held in Guam.

The 17-year-old pianist’s winning piece was Frédéric Chopin’s Etude Winter Wind Op. 25, No. 11.

“I wasn’t expecting to make it this far. There were eight other competitors in the senior division, ranging from pianists, violinists, flutists, to vocalists, and they were all very talented,” said the Marianas High School junior.

“The piece I played, ‘Winter Wind’, is very fast and technically difficult. You can really picture the ‘storm’ that Chopin depicts in this étude,” she added.

Ishida said her success in the Young Artists Competition couldn’t come as a better time, given that the CNMI needs all the good news it could get after Super Typhoon devastated Saipan and Tinian in October 2018.

“My island was recently devastated by Typhoon Yutu, and as the only representative in the competition from Saipan, I wanted to paint a picture through my music for people to understand how devastating the storm was for us. I wanted to show people that even after all the adversaries we faced, we continue to confront our challenges. I believe my selection as a finalist is a reflection of my island’s resilience to difficulty,” she said.

Ishida said she will be going back to Guam on Feb, 10 for the winners concert.

“I am thrilled to represent my island once more,” she said.

Yonsei Academy director Jihye Yun stated couldn’t help but heap praise on the prodigious student.

“The students in the Young Artist Competition Senior Division were exceptionally competitive this year. The students in Guam worked very hard; however, despite Super Typhoon Yutu leaving us devastated, Kate worked extra, extra hard, which is why I personally think the results were so great! I’m sure the people of Saipan are having a hard time recovering to this day, but I believe Kate’s victory will help the people regain energy and hope,” Yun said.

Yonsei Academy competed in the Guam Young Artist Competition for the first time last year in 2018 and managed to sweep the first place in the elementary division.

“To continue on the legacy, they got a great result this year as well! They will be attending the Tumon Bay Music Festival in March and are all planning to have their annual piano concert in May. The active and delightful music of the students will bring Saipan plenty of energy and happiness!” added Yun. (PR)