YOUNG PIANIST VIVIAN NI WINS 2014 DEBUT ATLANTIC AWARD FOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE!

HALIFAX, NS – Debut Atlantic is pleased to announce that New Brunswick rising star Vivian Ni is the winner of the 2014 Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence. This talented, 14 year old pianist currently attends École Sainte-Anne in Fredericton, NB and studies with teachers Michael Fournier and Barbara Marks. Chair of the Debut Atlantic board and renowned Canadian pianist Robert Kortgaard said of Vivian’s playing: “It demonstrates a very thoughtful and musical approach. Her performances are energetic, technically sound and convincing for someone her age.  She is exactly the type of developing musical artist that Debut Atlantic is thrilled to be able to support.  Brava to her and her teachers and everyone who has encouraged her on her musical journey. We know that she will be an inspiration to other young musicians along the way.”

Established in 1999, the Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence is awarded annually to an Atlantic Canadian high school music student as chosen by a member of our distinguished alumni. The award recognizes talented youth and is designed to support and encourage the development of young musicians in Atlantic Canada. The Award consists of a $1,000 cash prize and an opportunity for the recipient to perform as a special guest at a Debut Atlantic concert.  Vivian will receive her award and be a featured guest in a Debut Atlantic concert on Friday, September 12, 2014 at the Indian River Festival with Debut Atlantic artists, Constantinople.

Vivian Ni was born in Fredericton, NB and began piano lessons at the age of five. With many accolades to her credit, Ms. Ni was recently named first place winner in the American Protégé International Piano and String Competition and will be a featured guest in a recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall on May 11^th, 2014. In addition, she won first place at the Canadian Music Competition (CMC) in the 13 year-old Piano Category and has received first prizes in both of her RCM grade 10 and grade 8 piano exams. Also a talented violinist, Vivian has participated in numerous competitions for both piano and violin, including CMC, New Brunswick Federation of Music Festivals, New Brunswick Competitive Festival of Music, and other Fredericton Music Festivals. She has also been the recipient of more than 40 scholarships, 17 awards and 13 certificates. A current apprentice with Symphony New Brunswick, Ms. Ni recently won their competition for Best Young New Brunswick Soloist and was featured in their February, 2014 Bravo Series performance. In addition, Ms. Ni has been recognized as Best Young Violinist in the New Brunswick Federation of Music Festivals for two consecutive years. Vivian works as a student teacher for the Fredericton Music Teachers Association and as an alternate pianist for a United Baptist Church in Fredericton. To add to her success with both the piano and violin, Vivian plays an impressive four other instruments for school band and other local groups.