The Southeastern Piano Festival embraces a multi-faceted personality: it is a training platform for young pianists, a presenter of new and world-renowned concert pianists and master teachers, an advocate for new piano music, and a vehicle for exploring different roles the piano plays on stage and beyond.
USC Piano Institute
A new addition to the Festival is the USC Piano Institute. Taking place at the beginning of the week, the Institute is open to pre-college students of high-intermediate or advanced levels who spend four days in lessons and masterclasses with the School of Music’s distinguished piano faculty. The Institute gives students a glimpse of what it is like to study at the model public music school for all American colleges and universities.
Arthur Fraser Piano Competition
The week’s events culminate with the Arthur Fraser Piano Competition, adjudicated by a distinguished panel of judges and featuring some of the nation’s top young pianists who audition for a coveted spot in the competition. Winners of the competition receive cash awards and the opportunity to perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic.
A Festival for Everyone Who Loves Piano
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Phillip Bush and Executive Director Caroline Earp, the attraction of the Festival lies in its versatility: be it a budding piano virtuoso, an educator, or a music aficionado, the Festival offers something for everyone who loves piano.
For music lovers, the Festival offers evening concerts by a rich lineup of world-class pianists and musicians. This year features Drew Petersen, Clayton Stephenson, Caleb Borick, the Congaree Trio, the USC Jazz Faculty, and the USC Piano Faculty.
For more information about the SEPF visit: southeasternpianofestival.com
Concert Tickets
Tickets go on sale May 1. To purchase tickets to concerts, visit: kogercenterforthearts.com
Southeastern Piano Festival Leadership
Acclaimed as “a pianist of poetry, elegance, and power” (American Record Guide), “a pianist of exceptional, cherishable finesse” (Los Angeles Times), and “one of those rare pianists who combine structural intelligence with a hundred color gradations” (Village Voice), SEPF Executive Director Phillip Bush has established a performing career over the past three decades that is noted for its remarkable versatility and eclecticism, with a repertoire extending from the 16th century to the 21st.
Caroline Earp, Executive Director, brings to the leadership of Southeastern Piano Festival her passion and experience in working with non-profits and academic institutions in both New York City and Columbia, SC. A graduate of Columbia College of SC with a degree in Vocal Performance, Earp is currently Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement for the USC School of Music.
Nicholas Susi joins Southeastern Piano Festival as Assistant Director. Described in The WholeNote as “an innovative musician and aggressive thinker with a gift for keyboard brilliance,” Susi enjoys a multifaceted career living out his deep love of music. He recognizes that Classical music has been a transformative force in his life, and seeks to share its power with others through his teaching and performing. Susi joined the University of South Carolina School of Music as Assistant Professor of Piano in 2022. He previously taught piano and music theory at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN.
Pianist Elizabeth Churchya is a charismatic and sensitive performer who has concertized extensively throughout the United States and England. She is a prize winner for many competitions including the Charleston International Competition. Recently, Churchya appeared as a “Rising Star” soloist with the USC Orchestra in performance of the Ravel Piano Concerto in G major. She is a current doctoral candidate at USC in Music Performance (ABD) and associate assistant for the Southeastern Piano Festival.