NEW YORK – On Saturday, September 5, the official awards ceremony and Prize Winners Recital of the International Youth Music Competitions (IYMC) was held at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York.
At this major international celebration of music, acclaimed piano teacher Vivianna Spyrou was honored with the highest distinction – the Teacher Recognition Award, in recognition of her exceptional dedication, high standard of teaching, and guidance of young talents who are achieving distinction on the international stage.
This recognition highlights the tremendous success of her student, Maria Stefanidou, who won First Prize with Honors in the Senior Piano category for her outstanding performance, earning an honorary invitation to participate in the live Prize Winners Recital featuring top competition winners in the United States.
The presence of the Greek delegation in New York highlighted the high quality of music education and the dedication and systematic work behind it, showcasing the artistic talents of Greece on prestigious international stages.
Maria Stefanidou and her piano teacher Vivianna Spyrou holding a trophy. (Photo: Courtesy of Vivianna Spyrou)
Speaking to The National Herald, Spyrou expressed how it felt to receive the Teacher Recognition Award while in New York.
“Receiving the Teacher Recognition Award was a profound honor and a deeply emotional moment for me. It is a wonderful recognition of years of dedicated work, and it truly validates the effort we put into nurturing young musical talent. Seeing our hard work recognized internationally on such a prestigious stage in New York is an unforgettable milestone in my teaching career.”
Spyrou, who has taught Stefanidou for the last eight years, reflected on what it meant to her to see her win first prize in the Senior Piano category.
“Watching Maria win First Prize with Honors in the Senior Piano category fills me with immense pride and joy. Maria has studied piano under my guidance for eight years at the Philharmonic Society of Kopanos, and I have witnessed firsthand her extraordinary dedication, discipline, and passion for music,” she expressed.
“Seeing her talent shine so brightly on an international stage and reaping the rewards she so richly deserves is the greatest fulfillment a teacher could ask for.”
Performing in New York for the very first time, the talented Stefanidou reflected on her experience at the Winners Recital, noting that it was an incredible experience in which she enjoyed every minute of.
Maria Stefanidou won First Prize with Honors in the Senior Piano category. (Photo: Courtesy of Vivianna Spyrou)
“The moment that I got on that stage and sat on the piano was something I’ve never felt before! Excitement and nervousness filled my body, but I was so ready to give it my everything,” Stefanidou told TNH.
“I think the fact that it was my first time ever performing in New York made it even more exciting.”
“On the way home I realized how much I loved New York and the experience of performing there, and I knew that I was going to miss it. But the moment I got home and the moment I got welcomed by my family with warm hugs – I knew how proud I made them and seeing them happy was enough for me.”
The talented pianist added that this experience was “absolutely special” to her. “I felt it in my soul – I felt every note, that feeling is something words can’t describe.”
Maria Stefanidou performed at the renowned DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York on September 5.(Photo: Courtesy of Vivianna Spyrou)
Discussing how she felt when she found out secured a first-place prize, Stefanidou shared that she couldn’t believe it. “I was so glad and satisfied with myself. I understood that all the hard work, the hours of practicing, and the dedication paid off,” she said.
As someone who’s had a passion for music and playing piano all her life, Stefanidou noted how this performance in New York allowed her love for music to grow stronger.
“I really hope that my performance was memorable for them [the New York audience]. My goal is to continue and pursue my dream with dedication.”
Vivianna Spyrou’s award. (Photo: Courtesy of Vivianna Spyrou)
