Over the last few years, FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts has enormously succeeded in encouraging and helping students enhance their skills and aspirations on the world stage. The school has become the “go-to” university for many U.S. and international students because of the very high standard of teaching from the various professors of music who are so passionate about their work. This is not surprising when one considers the latest list of accomplishments from many current students.
There are so many examples, from Priscilla Navarro (a former student and one of the world’s leading pianists) to Arturo Fernandez, Jair Zacarias, Michelle Wijaya, Quang Vo, and so many more who are doing so well. It is impossible to mention them all, and apologies to those not named.
A growing number of Southwest Florida’s residents have come to appreciate the amazing skills shown by so many students at the concerts in the beautiful U Tobe Recital Hall. For those who have not yet attended any of these concerts here on our doorstep with such exceptional talent on display, please see the current program from FGCU’s Bower School here.
Chief Communications Officer
Eighteen-year-old sophomore and FGCU piano performance major Quang Vo reached a significant milestone over the past two weeks. Quang entered the Blanca Uribe International Piano Competition in Colombia, the largest and one of Latin America’s most competitive piano competitions, drawing participants from over 30 countries.
As the youngest contestant, Quang, at just 18, performed among pianists aged 18 to 35. He advanced through grueling rounds—from 20 competitors to the final three—performing solo repertoire and concerti with orchestra.
Although the title was ultimately awarded to a seasoned 33-year-old Russian pianist almost twice Quang Vo’s age, this was an incredible achievement for Quang and a proud moment for FGCU. Adding to this success, Quang was invited to participate in the Wideman International Piano Competition in Shreveport, Louisiana – another highly competitive international event.
Statewide Recognition:
This past weekend, the Florida Music Teachers Association held its annual competitions at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, bringing together top instrumentalists from universities across Florida. In the Senior category, FGCU piano students had sweeping success:
Solo Piano:
First Place – Quang Vo
Alternate (Second Place) – Lam Nguyen
Chopin Prize – Lam Nguyen
Piano Duet:
First Place – Quang Vo & Lam NguyenAlternate – Jameson Moore & Mason Huffman (private students and sons of FGCU professors Dr. Kimberly Sena-Moore and Prof. Tanya Huffman)
These first-place winners will go on to represent Florida against winners from eight other states in the next round.
Additional Recognitions in the Young Artist Category:
Duy Vu – Alternate
Tuan Vu – Honorable Mention
Vu Dang – Honorable Mention
Le Phuong Pham – Honorable Mention
The students excelled in other areas as well. In the Woodwind category, FGCU saxophonist Matthew Johnson received the Alternate award.
Engage Estero congratulates the students and their tutors for continuing to put FGCUG and Estero on the World Stage.
Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to attend the upcoming concerts! Many of these free performances give you the perfect chance to enjoy great music while supporting talented individuals. Your presence can make a significant difference in their experience, helping them navigate the pressures of a competitive environment.
So, grab a friend, come out, and show your encouragement. These events enrich our community and boost the confidence of those performing. Let’s come together and make some noise for the artists who work so hard to share their passion with us!
Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
