We’re entering our keyboard era with the first of two double-piano episodes as we welcome pianists Ayana Fridkin and Nikki Jian to the studio. Ayana and Nikki will perform live on air with programmes including works by Tchaikovsky, Grainger, Bowman, and Chopin before receiving feedback from our mentors. Keep reading to learn more.
Pianist Ayana Fridkin
Photo credit: Daniel Spellman
Ayana Fridkin is a 13-year-old triple treat: a pianist, a singer and a coding whiz. She started playing the piano at the age of four, and by the time she was 11, she had achieved AMEB AMusA piano with distinction. She is also a talented singer, and in 2023, she achieved Rockschool Vocals Grade 7. Ayana is also a gifted performer. When she takes the stage, she has a way of connecting with the audience on a deep emotional level. She is able to use her music to share her feelings and emotions with others in a way that words cannot. Ayana studies piano with Dr Tamara Smolyar and singing with Dr Ian Nisbet. Ayana has won numerous awards for her musical talent, including the Community Bank Pinewood Scholarship(1st prize for U21) at Monash Youth Music Festival, 1st prize for contemporary vocal solo open section at Boroondara Eisteddfod, 2nd prize for piano solo open section at Boroondara Eisteddfod, 3rd prize for the Hephzibah Menuhin Memorial Awards(U25) by the Musical Society of Victoria, 3rd prize for open musical theatre section at Ringwood Eisteddfod, and 3rd prize for singing at Knox Factor. In 2022, she gave live radio recitals on 3MBS the Talent and 3MBS Morning Recital.
In addition to her musical talents, Ayana is also a talented coder. She has received gold certificates for the Australian Informatics Olympiad for the last three years. Ayana is a true triple treat, and she is sure to have a bright future in piano, singing and coding. She is an inspiration, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
Ayana will perform:
- P.I.Tchaikovsky: Dumka
- P.Grainger: Colonial Song
Pianist Nikki Jian
Photo credit: Daniel Spellman
Nikki is 14 years old and started learning the piano at 4. She achieved Amusa at 9 years old, and was awarded Lmusa with distinction at 11 years old. Nikki won the 2021 Ringwood Eisteddfod Instrumental Open Final, and the Ringwood Open Piano Sessions in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, she was invited to perform her solo repertoire at the Albury Music Chamber Festival and awarded 1st prize for the Kings Peak International Competition. Nikki was selected for the first round of the 4th International Hans von Bülow Competition in Germany this year.
Nikki is currently studying with Kenji Fujimura. One of Nikki’s favourite composers is Frederic Chopin, as his works are highly expressive. This year, she is expanding her repertoire by exploring different composers and a larger variety of music styles. Nikki hopes to continue her passion for music and become a concert pianist in the future.
Nikki will perform:
- C.Bowman: Little Prelude after the Master
- F.Chopin: Ballade no.1 Op. 23 in G minor
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