KU News Release

KU doctoral student is finalist for prestigious music fellowship

Michael Kirkendoll

LAWRENCE — Michael Kirkendoll, a doctoral student in piano at the University of Kansas, was recently named one of five finalists for the American Pianists Association Classical Fellowship Awards.

Two fellows will be selected in April 2009 at the conclusion of Discovery Week in Indianapolis, home of the pianists organization. Winners receive prizes including a CD recording, two years of management and cash awards valued at $75,000.

“The announcement that Michael has been named an American Pianists Association Classical Fellowship finalist is an extraordinary achievement for him and brings great prestige to the piano program at KU,” said Jack Winerock, professor of piano.

“I am a strong advocate for music of the 20th and 21st centuries,” said Kirkendoll. “Throughout the APA process, I plan to focus on works by living contemporary composers.”

Held every three years in Indianapolis, the Classical Fellowship Awards competition provides finalists opportunities to perform in Indianapolis during the Premiere Series and Discovery Week. In the Premiere Series, each finalist performs with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and participates in a concerto curriculum residency with an Indianapolis high school.

For Premiere Week, Kirkendoll will perform a solo recital on Sept. 21 and “Concerto for Piano and Strings” by Alfred Schnittke with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. The following week, Kirkendoll will present outreach concerts around Indianapolis, including a performance of Bach’s “D Minor Piano Concerto” with a high school orchestra.

During Discovery Week in April 2009, the finalists each play a chamber music recital with a resident quartet, a Lieder recital, and a solo program and will participate in community concerts. During this final week of the competition Kirkendoll will perform Shostakovich’s “Piano Quintet,” various solo recitals and John Corigliano’s “Piano Concerto” with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

The Classical Fellowship Awards competition provides a comprehensive review of the finalists’ musical contributions. At the conclusion of Discovery Week, a panel of international judges will name the two new Classical Fellows. Participation in the Classical Fellowship Awards is by nomination only. A call for nominations is sent out to a select list of worldwide music professionals, and those nominated are asked to submit a taped audition for review. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and be a U.S. citizen.

Kirkendoll is the son of Michael and Nancy Kirkendoll of Andover and a graduate of Andover High School.

At KU, Kirkendoll will perform in a free public recital Thursday, April 10, at 4:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.

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