Shaw Festival Announces RAGTIME Pianist Search Winner

The Shaw Festival is proud to announce the winner of its highly successful online contest, Get Ready to Rag! Twenty-four year old pianist Lee Cohen was selected for his energetic and skilful rendition of 'Magnetic Rag'. Contest judge Paul Sportelli said of Cohen's performance, "Lee is a terrific pianist, and he has a great feel and facility for ragtime. His 'Magnetic Rag' crackles with energy!"

Cohen will perform for a live audience on the opening night of Shaw's new musical production of Ragtime and will receive a Yahama Clavinova digital piano.

Get Ready to Rag! asked aspiring pianists to submit short videos of themselves playing a favourite ragtime composition, and to upload them via Shaw's Facebook page. The submissions were judged by a panel of esteemed judges including Shaw's Artistic Director, Jackie Maxwell, internationally renowned musician Michael Kaeshammer, and Shaw's Music Director, Paul Sportelli. The contest challenged piano players by giving them only three minutes to wow judges. Entrants were judged on talent, enthusiasm and showmanship.

Jim Welter, Piano Sales and Marketing Manager at Yamaha Music Canada Ltd., said, "Yamaha values its long-standing partnership with The Shaw Festival and is, as always, thrilled to support and encourage up-and-coming talent. The Shaw Festival Ragtime contest was a perfect fit and we are delighted to present this year's winner with a Yamaha Clavinova."

The contest helped to kick-off the much anticipated 51st season of The Shaw and introduce the Festival to a new generation of young theatre lovers and musicians. Highly regarded for its fresh and provocative approach to theatre, The Shaw's production of Ragtime highlights the equally stellar talent of the Festival's musicians. Ragtime features some of North America's finest musicians in a 15-piece orchestra playing Stephen Flaherty's powerfully dramatic score.

In addition to its marquee musical production, Ragtime, Shaw's 2012 season boasts a line-up of powerful stories told with humanity and wit. From Carole Fréchette's impressionistic drama Helen's Necklace, to Noel Coward's elegantly uproarious Present Laughter – The Shaw Festival is gearing up for another spectacular season pulsing with energy.