Sara Hamann, Piano

Biography

Heralded as "having the eloquence and ability to maintain their audience under their powers" by L'Impartial, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Amy and Sara Hamann, in just a few years, have won international recognition, captivating audiences and critics alike wherever they appear.

Amy and Sara are the first American Piano Duo to win the Absolute First Prize in the Fryderck Chopin Concorso Pianistico Internazionale, held in Rome, Italy. Amy and Sara are also the youngest First Prize winners in the history of the National Federation of Music Ellis Competition for Duo-Pianists. In addition to winning the First Prize, Amy and Sara were awarded the Lucile Parrish Ward Award for the best performance of American music. The sisters are also winners of the 2005-06 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Performing Musicians administered by MacPhail Center for Music.

As winners of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies' Concerto Competition, Amy and Sara made their professional debut at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, MN. Their broad range of repertoire and versatility in playing period and modern instruments has led them to be featured artists at the Chautauqua Institution, the Quebec International Duo-Piano Festival, as well as the Reding-Piette Two-Piano Festival in Switzerland. Frequently, Amy and Sara's performances have been broadcast on national and international television and radio, including NPR's Performance Today.

Under the tutelage of Alexander Braginsky, the sisters have been enjoying a busy season of recording and concertizing. Highlights from next season include a classical music video project, as well as recital, concerto and festival appearances throughout the United States and Europe.