Lulwa Al Shamlan (mba ' 23, MM ’25) is a first-year master student studying classical piano under the tutelage of Marc Silverman. A winner of the 2023 Dora Zaslavsky Koch Concerto Competition, Lulwa performed the featured piano solo with the MSM Symphony Orchestra this past September.
She speaks with us about her time at MSM, her advice for prospective piano students, 和 her favorite MSM experience so far.
关于lulwa al shamlan
Lulwa Al Shamlan is a Kuwaiti-保加利亚n pianist 和 has performed in various venues across Europe, 美国, Central Asia 和 the Middle East. Some notable performances include her appearance as a soloist with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra 和 the Uzbekistan State Symphony Orchestra. Lulwa has also given solo recitals at the House of 钢琴s in Dubai, Dar Al Athar Cultural Centre in Kuwait, 和 performances at Zankel 和 Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as well as the Chamber Hall in Sofia, 保加利亚. At the age of eight, Lulwa was accepted into Wells Cathedral School, a specialized music
school in the UK where she graduated from in 2019. She then went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music with Dr. Marc Silverman where she completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Classical 钢琴 in May 2023. Lulwa is currently continuing her studies at MSM 和 is in her first year of the Master of Music program.
What advice do you have for anyone auditioning for the MSM piano department?
Lulwa: My advice for anyone auditioning for the MSM piano department would be to choose repertoire that you enjoy playing the most 和 shows your potential because the faculty mainly want to see your passion 和 your interest to take your ability to the next level. Since you can choose what piece you would like to start with, definitely choose the piece you feel most comfortable with so you can relax on stage.
What is your most memorable MSM experience?
Lulwa: My most memorable experience while at MSM was when I performed Grażyna Bacewicz’s 钢琴 Concerto this past September with the MSM Symphony Orchestra 和 Maestro Manahan. This was certainly an unforgettable moment for me especially because it felt like home to be able to perform alongside my friends. I am grateful to have had this opportunity 和 I am glad I was able to showcase a female composer as well as a concerto that is lesser known.
男同性恋交响乐团
性能剪辑
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)
钢琴协奏曲, 非常快速的
When you’re not in class or practicing, what do you like to do for fun?
Lulwa: When I am not in class or practicing, I love exploring new areas 和 places in New York, there is never a dull moment. 天气好的时候, I enjoy walks around my neighborhood 和 going to coffee shops 和 restaurants. I would highly recommend the Hungarian Pastry Shop which is also close to MSM. 在纽约, you meet people from all over the world 和 this is one of the best things about New York. My friends come from many different places 和 hanging out is so much fun because we find out things we did not know before about other cities 和 countries.
Who is your favorite composer to play 和 why?
Lulwa: I would say my favorite composer at the moment is Pancho Vladigerov who is a 保加利亚n composer. I love how his music combines 保加利亚n folk with a post-Romantic style 和 since he was also a pianist, he composes so well for the instrument. I think it is important for musicians to play music that we connect with. MSM especially encourages us to learn repertoire from our own backgrounds so another reason I enjoy performing Vladigerov’s music is because I am able to share a part of my culture with the audience.
Pictured (L to R): George Manahan, Lulwa Al Shamlan, Marc Silverman
