Brianna Donaldson, 35
Nonprofit director
Santa Cruz, California
United States

Brianna Donaldson began private piano lessons in 1988, and by the time she finished high school, her dream was to pursue a career as a piano teacher and performer. An injury during college, however, sidelined that goal, so Dr. Donaldson instead forged a career in cognitive psychology. She received her doctorate from Indiana University in 2008. When her husband’s job necessitated a move to Austin, she began studying under Dr. Betty Mallard at the University of Texas. Under Mallard’s tutelage, she realized: “Despite having a full and wonderful life as a working professional, wife, and mother of two young sons, it is the piano that completes me.” To that end, she says she looks forward to meeting other kindred spirits during the Amateur Competition. An avid reader and outdoorswoman, Dr. Donaldson enjoys spending time with her family and giving community concerts.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

Preliminary Round
MEDTNER   “Phrygian Mode” from Fairy Tales, op. 42
MEDTNER   Two Fairy Tales, op. 20

Quarterfinal Round
MOZART   Sonata No. 15 in F Major, K. 533/494: III. Rondo: Allegretto
CHOPIN   Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, op. 52

Semifinal Round
BRAHMS   Intermezzo in A Minor, op. 118, no. 1
BRAHMS   Intermezzo in A Major, op. 118, no. 2
BRAHMS   Intermezzo in E-flat Minor, op. 118, no. 6
BARTÓK   Eight Improvisations on Hungarian Peasant Songs, op. 20

Final Round
MOZART   Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: I. Allegro maestoso