Debby Pearlberg, 68
Math tutor
Southfield, Michigan
United States

Debby Pearlberg, from Southfield, Michigan, currently studies with 1981 Cliburn Competition Silver Medalist Panayis Lyras and previously studied with Mischa Kottler, pianist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A graduate from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, she worked as a librarian at the New York Public Library and then stayed home full time to raise three children. Since learning about the Cliburn Amateur Competition, Ms. Pearlberg became determined to participate here, and she did just that in 2007. Four years later, she was also accepted into the Competition, but a tendonitis flare-up a few weeks before the event caused her to withdraw. Now, five years later, she is looking forward to performing for her grandchildren at the Competition. A math tutor who is taking some time off from crunching numbers, Ms. Pearlberg enjoys photography, reading, and dog training.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

Preliminary Round
BARBER   Nocturne, op. 33 “Hommage to John Field”
LISZT   Paganini Etude No. 3 in G-sharp Minor (“La Campanella”)

Quarterfinal Round
BACH-BUSONI   Chaconne in D Minor

Semifinal Round
SCHUMANN   Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp Minor, op. 11: I. Introduzione: Un poco adagio–Allegro vivace
BALAKIREV   Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat Minor
POULENC   “Toccata” from Trois piѐces

Final Round
SCHUMANN   Piano Concerto in A Minor, op. 54: I. Allegro affetuoso