Gorden Cheng, 35
Systems engineer
San Diego, California
United States

An information technology and network security executive, Gorden Cheng received a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2003 from the University of Texas at Dallas, and worked at two Dallas-area computer companies until 2004 before relocating to Southern California. He has taken private piano lessons for years, and the practice has netted results: From 2011–2015, he placed in amateur competitions in Paris (2011), Chicago (2012), Colorado Springs (2012), Warsaw (2012), Washington, D.C. (2012), and Boston (2015). Currently head of technology operations for eMolecules, Inc., Mr. Cheng calls himself a computer nerd and Internet plumber. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and is a huge fan of FC Barcelona and UFC.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

Preliminary Round
SCHUMANN   Variations on the Name “Abegg,” op. 1
BRAHMS   Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G Minor, WoO 1

Quarterfinal Round
RAVEL   Jeux d’eau
CHOPIN   Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, op. 22

Semifinal Round
PROKOFIEV   “Young Juliet;” “Mercutio;” and “Montagues and Capulets” from Romeo and Juliet, op. 75
STRAVINSKY   Trois Mouvements de Petrouchka

Final Round
MOZART   Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271 (“Jeunhomme”): III. Rondo (presto)