Stephen Stouder, 59
Healthcare executive
Apple Valley, Minnesota
United States

Stephen Stouder grew up performing music as a cellist, singer, and pianist. He began college as the principal cellist of the William and Mary College Community Orchestra, before transferring to the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied under Julio Esteban and Edward Polochick, among others. Mr. Stouder graduated in a class of 10 student-pianists from Peabody and received his diploma from Leonard Bernstein in 1980. Currently, he studies with Julia Elkina and performs regularly at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. A return competitor from 2011, Mr. Stouder, a benefits consultant from Apple Valley, calls the competition “the greatest show on earth.” His diverse list of hobbies includes reading, traveling, golfing, and supporting the World Wildlife Fund.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

Preliminary Round
BRAHMS   Intermezzo in B Minor, op. 119, no. 1
LISZT   Transcendental Etude No. 8 in C Minor “Wild Jagd”

Quarterfinal Round
BEETHOVEN   Sonata No. 22 in F Major, op. 54
RAVEL   “Alborada del gracioso” from Miroirs

Semifinal Round
BEETHOVEN   Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, op. 90
CHOPIN   Fantaisie in F Minor, op. 49

Final Round
BEETHOVEN   Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, op. 37: I. Allegro con brio