Recognized as a prodigy at a young age, Drew Petersen's life has been immersed in music. When we spoke with Drew last Spring, we learned of some additional interests. In advance of his Premiere Series concert, we learn more about both Drew and his music.

Recognized as a prodigy at a young age, Drew Petersen's life has been immersed in music. When we spoke with him last Spring, we learned of some additional interests. In advance of his Premiere Series concert, we learn more about both Drew and his music.

Summer and Fall have passed since our earlier piece on Drew. Over that time he has continued to travel and perform. 

September brought Drew and the other four 2017 Awards finalists together for the first time at Steinway Hall in New York, where he played La Leggierezza from Three Concert Études by Franz Liszt (a recording of that concert is available here). Later that month after quick trip to Israel to perform at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Drew spent more time getting to know the other finalists in Indianapolis.

Drew's passion for travel and exploring new experiences is well-documented--his timeline on Facebook is flush with pictures of recitals in new places and culinary delights! Fittingly for this piece, he checked in during the return from his first visit to Korea:

Upon arriving back in New York, Drew took an Uber into the city. Ever personable, he learned that his driver was moving to south China, where Drew will be visiting in June. "So now I met a new friend, and I'll probably end up hanging out with him over there. That's how life is--you get what you give," he shared. In this clip shot right after, he shows us a practice room at Juilliard:

 

Back home for the holidays, Drew spent time with family and enjoyed some activities away from the piano. Here he is taking a break from practice by heading out for a run (always tough to film by yourself!):

In the following clips, Drew is joined by his brother Erik:

Here Drew interviews Erik to give viewers the inside scoop on Drew's career:

As mentioned, Drew will be playing Schumann's Humoreske later this month in his Premiere Series performance. In this clip, Drew name drops another piece he will perform in that concert: 

Piano humor!!!

To wrap the interview, Erik tells us why Drew should win the 2017 American Pianists Awards. 

Given Drew's strong bonds with family, warm personality and passion for music and life, it is certain that Erik will have a lot of company on #TeamDrew. We look forward to his return to Indianapolis later this month! 

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Drew Petersen's Premiere Series concert is Sunday, January 29 at the Indiana History Center. As part of the American Pianists Association's community outreach efforts, he will also complete a residency at Pike High School January 30 to February 1. Show your support for him on social media by mentioning #AmericanPianistsAwards #TeamDrew!

 

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