The prestigious Carnegie Hall recently showcased winners of the American Protégé young musicians’ competition from around the globe, and among them was the talented young pianist, Brent Cataneo Amado. Participants were required to perform the exact piece they submitted in their audition video, matching the timings, tempo, and rhythm precisely to avoid disqualification. Brent’s flawless rendition of Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca” left the audience, including parents and other guests, in awe, especially given his young age.
Before his performance, Brent, a Bahrain-based student, rehearsed diligently and visited The Juilliard School, the world’s most prestigious music school. He familiarized himself with the Carnegie Hall venue and proudly displayed the flags of Bahrain and the Philippines. After his stunning performance, Brent enjoyed a memorable holiday, exploring famous attractions in New York and Washington, D.C. He cruised around Liberty Island, marveled at the Statue of Liberty, and stayed in the vibrant Times Square area. His sightseeing included the New Oculus World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, American Museum of Natural History, Edge Observation Deck, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Financial District, and the Empire State Building.
Brent’s journey continued with a train trip to Washington, where he explored landmarks such as the White House, US Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Air and Space Museum, Modern Art Museum, Asian Art Museum, and George Washington University. Despite these grand adventures, Brent fondly recalled his most cherished experience: visiting the largest Lego Store in New York and purchasing a Lego architectural statue of Liberty.
Brent, who began his musical journey at six, has already achieved remarkable success, including a bronze award in the World Classical Music Awards and a gold medal in the Gulf Musician Idol 2022. His performance at Carnegie Hall marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Filipino child to debut solo at the iconic venue. Balancing music with art, sports, and studies, Brent continues to excel, supported by his dedicated mother and disciplined routine.