Sean Kennard, an Artist Certificate student of Enrique Graf at the College of Charleston’s School of the Arts, won First Prize in the XXXIV “Dr. Luis Sigall” International Piano Competition. The event took place in Viña del Mar, Chile, November 3-10, 2007. The competition is the only one in Latin America that is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. Kennard received $10,000, a medal and 2008 engagements with the National Symphony of Chile in Santiago and at the Frutillar Summer Festival, plus recitals in several cities throughout Chile. He was also awarded the prize for “Best Interpretation of the Required Piece” written by Chilean composer Jorge Pepi.

Nineteen pianists from fourteen countries had been pre-selected to participate in the three-round competition, which culminated on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2007 at the Municipal Theatre of Viña del Mar. On that occasion three finalists performed one of two concertos for piano and orchestra selected by the contestants and the jury two days prior.