Emerging Young Artist - Alex Merpaw

Program: Chopin: - Mazurka Op. 59 No.1 - Scherzo Op. 39 No. 3 - Etude Op. 10 No. 1 - Etude Op. 25 No.5 - Nocturne Op. 48 No.1 - Ballade No. 3 Op. 47

Intermission

Chopin - Sonata No. 2 Op.35 Scriabin - Sonata No. 5 Op. 53

Alexander Merpaw began playing piano at the age of three under the teaching of his mother, Martina Merpaw, who received her master’s degree in organ performance and church music from the University of Western. He now studies at the University of Ottawa with David Jalbert (where he also studied for a short time with Carson Becke).

Amongst Alexander’s many concerts and accolades are the first prize at the University of Ottawa concerto competition (allowing him to perform the Chopin e minor piano concerto with the University of Ottawa symphony orchestra), second prize in his category in the Canadian Music competition, competing in the quarterfinals of the New Tang Dynasty international piano competition in New York, solo and chamber recitals at the Ottawa National Arts Center, and solo concerts at the DOMS concert series in Ottawa.

Alexander also won alternate first place in the Hill international concerto competition and the 2024 recipient of the Nicole Senécal emerging artist grant allowing him to make his solo recital debut with the Ottawa ChamberFest. Other notable experiences include performances at the Gilles-Lefebvre Concert Hall at Orford Musique and studying with pianists Andre Laplante and Kevin Kenner during his past residencies at the Orford Musique summer academy. Masterclasses include performances for Charles-Richard Hamelin, Andre Laplante, and Jamie Parker.