Teen Pianist Performs at Ossie Davis Theater

Piano child prodigy Phuong Nghi Pham, just 15, captivated audiences at the Ossie Davis Theater of the Sunday by expertly performing classical music.

Pham traveled from her home in Dorchester, Mass., to play in front of an enthusiastic audience. The free recital at the library was co-sponsored by The Max Reger Foundation of America, a nonprofit music foundation dedicated to helping musicians develop skills and fulfill dreams by providing performance opportunities and assistance with pre-college education. 

“The piano is excellent, and the audience is really welcoming. That is really the best part,” Pham said about performing in New Rochelle. 

“It is almost something innocent, just very beautifully done,” said New Rochelle resident Vera Broderick.

Following her performance, Pham answered questions from the audience, revealing that she typically practices about two hours each day, but that depends on how much homework she has that night. 

When asked how her hands felt Pham replied, “Warmed up.” Another audience member asked, “Then won’t you play again?” 

The pianist obliged by playing a piece titled Dance of the Gnomes.

New Rochelle residents from the Willow Towers Senior Assisted Living Center attended the recital and were impressed with Pham’s talent and the glowing warmth of her smile. 

“It’s just remarkable that she played all those pieces without [sheet music],” said Ethel Cohen, a Willow Towers resident and self proclaimed music lover. “We come [to the library] whenever there is a program we like.”

Pham was MRFA’s first recipient of the John C. Holtz Ambassador Award.

Ericka Guerrero, MRFA chief of staff, watched Pham progress over the years as she worked with the foundation.

“She has really matured, I mean, it’s just amazing. We get to see her once a year and it’s not enough. She really is excelling, She’s doing a phenomenal job. She’s very focused,” said Guerrero. “The perfect student that the foundation just enjoys sponsoring.”

Pham began playing the keyboard in her kindergarten music class. Her teacher noticed she had natural talent and suggested she move up to the more challenging piano.

Pham has since competed many times. She won her first prize in the Yamaha Cup in Vietnam. She was also recognized with the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award in 2010 and performed on the National Public Radio program From the Top.

The young artist attends the Boston Latin school where she said she excels academically during the week, while attending the full certificate program at the New England Conservatory on Saturdays.

“I would like to become a very established pianist,” Pham said. But she also wishes to study other subjects. “A lot of things interest me right now so it is really hard to focus, but I guess I like biology,” she said.