WC NEWS

Weatherford College welcomes back Carter Johnson, winner of the 2023 Weatherford College International Piano Competition, for a recital on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Alkek Fine Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public. 

Johnson has continued to impress audiences worldwide since his WCIPC win. Most recently, he was a finalist at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, earning acclaim for his imaginative and emotionally resonant performances. 

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Weatherford for this recital,” Johnson said. “This will be my third time at the college since the WC International Piano Competition in 2023, and I’m grateful to the competition, and its director Dr. Hyeyoung Song, for their support and partnership. I also continue to be impressed every year with the competition’s rapid growth in reputation.” 

The recital program will feature works by Ravel, Prokofiev, Schumann and Hanna Kulenty, a living Polish composer. The first half includes short pieces inspired by jazz, including Kulenty’s fully-composed version of a live jazz improvisation. The second half will showcase Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze, a masterwork composed of 18 contrasting miniatures described by Johnson as “daring, humorous, passionately romantic, and ultimately poignant.” 

“We’re delighted to welcome Carter Johnson back to the Weatherford College campus,” Song said. “The mission of WCIPC is to be a meaningful steppingstone in the artistic journey of every pianist who comes to us — supporting their growth, whether or not they win a prize. Thank you to everyone who has supported the WCIPC, and please join us in celebrating the joy of music.” 

Johnson’s upcoming engagements include performances in the United States, France and Canada. Between concerts, he resides in Connecticut with his wife and two sons, enjoying gardening, nature, film, and cooking.