The Chopin Foundation Receives 2020 MTNA Achievement Award
The Chopin Foundation of the United States was recently selected as the recipient of the 2020 MTNA Achievement Award by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Board of Directors. The Chopin Foundation is only the fourth organization to win this coveted award.
This award is the MTNA’s highest honor, only bestowed upon individuals and entities that have made significant and lasting contributions to the music teaching profession. During the past 40-plus years, the Chopin Foundation has become one of the premier organizations that supports young, talented American pianists in their career development. Thousands of young upcoming artists, their teachers, parents, members of the music teaching profession, and organizations like MTNA have benefited from the bold vision and generous philanthropy of Chopin Foundation founder Lady Blanka Rosensteil.
“The $100,000 grand prize, professional management, and the opportunity to compete at the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw is unequaled in any competition in the United States,” said Gary L. Ingle, MTNA executive director and CEO. “At the same time, you continue to further the music of Chopin, the most beloved piano music for performers, listeners, and pedagogues of all levels of instruction.”
The Chopin Foundation will be presented the award during the Awards Brunch at the MTNA National Conference on Wednesday, March 25, in Chicago, Illinois. It is a special occasion, as the awards began in 1990 with the first recipient being a piano-centric organization, the Baldwin Piano and Organ Company. Now, 30 years later, it is fitting that another piano-related organization is the recipient.
“It is such an honor for the Chopin Foundation to receive this important award,” said Chopin Foundation Executive Director Barbara Muze. “I am truly happy that our Founder and President, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and her Foundation are being recognized for the many years of dedication to the important mission of supporting young American pianists.”