2026 Adjudicators 

2025 Adjudicators 

GEMS Piano Competition 2025 

Dates: May 15–17, 2025
Location:

• Stephens Performing Arts Center
  1002 Sam Nixon Dr, Pocatello, ID 83201
  
  

• Annual ISU Piano Sale
  May 16-17th:  open to the public. 

May 14-15th; by appointment. Call 208-524-0127 or visit isupianosale.com
Stephens Performing Arts Center
The ISU/Piano Gallery Piano Sale offers deeply discounted pricing on new and used pianos. Largest piano sale in Mountain West. 

• GEMS 2025 Opening; Daytime Concert

Looking for something inspiring and family-friendly this May?

Join us for a special Daytime Concert presented by KIND Conservatory, featuring six imaginative new works by the University of Utah Composers Collective! This one-hour performance is the perfect introduction to live music for young listeners—engaging, creative, and performed by a professional ensemble.

Thursday, May 15 | 3:30–4:30 PM
Jensen Hall, Stephens Performing Arts Center
Free admission | All ages welcome

Give your child the chance to experience something extraordinary—and maybe even spark a lifelong love of music!

• Young Artist Competition
  May 15 | 6:00 PM
  Stephens Performing Arts Center – Jensen Hall
  An adjudicated event showcasing talented collegiate (19-25) pianists from Idaho. Audience members are welcome to attend and support these emerging artists.​
  
  
  

• Master Class with Dr. Vedrana Subotic
  May 16 | 10:00 AM
  Stephens Performing Arts Center – Jensen Hall
  Internationally acclaimed pianist and educator Dr. Vedrana Subotić will conduct an open master class with selected participants. This session offers a unique opportunity to observe high-level teaching and musical interpretation. Free and open to the public.​

• GEMS Fundraising Recital – Dr. Vladislav Kosminov (piano)

  May 16 | 7:30–9:00 PM

  Stephens Performing Arts Center

  1002 Sam Nixon Dr, Pocatello, ID 83201

A powerful evening of works by Rachmaninov, Ginastera, and Balakirev performed by internationally recognized pianist Dr. Vladislav  Kosminov. Admission is free; donations support the GEMS Competition. Stephens Performing Arts Center – Jensen Hall

• GEMS Pre-College Piano Preliminary Rounds (closed to the public)
  May 16 | 3:00–7:00 PM
  Stephens Performing Arts Center – Jensen Hall, Bistiline and Black Box Theater

• May 17 | 10:00–2:00 PM
  Stephens Performing Arts Center – Jensen Hall, Bistiline and Black Box Theater

• GEMS Piano Competition Finals
  May 17 | 3:00–9:00 PM
  Stephens Performing Arts Center – Jensen Hall
  Finalists from the 2025 GEMS Piano Competition will perform in the concluding rounds. Join us for an afternoon and evening of exceptional performances celebrating dedication and artistry.​

• 3:00 PM  Primary, Elementary, Intermediate 1

4:30 PM Award Ceremony

6:30 PM  Intermediate 2, Advanced 1, 2

9:00 PM Award Ceremony

Adjudicators’ Biographies

Dr. Vedrana Subotić

Dr. Vedrana Subotić is a Serbian-Croatian-American pianist recognized internationally for her dynamic performances and pedagogical expertise. She serves as an Professorof Music at the University of Utah and is the President and Music Director of INTERMEZZO. Dr. Subotić has performed extensively across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, collaborating with renowned musicians and orchestras. Her dedication to music education is evident through her numerous master classes and lectures worldwide. 

Dr. Karali Hunter

Dr. Karali Hunter is an award-winning pianist and educator based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the Owner and Founder of Hammer & Strings Conservatory and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across the United States and internationally. Dr. Hunter made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2011 after winning first prize in the American Protégé Piano and Strings Competition. She is highly regarded for her innovative teaching methods and commitment to nurturing young musicians. ​

Dr. Vladislav Kosminov

Dr. Vladislav Kosminov, originally from Uzbekistan, is the winner of the 2021 ASU School of Music Concerto Competition. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at Arizona State University under Dr. Baruch Meir. Dr. Kosminov has performed with ensembles such as the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and the National Symphony of Uzbekistan. He has been featured in Portland Piano International’s "Rising Star" series and is a prizewinner of several competitions, including the Rubinstein and Gershwin International Piano Competitions.​

GEMS 2025 Piano Competition Fundraising Recital

Featuring Dr. Vladislav Kosminov
May 16 | 7:30–9:00 PM
Stephens Performing Arts Center
1002 Sam Nixon Dr, Pocatello, ID 83201

Presented by the KIND Conservatory in collaboration with the Idaho State University Music Department

About the KIND Conservatory

The KIND Conservatory (Knowledge, Innovation, Nurturing, and Dedication) is a nonprofit music education organization based in Pocatello, Idaho. Our mission is to make high-quality music education accessible to students across southeastern Idaho, regardless of financial background. We provide private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities—including the annual GEMS Piano Competition—for over 60 students from seven counties. Learn more: www.kindconservatory.org 

Event Overview

Join us for a special recital by Dr. Vladislav Kosminov, an accomplished concert pianist as he performs a powerful program featuring works by Rachmaninov, Ginastera, and Balakirev.

This recital supports the GEMS Piano Competition (www.gemscompetition.org), an educational initiative providing valuable performance opportunities for young pianists throughout  Idaho.

Admission is free | Donations accepted (www.kindconservatory.org)
All proceeds go toward competition expenses and student awards.

Program

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873–1943)
Preludes:

• Op. 32 No. 12 in G-sharp minor

• Op. 23 No. 4 in D major

• Op. 32 No. 5 in G major

• Op. 23 No. 1 in F-sharp minor

• Op. 32 No. 10 in B minor

• Op. 23 No. 5 in G minor

Elegy in E-flat minor, Op. 3 No. 1
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (arr. Zoltán Kocsis)

Alberto Ginastera (1916–1983)
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2
I. Danza del Viejo Boyero
II. Danza de la Moza Donosa
III. Danza del Gaucho Matrero

Mily Balakirev (1837–1910)
Islamey: Oriental Fantasy

About the Artist

Dr. Vladislav Kosminov, a native of Uzbekistan, is the winner of the 2021 ASU School of Music Concerto Competition. He recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at Arizona State University, studying under Dr. Baruch Meir.

Dr. Kosminov made his U.S. debut in 2013 as winner of the Lynn Concerto Competition, performing Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 under Maestro Guillermo Figueroa. In 2015, he made his California debut with Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 alongside the Redlands Symphony, a performance described as “liquid gold in intricate patterns” (Redlands Daily Facts).

His recent appearances include performances with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and the National Symphony of Uzbekistan. He was also featured in Portland Piano International’s "Rising Star" series and is a prizewinner of numerous competitions including the Rubinstein and Gershwin International Piano Competitions.

Acknowledgments

The GEMS Piano Competition and tonight’s event are made possible through the generous support of:

• F.M., Anne G., and Beverly B. Bistline Foundation

• Portneuf Medical Center

• DW Investors

• Dakota Worrell and Hannah Green

• Bricks and More, LLC

• Denis and Kathleen Clijsters

• Willard Charitable Foundation, Inc.

• Pocatello Arts Council

• ISU Music Department and Dr. Kori Bond

• Mark Neiwirth and Musicians West, Inc.