AAPF Spring 2024 Concert Performers

An international performer and recording artist, Dr. John Cobb did post-doctoral study with legendary pianist Claudio Arrau. The New York Times praised his "solid technique, bronze tone and flexibility of interpretive style." While completing a Doctor of Music degree at Northwestern University, Dr. Cobb held a fellowship at the University of Chicago, where he pursued doctoral studies in musicology. He performs a broad repertoire of solo and chamber music, is a frequent performer on the Piano Forte series at the Asheville Art Museum and appeared as soloist with the Asheville Symphony, performing the Samuel Barber Piano Concerto. Dr. Cobb frequently serves as an adjudicator for competitions and music festivals.

Dr. Leslie Downs is active as both a solo and collaborative pianist. He has performed in solo, lieder, chamber and choral concerts throughout the United States and in Canada. A versatile artist, Dr. Downs enjoys playing many styles of music. His affinity for Spanish piano music led to an extensive study of the dances of Spain for his dissertation, Spanish Dances and the Piano Music of Albéniz, Granados, Falla, Turina, and Mompou. For 16 years he worked as a freelance pianist/teacher/vocal coach in New York City. He currently serves as the Music Director for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville and maintains a private teaching studio. He holds degrees from Centenary College of Louisiana, Yale University, and University of Oklahoma.

Born in Minsk, Belarus, Yelena’s musical journey began at an early age. As her passion for music grew, she decided to further her education in piano performance. Seeking out renowned instructors, Yelena eventually found her way to the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she had the opportunity to study under the guidance of Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim. Under Dr. Kim's tutelage, Yelena honed her technique, refined her musicality, and expanded her repertoire. While studying, she performed at various local venues, including concert halls, recital rooms, and even community events. Alongside her own performance career, she also pursued a passion for teaching. Recognizing the importance of passing on her knowledge and nurturing the talent of future generations, she began offering piano lessons to aspiring musicians. Yelena derives great joy from watching her students progress and develop their own musical voices. Nicole Lopez is an avid amateur pianist obsessed with exploring works by systematically neglected composers, like the women and people of color excluded from the classical music canon. She is particularly inspired by Chiquinha Gonzaga, the first woman conductor in Brazil, first pianist of the Brazilian genre Choro, and abolitionist who used her concerts to champion the abolition of slavery in Brazil. Nicole tries to be like Chinquinha and focuses her piano performance on raising funds and awareness of liberation struggles. When she’s not playing piano, Nicole builds tech for abortion access with Midwest Access Coalition and Techies for Reproductive Justice.

Andrew Ning is a sophomore at Riverside High School in Greer, SC. Guided by his teacher,Lisa Kiser, he enjoys participating in piano competitions at regional, state, and national levels.He has taken part in both the solo and concerto categories and has accumulated many achievements throughout his ten-year journey. Some recent achievements are that he was a national finalist in the 2022 Hayes Piano Competition and that won 1st place in the 2023 SCMTA Auditions (Division III, Solo Category, Piano). Andrew also contributes to the ensemble's musical endeavors. He is the principal keyboardist/pianist of the Young Artist Orchestra (YAO) in Greenville, SC, and plays trumpet for his school’s Concert Band. He has performed in many recitals for a local nursing home, and is a former Greenville Symphony Student Ambassador. Additionally, he passed the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory Exam with distinction. Beyond the realm of music, Andrew engages in other interesting activities. He has been swimming competitively year-round for eleven years while being a part of his high school state team. He participates in math competitions, and is the president of the Chess Club at his school. Andrew's diverse interests and efforts make him a well-rounded individual, showcasing a balanced blend of musical and non-musical pursuits.

Karen Boyd Bio Karen Boyd graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory (B.M.), West Chester University (M.M.), and did post-grad studies at Rutgers University. She is a founding member of AAPF, and is its president for 2023-24. With fifty years of teaching experience, her students have won competitions and many have continued music study at major universities. As a performer Karen played in chamber music ensembles and accompanied many choral groups. She loves playing piano duets and two piano music. Karen is also a member of NCMTA. Wayne Smith Bio Wayne Smith relocated to Asheville in 2016 after an active musical life in Kansas City, Missouri, as a church musician, performer and teacher. He has served many churches in and around Asheville as a substitute/interim organist and is now the permanent organist at St. James Episcopal Church in Black Mountain. He is an active member of the Asheville Area Piano Forum and served on the board of directors while chairing their annual benefit concerts. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has been piano soloist with orchestras including the Tulsa Philharmonic and the Dallas Symphony. Other performances include a recital at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, and a solo recital for former First Lady, Betty Ford.