Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Piano - Crescendo Piano Trophy

Donated By: Cora B. Ahrens, Stratford
First Presented: 1944
Criteria: Excellent Achievement in Piano - Preparatory / Beginner, Primary Elementary Levels Level

Cora B. Ahrens was hailed as "one of Stratford's most outstanding citizens in the field of music". She was a highly regarded teacher of piano who had a studio at 28 North Waterloo St. She also had a studio in her house on Hibernia St. She was much in demand as a lecturer and this role took her to every major city across Canada. Ms. Ahrens also wrote several books in the field of teaching music theory and piano.

Cora B. Ahrens is credited with co-founding the Perth County Music Festival along with W. B. Rothwell. In 1926, she was the President of the Perth County Music Teachers' Federation. When W. B. Rothwell approached this body to consider establishing this Festival, Cora agreed and said, "Why not make Stratford the most musical city in Ontario?".

Cora was a tower of strength in the institution and ongoing support of the Festival throughout the next four decades, both as a member of the Perth County Music Teachers' Federation (later the Stratford Music Teachers' Association) and in various roles on the Executive of the Festival.

Winners

2025Daisuke Faigaux
2024Connor Lu
2023Matthew Olsen

Eligible Classes

20000 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List A - Piano Solo List A Level 1View
20001 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List A - Piano Solo List A Level 2View
20002 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List A - Piano Solo List A Level 3View
20010 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List B - Piano Solo List B Level 1View
20011 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List B - Piano Solo List B Level 2View
20012 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List B - Piano Solo List B Level 3View
20020 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List C - Piano Solo List C Level 1View
20021 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List C - Piano Solo List C Level 2View
20022 - Piano Classical (Junior) - List C - Piano Solo List C Level 3View
20030 - Piano Classical (Junior) - Études - Piano Solo Études Level 1View
20031 - Piano Classical (Junior) - Études - Piano Solo Études Level 2View
20032 - Piano Classical (Junior) - Études - Piano Solo Études Level 3View
20050 - Piano Classical (Junior) - Recital - Piano Recital PreparatoryView
20051 - Piano Classical (Junior) - Recital - Piano Recital Level 1 - 5View
20070 - Piano Classical (Junior) - Concerto - Piano Concerto Preparatory - Level 3View