NEWARK, N.J. – A Carnegie Hall performance is the crowning achievement of many musicians' careers. This Memorial Day weekend, two young pianists studying at the Newark School of the Arts (NSA) will have a chance to ignite their careers at the legendary venue. 

Angela Ryu, 17, of Rutherford, and Melanie Hofbauer, 17, of Woodcliff Lake, were both awarded gold medals in a nationwide competition held last month by the Piano Teachers Society of America (PTSA). Ryu was the winner of the Composer's Choice competition for her performance of Nocturne in C-sharp minor opus posthumous by Chopin; Hofbauer won the Russell E. Lanning competition with her rendition of Bach's Three-Part Sinfonia in G minor.

The girls will give their winning recitals at 1:30 p.m. on May 28 in the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as part of the PTSA's 31st Annual Spring Piano Festival.

In addition to being accomplished musicians, both young women are very engaged in their communities.

Ryu, a Junior at Bergen Academies in Hackensack, is co-president of Interact, the high school branch of the Rotary Club. She sings in her school choir, films and edits school events and productions, and volunteers through her High School with Amnesty International. She is also an EMT and visits a local nursing home once a month to play piano for the residents.

Hofbauer, the eldest of six children, began playing piano at age six. When not studying or practicing her music, she performs Shakespeare with a community theater company, sings in a local choir, and volunteers her time at a major area hospital. Hofbauer is home-schooled and will be completing her high school education this spring. In the fall, she will begin her studies at Christendom College in Virginia where she will pursue a degree in the Liberal Arts.

Both young women study piano at NSA under Dr. Karina Bruk. Ryu has been Bruk's student for seven years; Hofbauer for two.

"I am ecstatic that two of my students will be performing at this prestigious event," Bruk said. "Both of these young ladies have grown tremendously since I first began teaching them. In the time I have known them they have matured from novices into fine young musicians."

Ryu said she initially began playing piano to emulate her older sister, a former student of Bruk's, but soon realized she was quite talented in her own right.

"My sister played Carnegie three or four times when she was a student," Ryu said. "I wasn't sure I'd ever get that chance. I've auditioned for this opportunity for the last five years, but this is the first year I won. I'm just so honored. It's an unbelievable opportunity—so many legends have performed at Carnegie Hall. It's amazing to play on the same stage they did."

Hofbauer said she is thrilled to be playing at Carnegie Hall. "I had no expectations. I entered the competition just for the experience of competing. I still can't believe I won," she said. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity. I need to express my gratitude to NSA and Dr. Bruk. She played a huge role in my career as a pianist. I owe this wonderful opportunity to her."

Bruk said students like Ryu and Hofbauer are the reason the teaching profession is so rewarding.

"When I met Angela she was just a little girl" said Bruk, "but her outgoing personality, extreme maturity and amazing musical talent absolutely blew me away. She continues to amaze me in every lesson."

"With Melanie, I wish I had had the honor of teaching her longer," Bruk said. "She is a lovely young woman, both inside and out. And that beauty shines through in her music. When Melanie plays you can feel her heart and soul. She has been an absolute pleasure to have as a student."

Hofbauer said she intends to continue her involvement in music and acting as a hobby; however, she ultimately would like to attend medical school and become a physician.

Ryu said she will also continue to play piano, but, like Hofbauer, her long-term goal is to become a doctor. After High School, she looks forward to attending a liberal arts college to pursue a degree in science or humanities with a focus on pre-med studies.

"This is what the Newark School of the Arts is about—nurturing and developing the next generation of young talent," said Dara Falco, Executive Director of the school. "It is amazing to see how far students like Melanie or Angela have progressed since they first came to us. It's gratifying to know we were able to give them the tools they need to succeed, not just in music, but in life."

Bruk said both girls possess the talent and the work ethic to succeed in anything they do. "They both could make it as professional musicians if they chose to do so. They have that kind of passion and ability," she said. "I expect great things from these young women. They truly are shining stars."