Pianist Collin Parker-Szekely

Collin Parker-Szekely, 18, of Abington, PA, is involved in many different musical activities, primarily through his studies in both piano and cello. Collin studies his primary instrument, the piano, with concert pianist and Curtis Institute of Music faculty Michelle Cann. He also takes private cello lessons with Thomas Kraines of the Daedalus Quartet through Settlement Music School, where he has been a multi-year scholarship recipient.

As a pianist, Collin won the overall concerto competition for the Philadelphia International Music Festival, was a featured soloist for both the Bach and Beyond festival and the Menges concerto competition, and was a finalist for the MostArts Festival and Young Pianists Competition.

As part of the Advanced Study Program at Settlement Music School, Collin performs with the Myer Schwartz Piano Trio, semi-finalists for the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and finalists for the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, both in 2024. Collin also participates as a cellist in the Temple Music Prep Center for Gifted Young Musicians program as part of the top-tier Youth Chamber Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. In addition to music, Collin follows sports and has interests in history, philosophy, and social justice.

Collin is the son of Michael Szekely and Courtney Parker and he will attending the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto in the fall.