“In late September, pianist Drew Petersen began his two-year residency at the University of Indianapolis, part of his award as first place winner of the 2017 American Pianists Association competition, with a recital that put to rest any questions about why he was chosen. The 23-year old virtuoso tackled a range of challenging works from across the 20th century’s classical stylebook, from Charles Griffes’ impressionistic Fantasy Pieces to Elliott Carter’s rigorous and thorny Piano Sonata. Pulling it off took not only technical chops, but also a good deal of mental fortitude. If the task was arduous, though, it didn’t show. This early spirit of inquiry and inventiveness, as his concert demonstrated, continues to set him [Drew] apart.”
…Stuart Isacoff, Musical America