The 12th Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition gets under way at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings on Thursday February 25 and will run until Saturday March 5. This year’s competition has attracted a record number of entries from talented young pianists from all over the world. This is clear evidence of the competition’s growing international reputation.
Altogether 123 brilliant young musicians from 24 different countries applied to come to Hastings to play live in the competition. That is 50 per cent up on last year.
“This shows that Hastings is really breaking through in the piano competition world,” says Professor Frank Wibaut, the Artistic Director and Chairman of the Judges. “It is becoming an important event not just in this country but around the world.”
From the twelve semi-finalists, six will be chosen to go through to the final, when they will play the concerto of their choice with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, over two consecutive evenings, Friday 4 and Saturday 5 March. Three will play each night.
The six semi-finalists who do not go through to the final will have the chance to take part in a Masterclass with distinguished members of the enlarged International Jury.
This is one of the highlights of the competition because it gives a real insight into how pianists at this very high level can be helped to develop. It will take place in the Recital Room at Fairlight Hall on Thursday 3 March.
All stages of the competition except for the Masterclass will take place at the White Rock Theatre and will be open to the public. Tickets are now available from the White Rock Theatre on 01424 462288 or at www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk.
Tickets for the Masterclass can be obtained from www.hastingsconcertocompetition.co.uk or from Hastings Tourist Information Centre on 01424 451111. [Source: HIPCC]
Photo: HIPCC