Entrants from around the world are wanting to win the 2014 Kerikeri International Piano Competition. Photo/Thinkstock
Entrants from around the world are wanting to win the 2014 Kerikeri International Piano Competition. Photo/Thinkstock
A record number of entrants from around the world are vying for a place in the 2014 Kerikeri International Piano Competition to be held over four days from July 3.
The 54 entrants, who are hoping for a share of $30,000 in prize money, hail from Australia, USA, China, Indonesia,Korea, Italy, Russia, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Latvia, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand.
Event organiser John Jackets said the young musicians - entrants must be under 28 as of July 2 - now face an intense period of preparation, both mental and physical, to reach the required standard. "This is not for the faint hearted," he said.
"All music must be performed from memory, a feat in itself. The selection of repertoire must include a major classical sonata, a 35-minute recital and, for the four finalists, a further 50-60 minute recital. The standard of entries is exceptional and the level of technical and musical ability is, at times, quite breathtaking."
The assessors would have a difficult task selecting the 16 entrants to go forward to the competition itself, Mr Jackets said. For the first time this year the competition will be judged by three adjudicators rather than one.
They are Natasha Vlassenko, head of keyboard at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Brisbane; Christopher Elton, Emeritus Professor, Royal Academy of Music, London; and Terence Dennis, William Evans Professor, University of Otago, Dunedin.
The competition started in 1987 and is held every second year at the Turner Centre. The total prize purse is $30,000 with a first prize of $15,000.
Tickets are available at the Turner Centre box office on Cobham Rd, Kerikeri. See www.kipc.org.nz
