For decades, the Pacific
Northwest has been the center of a great musical and artistic
culture. The warm and welcoming music audience of Seattle is one
of the friendliest in the world. Every year the city witnesses
numerous local concert series, music festivals, and
competitions. The Seattle International Piano Festival, and
its annual piano competition, differs from other local events in that
it invites both local and international pianists to share their
talents and diverse musical backgrounds with the eager and
friendly ears of Seattleites. Unique among competitions around
the world, the SIPF piano competition encourages pianists of all
ages to seek his or her personal niche and voice, with the
freedom to select repertoire without specific requirements. We
encourage the exploration of ethnically varied literature,
ranging from the folk-inspired works of Karol Szymanowski to the
contemporary works of living Asian composers.
Aside from the solo piano competition, the festival also features guest
recitals, master classes and lectures presented by world-class
performers. As music is a gift to be cherished and cultivated
among people of all ages and in all times, the 2009 Seattle
International Piano Festival provides musical opportunities for
aspiring pianists, music lovers, and professional musicians.
Youth, piano students of universities and conservatories,
professional pianists and amateur pianists - all are invited to
compete in the annual piano competition to share their original
artistry.
The approachable structure of the festival's annual piano
competition makes it possible for a pianist of any financial
status to apply and participate. Many competitions require the
pianist to travel great distances and live out of a hotel at
great personal expense and risk, not knowing whether one will
survive to the last round. A user-friendly piano competition
such as this provides the pianist a means to participate without
such great cost, knowing that the chances for being awarded a
prize are high if one passes the preliminary round.
The final round of the second annual Seattle International Piano
Festival will take place October 10, 2009 at Illsley Ball Nordstrom
Recital Hall in Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Washington. All
finalists of the 2009 piano competition will have the
opportunity to present their music in this venue - one of the
most beautiful recital halls of the Pacific Northwest. Finalists
will be selected from the preliminary participants to perform
this day based on recording submissions. Numerous cash prizes
and non-cash awards will be distributed among the winners.
We encourage you to participate and hope to see you in
September. Wishing all the best luck and success!
