Competitors Chosen for the 6th Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competitions

Forty-two outstanding pianists from around the globe make their way to Tempe, Ariz. in January as the ASU School of Music in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts hosts the 6th Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competitions in collaboration with the Phoenix Symphony, the Arizona Young Artist Committee, and the Arizona Piano Gallery. The public is invited to witness these fantastic young artists from January 6–13, 2013 in a competition that is considered one of the best in the world.

A total of 198 pianists from 31 countries applied to compete. The 42 selected by a screening committee compete in the semi-final and final rounds for prizes including over $50,000 of cash awards, engagements with the Phoenix Symphony, and recital performances in the United States, Austria and Germany for the winners.

Pianists hail from Brazil, China, Korea, Poland, and Russia – to name a few countries – and also come from some of the world’s most prestigious music schools, including: the Juilliard School, the Moscow Conservatory, the Royal College of Music in London, and the Paris Conservatory.

“Our community can experience first-hand the amazing and talented pianists from all across the globe at a top-tier competition,” says Baruch Meir, associate professor of piano in the ASU School of Music and founder, president and artistic director of the competitions.

Legendary pianist Martha Argerich joins the panel of judges this year, an incredible addition to the competition. Argerich, one of the most prominent pianists in the world both in popularity and ability, presents a Gala Recital together with Sergei Babayan and other members of the jury on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Katzin Concert Hall on the ASU Tempe campus. The program features Rachmaninoff’s tempestuous Suite No. 2 and other works for two pianos. This special ticketed concert kicks off the international competition and tickets can be purchased through the Herberger Institute Box Office.

New to the 2013 competition, we are pleased to announce a partnership with the Phoenix Symphony that brings the final round of the Bösendorfer Competition to beautiful Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. The finalists are showcased playing a concerto with The Phoenix Symphony under the baton of Michael Christie. The announcement of winners and the presentation of medals will immediately follow onstage at the conclusion of the performance. The concert takes place Sunday, Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased through the Phoenix Symphony Box Office.

The final round for the Yamaha Senior competition takes place on Friday, Jan. 11, and the final round for the Yamaha Junior competition concludes on Saturday, Jan. 12. These rounds are free and open to the public.

The Winner’s Recital and Awards Ceremony for the 6th Yamaha USASU Young Artists Junior and Senior International Piano Competitions is presented Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Katzin Concert Hall. This concert highlights the junior and senior competition winners and tickets can be purchased through the Herberger Institute Box Office.

For more information about the competition, the schedule of events, and how you might get involved, visit:herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/pianocompetition or contact the competition office by email: pianocompetition@asu.edu or phone: 480.965.8740.

The School of Music in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is ranked 19th in the country and eighth among public institutions by U.S.News & World Report. More than 100 music faculty artists and scholars work with approximately 720 music majors each year in research, performance and scholarly activities. It presents approximately 700 concerts and recitals each year. To learn more about the School of Music, visit music.asu.edu.

Public Contact: 
Baruch Meir
ASU School of Music
480.965.8740
Baruch.Meir@asu.edu

Media Contact:
Baruch Meir
ASU School of Music
480.965.8740
Baruch.Meir@asu.edu