Wed 7/29-Sun 8/9
Piano Cleveland is the new name for the Cleveland International Piano Competition organization. Like most such events, CIPC isn’t happening this year. Instead the organization has found something new: a global competition called Virtu(al)oso: A Global Piano Competition for Artist Relief.
“Virtu(al)oso innovates the musical landscape by adapting to the current health situation and is thoughtfully orchestrated to offer financial aid and career benefits to all participants,” says the organization. “Unlike any competition before, Virtu(al)oso contestants will benefit from an innovative structure that equalizes prize money to support all artists. Audience members are invited to play an active role in providing relief to our artists by donating to their favorite pianist of choice throughout the competition.”
Thirty young pianists, ages 18-32, were chosen from a group of 158 applicants from 33 countries. While all will receive cash prizes of at least $1,000 and the three winners will receive a minimum of $2,500, there’s a pit of gold, so to speak, for the first prize winner: a recording on the Steinway & Sons label, a Cleveland performance, and career management services.
The pianists will perform at Steinway Piano galleries in Cleveland, New York, London, Hamburg and Beijing where they’ll record their performances. They’ll ne streamed from Thursday July 30-Sunday August 9 nightly at 7pm on pianocleveland.org and Piano Cleveland’s social media pages. The competition kicks off with an opening ceremony Wednesday July 29 @ 7pm to introduce the contestants. It will include a performance by Israeli pianist Omri Mor. The six finalists will be announced Wednesday August 5, and the awards ceremony takes place on Sunday August 9.
For other events around the competition, check out Piano Cleveland’s website.