Final call-out to talented pianists

Since its relaunch in 2004, the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition has become one of the UK’s premier competitions attracting young pianists from across the globe. Next year’s event has already attracted an overwhelming response, with almost double the number of American entrants putting their names down.

Although live auditions have now taken place, would-be competitors can still enter by submitting a video performance by Wednesday November 16.

Created to give a platform for the world’s finest young talents (aged 16-30) and to bring a wider audience to the appreciation of the classical piano repertoire, the annual competition culminates in a thrilling final in early March.

The 2017 finale will be held on the weekend of March 3/4 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying the finalists at the White Rock Theatre, conducted by Timothy Henty. Still in his early 30s, Henty is quickly developing a strong international reputation both in the theatre and on the concert platform. Born in Kent, Timothy won a Foundation Scholarship to the Royal College of Music, where he won the Tagore Gold Medal: the RCM’s highest award for its most outstanding student.

This year’s comeptition winner was Taiwan’s Tzu-Yin Huang, who shone with a performance of Prokofiev’s 3rd Piano Concerto, ahead of 38 other finalists.

As part of her prize, Miss Huang has been invited to take part in concerts across Britain, along with fellow finalist Samuel Deason.

HIPCC competition director and chairman of the jury Frank Wibaut said: “So far, live auditions in America, Japan, UK and Germany have revealed some extraordinarily talented pianists from all over the world. We still have videos to assess but, already the next competition should be the most thrilling and highest level yet - the final six getting the all-important chance to perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra over two evenings.” For more information call 01424 814132 or go to competition website.