Thirty-five young pianists from around the world converge on Cleveland July 27-August 9 in hopes of winning prizes and a record deal through the Cleveland International Piano Competition, held at The Cleveland Play House and Severance Hall every other year. First prize alone offers a cash prize of $50,000 (!) plus the following:
- New York recital debut at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall
- International compact disc recording on the Naxos label
- Two years of management service with Altman Artists
- Worldwide engagements for professional fees (potential income of approximately $100,000)
No wonder approximately 260 candidates submitted applications, from which 130 were selected to audition in New York, Cleveland/Akron, Shanghai, Moscow, London, and Munich. Eventually, it all comes down to four finalists performing concertos with the Cleveland Orchestra for the big prizes, and you can be there! Tickets have already gone on sale, so don't hesitate if you'd like to catch the action. You just might witness the launch of the next big star. Here's an interview with 2007's first prize winner, Alexander Ghindin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N23P4KE7M38