Pianists throughout the world are being encouraged to participate in the first Taiwan-sponsored international piano competition. The Leschetizky International Piano Competition, to be held from Dec. 9 to Dec. 20 at Taichung's Chungshan Hall, will accept applications until the end of this month.
Leschetizky (1830-1915), an Austrian pianist, was a legendary figure, often dubbed the greatest pianist of the 20th century. His student, pianist Peter Ritzen, will chair of the jury panel for the competition.
Three main prizes worth NT$300,000, NT$240,000 and NT$150,000 will be awarded to the three best laureates, who will also win a piano recital in Vienna. The first prize recipient will also be invited to launch a CD on Naxos, a leading classical music label. Other special prizes will be given to semifinalists and finalists, such as the Best Public Performer's prize and the Best Leschetizky Performer's prize.
The sponsor of the competition -- the Renaissance Music Society (文藝復興音樂聯盟) -- has invited musicians from Taiwan and abroad to serve as the jury for the competition. Local pianists Rolf-Peter Wille, Constance Lee, Zhu Da-ming and Francis Wu will be joined by overseas musicians, including the former dean of the Moscow State Conservatory, Sergei Dorensky; Juilliard School professor Jacob Lateiner; French pianist Bernard Ringeissen; and Polish pianist Andrzej Jasinski.
For more information, visit the society's Web site at http://www.rms.com.tw, or contact the society at 886-2-2809-1733.
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