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Chopin contest calls for entries

The Taipei International Chopin Piano Competition is the brain child of acclaimed pianist Azusa Anna Fujita. PHOTO: HO YI, TAIPEI TIMES

The Taipei International Chopin Piano Competition (國際台北蕭邦鋼琴大賽) is calling for applications for its 12th tournament slated to take place at National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳) and National Recital Hall (國家演奏廳) from Sept. 7 to Sept. 21 next year. Organized by Frederic Chopin Foundation Taipei (中華蕭邦音樂基金會), the event has long been regarded as Taiwan's foremost international piano competition and a nurturing ground for young pianists as many of the participants have gone on to become distinguished musicians.

When internationally acclaimed pianist Azusa Anna Fujita founded the foundation in 1985, she wanted not only to help deepen the public's interest in, and appreciation of, Chopin's music, but facilitate the popularization of classical music as a genre. To the respected musician and educator, the international piano contest is one of the essential elements of the foundation's mission.

"It is through such international venue that people can exchange ideas and broaden the music horizon," Fujita said.

Each year, an average 200 pianists aged between eight to 27 take part in the competition, which offers prize money from US$3,000 to US$20,000. The contestants perform in front of a jury panel comprised of 11 internationally acclaimed musicians as well as members of the general public who are welcome to join the event. The winners also have a chance to participate in the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition Warsaw, an incubator of world-class musicians.

As for how a young musician can prepare him or herself to become a mature artist, Fujita gave a few pointers: "Go to as many concerts and recitals as possible and listen to all kinds of music. Most importantly, never give up in the face of setbacks."

For more information on the competition, visit www.chopintaipei.org.tw.
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