World's Brightest Musicians Arrive In NZ

World's Brightest Musicians Arrive In NZ

Some of the world’s brightest piano stars will begin arriving into New Zealand from around the world today (Monday) in readiness for the four-day Kerikeri International Piano Competition to begin on Thursday.

404sThe 16 contestants will provide audiences with three days of fantastic piano virtuosity. They have come from as far as Poland, China and Malaysia, with Australia sending a strong contingent to challenge the home ‘team’ of musicians for $25,000 in total prizemoney.

Event Organiser John Jackets says that adjudicator Mikhail Solovei will have his work cut out to separate the excellent from the outstanding.

“Many of the pianists have considerable performance and competition experience both in their home countries and overseas. The atmosphere at the Competition is going to be ‘electric’ keeping both the audience and contestants on the edge of their seats.

All music must be performed from memory, a feat in itself. Pianists must include a major classical sonata, a 30 minute recital and, for the four finalists, a 45-minute recital.

“Each performance will be something special,” says Mr Jackets. “Many in the audience will stay from start to finish, all eager to find out who will be wearing the winner’s crown as the last chords die away.”

Mr Jackets says the small Northland community has got behind this major musical event in a big way, with support coming from local businesses and private individuals, to ensure that it maintains its position as one of the top piano competitions in this part of the world.

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