A record 100 entries from 30 different countries have been received for this year’s 10th Anniversary Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, which begins at the town’s White Rock Theatre on Monday March 3.
It’s a clear sign of the event’s growing reputation around the world.
Forty four young concert pianists will be invited to take part in the live stages, all of which are open to the public. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the three finalists performing their chosen concertos on Saturday March 8.
“I think Hastings should be unbelievably proud of this competition,” says Professor Frank Wibaut, the distinguished pianist and teacher who is the Artistic Director and Chairman of the panel of judges. “Its international status is rising really rapidly and the standard is getting higher every year.”
The winner will receive a prize of £10,000, double what was on offer last year, and will also be given the chance of a lifetime to play with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. They will also be asked to perform at several other concerts throughout the year.
Tickets for all stages of the competition are available from the White Rock Theatre (01424 462288 or www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk).
