London International Piano Competition


For the 7th time, the London International Piano Competition will be staged in the British capital. Twenty-four young pianists representing different countries will be selected to perform in the competition between the 18th - 28th April 2009.

Front row from left to right : Neuburger, Schuch, Gillham Back Row L to R: Nicolas, Borbély, Wang

Brilliant Winners at 6th London International Piano Competition 2005

Following discussions with the Southbank Centre, and with the aim of presenting the next London International Piano Competition as part of the Southbank Centre’s developing artistic policy, it has been agreed to postpone the Competition from April 2008 to April 2009. The Grand Final is scheduled to take place at the Royal Festival Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra on 28 April 2009.

The postponement allows joint planning to take place between the London International Piano Competition and the Southbank Centre. We have great confidence that this joint initiative will result in an exciting and dynamic series of piano events that will provide a unique opportunity for aspiring pianists and will also enable the London International Piano Competition to move to the next level of its development.

The only major international piano competition to take place in London, it provides an invaluable opportunity for young concert pianists to further their careers. As a result, the artists of tomorrow are introduced to the audiences of today.

The London International Piano Competition, established in 1991, is held every three years. The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities aged 29 years and under.

The 24 pianists will be carefully selected to participate in the Seventh Competition and each will give two recitals before a distinguished panel of international judges in the first two stages. The Jury will select nine pianists for the Semi-Finals, from these three will then be chosen to perform a concerto in the Grand Final at the Royal Festival Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Prizewinners of previous Competitions have all gone on to secure many impressive concert engagements, having performed in concert halls all over the world. Educational Awards have been offered to participants under the age of 22, allowing these young pianists to study at the top music conservatories worldwide and to participate in masterclasses and receive private tuition from some of the world's leading teachers.

The Competition was founded by its Chairman and Artistic Controller, Sulamita Aronovsky, the distinguished Russian pianist, teacher and international juror.

The London International Piano Competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions

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