Martha Argerich Performs, Judges At 6th Annual Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU Piano Competition

Dec. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- TEMPE, Ariz.—Forty-two outstanding pianists from around the globe make their way to Tempe, Ariz. in January as the ASU School of Music in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts presents the 6th Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competitions in collaboration with the Phoenix Symphony, the Arizona Young Artist Committee and the Arizona Piano Gallery. The public is invited to witness these fantastic young artists from January 6–13, 2013 in a competition that is considered one of the best in the world.

Legendary pianist Martha Argerich joins the panel of judges this year, an incredible addition to the competition. Argerich, one of the most prominent pianists in the world both in popularity and ability, presents a Gala Recital together with Sergei Babayan and other members of the jury on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Katzin Concert Hall on the ASU Tempe campus. The program features Rachmaninoff’s tempestuous Suite No. 2 and other works for two pianos. The specially ticketed concert kicks off the international competition and tickets can be purchased through the Herberger Institute Box Office (herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/events/tickets/box_office.php).

"Ms. Argerich is sure to infuse this event with excitement," said Ed Bezursik, Yamaha Acoustic Piano Marketing Manager, Yamaha Keyboard Division. "Not only will the competition benefit from her expert ear on the panel of judges, but those in attendance will be fortunate enough to see her perform."

A total of 198 pianists from 31 countries have applied to compete. The 42 selected by a screening committee will compete in the semi-final and final rounds for prizes including over $50,000 of cash awards, engagements with the Phoenix Symphony and recital performances in the United States, Austria and Germany for the winners.          

Beyond being geographically diverse, applicants come from some of the world’s most prestigious music schools, including: the Juilliard School, the Moscow Conservatory, the Royal College of Music in London and the Paris Conservatory.

For the first time ever the competition has partnered with the Phoenix Symphony enabling the final round to be held in the beautiful Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. The finalists will be showcased playing a concerto with The Phoenix Symphony under the baton of Michael Christie. The announcement of winners and the presentation of medals will immediately follow onstage at the conclusion of the performance. The concert takes place Sunday, Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased through the Phoenix Symphony Box Office (tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/SelectSeatingSYOS.aspx?p=6026&z=51&pt=1).    

The final round for the Yamaha Senior competition takes place on Friday, Jan. 11, and the final round for the Yamaha Junior competition concludes on Saturday, Jan. 12. These rounds are free and open to the public. The Winner’s Recital and Awards Ceremony for the 6th Yamaha USASU Young Artists Junior and Senior International Piano Competitions is presented Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Katzin Concert Hall. This concert highlights the junior and senior competition winners and tickets can be purchased through the Herberger Institute Box Office (herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/events/tickets/box_office.php).  

To learn more write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.usa.yamaha.com/

For more information about the competition, the schedule of events, and how you might get involved, visit: www or contact the competition office by email: pianocompetition@asu.edu or phone: (480) 965-8740.

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