Aloha International Piano Festival Announces 2014 Artists

HONOLULU - April 7, 2014 - PRLog -- The Aloha International Piano Festival (AIPF) today announced the artists and events for the ninth annual music festival, which runs from June 8 to 15, 2014 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and features celebrated pianists Jon Nakamatsu, Frederic Chiu, John Bayless, Thomas Sauer, Haewon Song, and AIPF Founder, Lisa Nakamichi. Chiu – one of music’s most exciting artists – will make his AIPF debut on June 8 in the family-friendly “Classical Smackdown” event, which pairs the music of Debussy and Prokofiev in a “professional sports event meets classic music” showdown. Local favorite and Van Cliburn-winner Nakamatsu returns to AIPF on June 12 for "Viva Gershwin!", a concert event featuring selections from Porgy & Bess, and Gershwin’s 1924 original version of Rhapsody in Blue accompanied by a jazz band. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit alohapianofestival.comand follow AIPF on Facebook.

In addition to concerts and free events, AIPF 2014 features professionally-adjudicated music competitions for children, teens and adult amateurs; workshops and masterclasses geared toward students and teachers; and a Piano Academy program for promising young pianists who may be destined to study at the world’s greatest music conservatories.

“The Aloha International Piano Festival is the only organization of its kind in the State of Hawaii, offering our keiki the opportunity to compete in an international music competition,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie. “The Festival benefits our community by sharing ideas and values across cultures and generations, while showcasing the world’s most respected concert pianists. It is an invaluable resource presented in an exciting and compelling context.”

Students of all ages and abilities, and non-musicians who simply love music, will enrich their understanding and appreciation of music and learning at AIPF. Piano teachers, in addition to teachers of other instruments as well as choral and band, can also hone their skills and enhance their classroom experience by participating in AIPF workshops and masterclasses. Many AIPF events are low-cost or presented free-of-charge. Scholarships are also available.

“The Aloha International Piano Festival is a highlight of my summer,” said Jon Nakamatsu. “Set in beautiful Honolulu, the Festival provides a truly inspiring week of music, lessons, concerts and fun. With such esteemed colleagues and engaging students, I look forward to it every year!”

Judges of the 2014 Aloha International Piano Competition include Nakamatsu, Chiu, Bayless, Sauer, and Nakamichi. Applications are now being accepted for all competition levels.

“The Aloha International Piano Festival offers both faculty and students the opportunity to study the art of the piano in a spectacular setting, shielded from real-world pressures,” said Thomas Sauer. “I very much look forward to returning to in June to work with young pianists in the relaxed atmosphere that Lisa Nakamichi has so wisely cultivated at AIPF.”

Aloha International Piano Festival 2014 Featured Events

All events take place at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Classical Smackdown: Debussy vs. Prokofiev Featuring Frederic Chiu
Sunday, June 8 at  4 p.m.
Tickets:  General $25, Students $10
When was the last time you argued over which dead white European male composer was better than another? Classical Smackdown with concert pianist Frederic Chiu gives you the opportunity to make a statement! Listen to Debussy and Prokofiev and mark your vote for your favorite. Be careful – the pieces will make your choice very difficult.

Viva Gershwin! Featuring Jon Nakamatsu
Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: General $30, Students $10
This enchanted evening will highlight some of Gershwin’s all-time favorites, including the Rhapsody in Blue with celebrated pianist Jon Nakamatsu as soloist and Henry Miyamura conducting. The Rhapsody to be performed in this concert is Gershwin’s original 1924 version for jazz band and piano, which is arguably a Hawaii premiere. The program also includes Gershwin’s pops/jazz element featuring local favorites, singers Guy Merola and Starr Kalahiki, joined by jazz bassist Steve Jones.
Program:
—Jon Nakamatsu, piano & Henry Miyamura, conductor: Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue (1924 original jazz band version)
—Lisa Nakamichi & Jon Nakamatsu: Three Preludes for two pianos
—Ignace (Iggy) Jang: Gershwin/Heifetz – “Summertime/A Woman is a Something Thing”, “Bess, You is my Woman Now” & “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess
—Haewon Song & Thomas Sauer: Gershwin/P. Grainger – Fantasy on Themes on Porgy and Bess
—John Bayless: Gershwin/Bayless – “Our Love is Here to Stay” & “Embraceable You”
—Guy Merola & Starr Kalahiki joined by bassist Steve Jones: Gershwin songs announced from the stage

Aloha International Piano Competition: Levels A, B, Junior, High School Divisions
Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION!
The public is invited to watch the competition in action and support young pianists from around the world as they compete for Festival honors.

Aloha International Piano Competition: Young Artist Division
Saturday, June 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION!
Be a part of an international caliber competition as young artists gather in Hawaii to compete for Festival honors.

Aloha International Piano Competition: Concerto Division
Sunday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to noon
FREE ADMISSION!
The public is invited to watch the competition in action as young pianists from around the world compete to win the opportunity to perform in concert as the featured artist with the Hawaii Youth Symphony.

Father’s Day Celebration Concert
Sunday, June 15 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: General $10, Students FREE
Winners of the 2014 Aloha International Piano Competition treat the audience to highlights of their prize-winning works. Don't miss the dazzling performances by these incredibly young talents!