May 27
VAN CLIBURN FOUNDATION: accepting aplications for the SIXTH INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION FOR OUTSTANDING AMATEURS®

Inaugurated in 1999, the International Competition for Outstanding Amateurs was created to celebrate and recognize the importance of music-making, both on and off the stage. It includes three recital rounds over a one-week period, played on a Steinway concert grand piano, with the program choices left up to the competitors. To ensure that those participating in the competition are doing it, in Van Cliburn's words, "to celebrate the Amateur spirit," competitors must be at least 35 years of age by the start of competition, and cannot derive their principal source of income from playing or teaching piano. All 75 competitors begin by performing a 12-minute program in the Preliminary round. Then, 25 performers will be selected to play a 20-minute program in the semi-final round. Just six of the original competitors will be chosen to present a recital of 30 minutes in the final round, from which the first, second and third prize winners will be chosen to receive a cash award. Applications are now being accepted online and by mail for all interested competitors. Full details on the application process can be found at www.cliburn.org