Yamaha Education News

International Paderewski Piano Competition chooses Yamaha Artist Services for London pre-selection

Pictured here: the Jury members for London pre-selection: Stanislaw Zielinski (from Yamaha), Christopher Elton (Royal Academy of Music), Noriko Ogawa (pianist and teacher, Guildhall School of Music and Drama)

The recital room at Yamaha Artist Services London was the chosen venue to host the London pre-selection of the prestigious and high profile VIII International Paderewski Piano Competition on Monday 17th May. One of eight pre-selections worldwide, including Yamaha Artist Services in Moscow and Tokyo, the finals of the 2010 competition will be held over four rounds in November at the Bydgoszcz City Hall, Poland.

Following a vigorous application process, a distinguished jury, comprising Professor Christopher Elton (RAM), pianist and well-known international competition judge Noriko Ogawa and Yamaha Artist Services Europe director, Stan Zielinski, presided over performances by eight of none contestants (one withdrawal), who performed using the same Yamaha CFIIIS Concert Grand Piano, as played by internationally renowned pianist Artur Pizarro for his Chopin Cycle at St John's, Smith Square.

The judges commented on the beauty of the building, the tremendous quality of the piano and high standard of the contestants. After nine hours of pre-selection, they forwarded their decision to the International Paderewski Piano Competition office for deliberation and finalist selection.

Based within world-famous music store Chappell of Bond Street's flagship new Wardour Street location, Yamaha Artist Services London opened in 2008, joining an expanding global network first established in 1987 in Paris. The centre boasts a highly qualified artist support team, headed by Tokyo born pianist and arts manager Kumi Liley. It functions as a vibrant international piano artist facility, hosting a wide range of events and activities, including lunchtime concerts in association with the major conservatoires for up-coming artists, and masterclasses by visiting international artists. The centre is also the home of some of Yamaha's best-kept secrets, the Yamaha Premium Pianos S4, S6 and CF that have been designed and produced to complement the performances of the world's best performers, matched by top-level technical service.

Manager of Yamaha Artist Services London, Kumi Liley, comments, "We are extremely proud and honoured to have been chosen to host the Paderewski London pre-selection and to be associated with such an internationally renowned and respected piano competition. The enthusiasm from the judges for our facility and in particular the services we provide to support music making at all levels is greatly appreciated. This is the heart of the Yamaha philosophy as we continue our commitment to excellence and creativity as a productive partner of London’s active music scene."

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(posted: June 2010)