The Hong Kong International Piano Competition (HKIPC) has put out a call for applicants for its fifth edition. It will run from 7-20 October at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall.
For 2019, the competition is following a new format. Those accepted for the first round will submit a 70-minute video performance, with 15 selected for the semi-finals in Hong Kong proper. Semi-finalists will perform a full piano recital in two parts, with six finalists then selected. The finalists will perform a chamber music programme and a concerto.
In a press release, HKIPC said they “will be emphasising its music making aspect rather than its competitive edge,” for this edition. That includes its Joy of Music Festival 2019, which runs from 15-25 October and features performances from contestants and members of the jury.
“We expect to eliminate the wall-to-wall music exercise for the jury, which has been preoccupying us since the inception of our competition,” continued the statement.
Further, HKIPC’s jury will be excluded from scoring their students. This will remove any claims of bias from the scoring process, while still allowing all pianists to take part. First prize is USD25,000 (€21,900) and an 18K gold medal. Second receives USD15,000 while third collected USD10,000.
The deadline for applications is 28 February 2019, with more information at the HKIPC website.