The inaugural Seattle Symphony International Piano Competition is underway from September 15 to 19 at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. Pianist and Seattle Symphony 2015-16 Artist in Residence Jean-Yves Thibaudet is chairing a seven-person jury, with eight pianists scheduled to compete: Kevin Ahfat, Marika Bournaki, Kenny Broberg, Han Chen, Peng-Chian Chen, Peter Chuang-Chuang Fang, Vijay Venkatesh, and Sean Yeh. Repertoire for the competition will include a piece by Ravel from the piano solo repertoire; Premonitions, a Seattle Symphony commission of a jazz-inspired piece by Portland-based composer Kenji Bunch; and one additional work of the contestant’s choosing. The winning pianist will perform at the Seattle Symphony’s opening-night gala on September 19, led by Music Director Ludovic Morlot, and will receive $10,000 and an opportunity to perform with the Seattle Symphony during the 2016-17 season. An audience prize will also be awarded. The competition is presented in partnership with Young Concert Artists and Washington Performing Arts.
Posted September 17, 2015
