More than 320 pianists from 38 countries applied to compete in the 2016 Cleveland International Piano Competition, promising an absolutely incredible level of talent. A 5-member screening jury will review the applications and performance videos of all 320 applicants in early April, ultimately inviting 27 to 30 pianists to participate. Watch your inbox for the announcement in early May!
Those who have attended past competitions will notice an immediate change to the format this year. While the first, second, and semi-final rounds will remain the same, the final round will now consist of two phases. Four finalists will perform chamber music with the Escher String Quartet, then move on to concerto performances with The Cleveland Orchestra with Bramwell Tovey conducting. This exciting new addition is made possible through the generous support of Zoya and Michael Reyzis, long time supporters of the CIPC.
Competition performances will be held July 25 through August 6. The first, second, and semi-final rounds, as well as the chamber music phase of the final round, will be held in Gartner Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The concerto phase of the final round will be held in Severance Hall.
Tickets to individual competition rounds, as well as the guest artist concerts and special events described below, are now on sale. They can be purchased online at clevelandpiano.org, or by phone at 216-707-5397, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Plan early for the best seats!