This year’s competition has a host of exciting innovations to engage you, our audience members, in new ways. While the First and Second Rounds will look different from what you’ve come to expect, these three changes will bring you right into concert halls around the world to experience the artistry of our exceptional young contestants.
So, what can we expect from the First and Second Rounds?
1) Shortened Rounds
Each First Round performance will be 20 minutes, and each Second Round performance will be 30 minutes.
Why?
It is a hallmark of the CIPC that audiences have the opportunity to hear every single contestant perform twice – in fact, we are one of very few competitions to do so! But, we also know that it can be a lot playing for our contestants, and a lot of listening for you and for our jury. Our new shortened program lengths ensure that contestants can still showcase their skills and creativity in programming, while helping all listeners stay more engaged. Don’t worry, you will still be able to hear your favorite repertoire of Chopin etudes and Classical sonatas, alongside many diverse works chosen by our contestants.
2) Virtual Presentation
All First and Second Round performances will be presented online on our website and YouTube page for free. These will be broadcast Thursdays – Sundays, July 8 – 25, 2021.
Why?
As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed some significant roadblocks to this year’s competition. Recognizing that travel and quarantine for 27 contestants might be an insurmountable challenge, we decided to pre-record our contestants’ First and Second Round performances so that we could present them virtually. This way, all 27 contestants can still fully participate in the CIPC for our global audiences to enjoy. Plus, by pre-recording the First and Second Rounds, we can space out our contestants’ performances so that more of you will be able to tune in!
For those who watched some of last summer’s competition, Virtu(al)oso, you will remember the high quality audio and video that brought each performance to life. We are thrilled to continue working with Mark Dumm as our Head of Production and with some of the best recording teams around the world to have a similarly high quality this year.
3) Meet our Contestants
Each contestant will introduce themselves and their program before each performance.
Why?
Even though we won’t get to meet all 27 of our contestants in person, we want you to get to know each and every one of them. Contestants will be introducing themselves before each performance and sharing some of their favorite things about their repertoire. On social media, you’ll get to see a different side of our contestants, where we will be sharing fun photos and facts about their lives outside of piano.
