Competition Structure and Locations

When

All complete applications submitted by Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:59pm EST will be considered for the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition.

In January 2024, our Preliminary Jury will select between 50 and 60 pianists to perform in the First Round, which will take place in spring 2024.

What will applicants do?

In addition to video recordings and biographical information, applicants will be asked to answer short questions regarding their reason for applying to the CIPC and their specific career goals and interests. For more information on how to apply, see here

Who will adjudicate?

The Preliminary Jury.

When

Week of March 25, 2024 in Cleveland
Week of April 1, 2024 in Paris

Where

Cleveland at Gamble Auditorium, Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University
and
Paris at Salle Cortot, École Normale de Musique de Paris

How many contestants will participate?

50-60, selected by the Preliminary Jury

What will First Round contestants do?

1. Contestants will prepare two 25-30 minute programs of music that feature diverse styles.
   1. There may be overlap in composer/style between the two programs, but the programs should remain distinct.
      1. For example, contestants may have Program A feature Mozart and Rachmaninoff, and Program B also feature Mozart, but it must be paired with something that is not late Romantic.
      2. Why do we ask this? The First Round Jury wants to see how contestants create programming when given the flexibility to build two unique short recital programs.
   2. The First Round Jury will inform you of which program you will perform by one month before your performance date.
2. Contestants will also have a short conversation with the First Round Jury regarding their programs, career goals and how the CIPC can help to achieve them.
   1. Conversations will be held in English, but contestants will not be judged on their English language proficiency.

Who will adjudicate?

The First Round Jury.

When

July 28 – 31, 2024

Quarter-Finalists will be expected to arrive in Cleveland no later than July 24.

In addition, Quarter-Finalists may be asked to participate in up to two Zoom sessions before the rounds to discuss their career trajectories and areas of needed support.

Where

Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America

How many contestants will participate?

16

What will Quarter-Finalists do?

1. 35-40 minute solo recital of free repertoire with at least two pieces of diverse styles
   1. Featured genres and styles must be distinct from Semi-Final Repertoire.
   2. In either the Quarter-Final or Semi-Final Round, contestants are required to play a work by a composer from a traditionally underrepresented background. This composer may be from the contestant’s origin country if that country is not well represented in the Western Art Music canon. Contestants selections will be subject to review by competition leadership. See more details and resources on the Repertoire page here.
2. One piano duo transcription, to be performed at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 28. This will be part of the judging process but will not be weighted as heavily as Quarter-Final performances.
3. One outreach performance around Northeast Ohio before the beginning of the Quarter-Final Round. This will be an additional opportunity to run through programs and connect with local audiences.

Who will adjudicate?

The CIPC Jury

When

August 1 – August 4, 2024

Where

Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America

How many contestants will participate?

8

What will Semi-Finalists do?

1. 25-30 minute solo recital of free repertoire
   1. Featured genres and styles must be distinct from Quarter-Final Repertoire
   2. In either the Quarter-Final or Semi-Final Round, contestants are required to play a work by a composer from a traditionally underrepresented background. This composer may be from the contestant’s origin country if that country is not well represented in the Western Art Music canon. Contestants selections will be subject to review by competition leadership. See more details and resources on the Repertoire page here.
2. Piano Trio selected from the Repertoire list here.

Who will adjudicate?

The CIPC Jury

When

August 6 – 10, 2024

Finalists will be asked to stay through August 15 for celebratory performances following the culmination of the CIPC.

Where

Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America

How many contestants will participate?

4

What will Finalists do?

1. Salon Round of 45 – 60 min solo recital with speaking.
   1. Program should weave together performances and speaking to tell the story of your recital. Speaking may include introductions of specific pieces or composers, a personal narrative, or other descriptive language. Speaking should be done in English; if this is not possible, Piano Cleveland will provide a translator in the contestant’s language.
2. Concerto Final Round with The Cleveland Orchestra
   1. Repertoire to be selected from here.
   2. Contestants will submit two choices for their concerto round of contrasting styles. The jury will choose which concerto each contestant will play. Contestants will be informed of their choice when they learn if they are a Finalist (Sunday, August 4).
3. Gala performances of single piece, 5-7 min
   1. Finalists will perform as part of the Piano Cleveland Bravo Piano Gala from Sunday, August 11 – Wednesday, August 14. Each Finalist will play a short piece and speak briefly about the impact of their CIPC experience.

Who will adjudicate?

The CIPC Jury