APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2024 COMPETITION
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 3, 2023 – PianoArts partners with the acclaimed Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for its Silver Anniversary North American Competition and Festival
The PianoArts 2024 North American Competition Is now open to pianists, ages 17-22, preparing for 21st century classical music careers. Applications are due January 28, 2024. Pianists can click here to apply and to see the latest details, new opportunities, and repertory requirements.
For twenty-five years, PianoArts contestants have been stepping into the professional world of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. They’ve experienced the extraordinary opportunity of performing with individual musicians, an MSO ensemble, and concertos with the orchestra.
Derek Hartman, 2018 alum, recently spoke about this. “For the first time, I caught a glimpse of the skills expected of an effective collaborator in the professional music world. I’m excited about the new opportunity for the 2024 contestants to perform a complete Sonata with an MSO musician.”
Now, as then, the competition opens virtually. In 2024, video submissions of the required repertory are due on February 12. In early March, contestants receive priceless feedback on their performances by the distinguished jury. In addition, they also receive access to a virtual series of music professionals speaking about their careers. Eight contestants will be advanced to the semifinal round.
Contestants advancing to the live competition and festival, May 28 through June 4, will experience a rich variety of activities and concerts. Here’s what the pianists can expect:
On the Competition Stage
• Performance awards total over $34,000, including $20,000, for the first place winner
- A Solo Recital and NEW Sonata Recital in which one contestant receives an award for an exceptional performance with an MSO violinist or cellist
- Finalists performing concertos with the acclaimed Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and conductor Yaniv Dinur in a hall that pianists love for its acoustics at Bradley Symphony Center
- An Audience Communication Award for the contestant who best communicates with people of all ages and backgrounds
Behind the Scenes
• Rehearsals with MSO chamber ensembles and the conductor that focus on teamwork
- Rehearsals with actors for stage presentations that include the venue’s acoustics
- Pilates classes that reinforce breathing, relaxation, and maximal control of movement
- Performing free public concerts in diverse communities, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Symphony Center
Fellowships
PianoArts awards fellowships and residencies to contestants who share our mission of community engagement. Fellows advance their artistic careers while providing
a meaningful impact for diverse audiences. Click here for details.
Writing about her fellowship, Professor Alexander Kasman Laude shared, “The experience I got from my PianoArts fellowships is something I recognize now as cumulative and confidence-giving.
It is a big reason why I feel so comfortable on stage and, really, any other kind of musical situation life may throw at me. Thank you.”
New in 2024
The 25th anniversary competition and festival will celebrate PianoArts’ rich history by showcasing the careers and talents of former competitors on Facebook and in newsletters. We welcome the return of Jury Chair Peter Takács, a longtime PianoArts mentor, and other distinguished Milwaukee artists who will serve on juries and participate in the festival..
Also new in PianoArts 2024 is an opportunity for non-competing pianists to audit the competition and to participate in professional development sessions focused on community engagement as music teaching artists. For more information, contact Patrick Behringer, using Professional Development in the subject line.
Potential Competitors and Professional Development Auditors are invited to contact Competition Coordinator, Patrick Behringer, competition@pianoarts.org with questions about the events or the application. For more details about PianoArts, visit www.pianoarts.org