PTNA (Piano Teachers’ National Association of Japan, incorporated by the Japanese Government) is glad to announce to hold “30th PTNA Piano Competition” from the end of May to August. This competition is consists of 3 categories, solo (10 grades), duo (4 grades) and amateur (grand-muse division).

 It was inaugurated in 1977, aiming at the discovery of young distinguished talents and advancement of the teaching skills. In the past 30 years, over 350,000 pianists had participated in and it has been recognized as the biggest music competition in Japan. In the year 2005, we have 35,517 participants, which grew by 150% over the past five years.

 From the end of May to August, 1st and 2nd rounds were held in regions throughout Japan; 262 venues in total. About 500 finalists from all the categories will finally be face to face at the final round in Tokyo. The application begins on April 1st, 2006.

<Grade Superior–springboard to international stages>

 The highest grade–grade superior–is famous for its extreme high standard and well known as the springboard to the international stages. The 5 finalists are required to play solo recital (8/20) and the concerto with orchestra (8/22). The performance will be in public and audience is encouraged to cast a vote for “audience prize”. Renowned pianists and professors will adjudicate, including three oversea guest professors.

 Oversea concert tour is offered to the grand prize winner; invitations came from Paris, London, major cities in Italy in the past two years. In 2006, he/she will be invited from Germany to play Mozart Concerto, in commemoration of 250th anniversary of Mozart.

<Further career of past grand prize winners>

 Shohei Sekimoto (2003 grand prize) won 4th prize in the 15th Chopin International Piano Competition 2005 in Warsaw. He widens his appearance abroad, such as participation in Verbier International Festival Academy, and recital at Carnegie hall in NY.

 Hibiki Tamura (2002) received 16th Idemitsu Music Award in 2005. Recently he played concerto with major orchestras in Japan, one of which is 48th Osaka International Festival on April 25th, conducted by Maestro Michiyoshi Inoue.

 Ichiro Kaneko (2005), 43 years old, teaching mathematics at a high school in Tokyo, is the first person who achieves a perfect balance between two professional careers. His performances in Torino and Bologna, Italy last February were well appreciated.

 Past winners such as Noriko Sato (2001), Harue Seki (1999), Junko Nishikawa (1998), Ayumi Iga (1997) are actively involved in the ongoing project “Concerts in School Classrooms” launched in June 2005 by PTNA. It is to enhance school pupils to have a good encounter with classic music, and nearly 2,400 children of 25 elementary schools participated so far. Another 20 schools are scheduled in summer term mainly in Metropolitan area.

<Discovery of young talents>

 PTNA settled Jr.G grade to discover outstanding musicality under 15. It was successful to find prodigies such as Aimi Kobayashi (8) in 2004, Hayato Sumino (10) in 2005 who won gold prizes (ages were at the time of competition). Both will perform in “La Folle Journée Music Festival “Days of Enthusiasm” in May 2006.

 In order to develop young talents further, we invite renowned professors from abroad to give special masterclass for the Jr.G finalists. This year, Prof.Tatiana Zelikman(Moscow Gnessins music lyceum), former teacher of Mr.Alexander Kobrin (1st prize winner of 12th Van Cliburn Competition) will give masterclass on June 24th-25th, at the auditorium of Senzoku Gakuen Music College.

http://www.piano.or.jp/compe/2005/result/final/01sologold.html(Japanese only)

*What is PTNA
 Piano Teachers’ National Association of Japan, incorporated by the Japanese Government (PTNA) was established in 1966 at the aim of research and development of Japanese compositions (Founder: late Mdm.Yasuko Fukuda). In 1985 it was incorporated by Education Ministry (as of 1985). At present, the number of members are approx.10,000 and it has been increased by 10% every year. Our main activity is organizing PTNA Piano Competition, PTNA Piano Step (from 1997) in nationwide scale, and seminars and examinations for piano teachers at regional basis. (website: http://www.piano.or.jpJapanese only)

Inquiry
PTNA (Piano Teachers’ National Association of Japan, incorporated by the Japanese Government)
Promotion Coordinator: Eriko Sugano (Ms.)
Tel: +81-3-3944-1583 Fax:+81-3-3944-8838
Email: sugano@piano.or.jp