04 August 2024
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FINALS START TOMORROW! After two rounds of performances including solo recitals and chamber music, the Cleveland International Piano Competition (CIPC) has selected the four pianists who will proceed to the Final Round
The Final Round is divided into two parts: a Salon Round on August 6 and 7 and a Concerto Round with The Cleveland Orchestra on August 9 and 10. While the Salon Round is new to the 2024 CIPC, the Final Concerto Round has been the culminating event for the competition for more than twenty years.
“We wanted our audiences to experience a final round they wouldn’t find anywhere else,” says Yaron Kohlberg, president of Piano Cleveland, the CIPC host organization. “This year’s final round now showcases two crucial aspects of a performer—how they engage with audiences in small settings during the Salon Round, and how they collaborate with orchestral ensembles with our Final Concerto Round. ” The Final Salon Round will be held at the Glidden House over two nights and the Final Concerto Round will be held in Mandel Concert Hall.
The Final Concerto Round remains the crown jewel for the CIPC. Few classical piano competitions provide an opportunity for all Finalists to perform with an ensemble at the caliber of The Cleveland Orchestra and fewer competitions offer a cash prize that comes close to the CIPC’s $75,000 Mixon First Prize. Consequently, the CIPC has been a consistent identifier of talent. Winners of past CIPC competitions such as Sergei Babayan, Angela Hewitt, and Cleveland Institute of Music’s Head of Piano, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, rank amongst the world’s leading pianists.
“There’s a reason Cleveland, Ohio, is at the center of the classical piano world,” says Kohlberg. “In large part, it is due to the amazing 50-year legacy of the Cleveland International Piano Competition. We can’t wait to see who will be the next leader of the piano world.”
The 2024 Finalists and their performance dates/times are:
Evren Ozel, USA
Salon Round: August 6 at 7 PM
Final Concerto Round: August 9 at 7:30 PM
Maxim Lando, USA
Salon Round: August 6 at 7 PM
Final Concerto Round: August 9 at 7:30 PM
Giuseppe Guarrera, Italy
Salon Round: August 7 at 7 PM
Final Concerto Round: August 10 at 7:30 PM
Zijian Wei, China
Salon Round: August 7 at 7 PM
Final Concerto Round: August 10 at 7:30 PM
Both the Final Salon Round and the Final Concerto Round are expected to sell out.
Complete Finalist profiles, repertoire, and ticket information can be found here.
About Piano Cleveland
Piano Cleveland promotes Cleveland as a premier piano destination by presenting world-class programming, community engagement, and education initiatives. The organization’s four major programs and events include the Cleveland International Piano Competition, the CIPC for Young Artists, a mixed-genre piano festival, and year-round education and community engagement programming.