From a dusty hall to the grand stage
If the growth and significance of New Zealand’s only international piano competition can be summed up in a few words, the country’s pre-eminent classical pianist, Michael Houston, does it well.
‘‘My, haven’t we grown,’’ he says before recalling the first competition that began in 1987.
‘‘It was held in a draughty, dusty Memorial Hall with its little Yamaha piano and a small group of aspiring young Kiwi talent.’’
‘‘Now, 29 years later, it’s held in a fine venue, there’s a concert grand Steinway on the stage and there are contestants from all over the world.’’
The economics of running the event is an indicator of growth.
The first national competition had an overall budget of $5000. This year that’s expanded to $140,000. The event became an international competition in 2012 and this year attracted a record 62 entries.
Competition Director, John Jackets, says there are several other pointers to indicate the Kerikeri classical contest is gaining in stature and recognition internationally.
‘‘There are now more than 750 piano competitions worldwide with most in the northern hemisphere. Clearly the appeal of coming to visit New Zealand and the Bay of Islands is a major factor in attracting entrants to make the long and expensive journey to take part.
‘‘Moreover, we have noticed that the average age of contestants is higher this year suggesting that we are now attracting contestants who are already someway along their performance careers’’ Pictured right, this year’s group of contestants represents nine different countries, including, for the first time, Canada, Hong Kong and Ukraine. The USA has a strong representation with nearly half having been born there, currently studying there or having earned their music degrees at a variety of American universities and music schools. There are two New Zealand residents in the 15.
Contestants are billeted as home-stays with local families and private practice pianos are made available.
With an estimated audience of more than 1200 over three days, local businesses also benefit from the consequent economic domino effect. Introducing the judges: The selection process begins with two independent assessors whittling down the 62 entrants to just 15 who will make the final cut. This involves listening to audition recitals and is an anonymous process with the names of contestant being withheld.
For the competition proper, the Kerikeri International Piano Competition calls on overseas expertise and acknowledged reputation. For the second time since becoming an international event there will be a panel of three judges, yet another example of the growth and standing of the competition in New Zealand.
Making a return to Kerikeri is Albert Tiu, Associate Professor of Piano at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore. He was the sole judge at the 2010 national competition.
Jan Jiracek von Arnim from Austria is making his first visit to Kerikeri. He is Professor of Piano at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and Artistic Director of the International Beethoven
Piano Competition. He has a worldwide reputation as performer and judge.
Third panel member is Eleanor Wong who is Senior Lecturer (Keyboard) and Artist-in-Residence at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Professor Wong comes with a fine reputation as teacher and judge. She served on the panel of the prestigious
Leeds Piano Competition in 2015
In addition to their adjudication roles, two of the judges will conduct masterclasses at the Turner Centre.
Eleanor Wong will present a master class for a number of the non-finalists while Albert Tiu will be teaching a junior masterclass for young piano students from Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Whangarei.
For more information on contestants, the competition programme and ticket purchase, visit the website www.kipc.org.nz and www.turnercentre.co.nz