The Cleveland International Piano Competition has announced that the solo rounds for the 2013 Competition will be held at the Cleveland Museum of Art, giving fans of the musical extravaganza considerable reason to celebrate.
One of the biggest announcements to come from the CIPC in the past several months involves the long-anticipated news of a new venue for 2013. And the news that the opening ceremony and solo rounds will be held at the Cleveland Museum of Art certainly has not disappointed fans! The decision means that Competition patrons will see performances in the recently renovated, state-of-the-art Gartner Auditorium, which is acoustically perfect for solo piano performances. It also means they will enjoy of all of the amenities the Museum offers, including multiple dining options, professional box office services, and ample parking. Of course, the best amenity of all is the extraordinary Museum itself, which will be open for everyone’s enjoyment during its normal hours throughout the Competition.
CIPC Executive Director Pierre van der Westhuizen is confident the decision is perfect for both organizations. “The Cleveland Museum of Art will be wrapping up its incredible 8-year renovation shortly after our event next summer,” he said. “The Competition will provide a huge, inclusive, community event that will bring music and art lovers together for an exciting festival of performances and some surprising new Competition events. The timing is perfect.”
David Franklin, Sarah S. and Alexander M. Cutler Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are delighted to host the solo rounds of the Cleveland International Piano Competition and excited to be able to offer our visitors a chance to see these world-class pianists in person,” Franklin said.
Van der Westhuizen added that the new venue will immediately place the Cleveland Competition on the world stage. “With our solo rounds at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the final round at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Orchestra, we will become a model for other international music competitions and a destination event for the City of Cleveland,” he said.