Thirty-two pianists from 17 countries invited to participate in 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition
A selection jury comprised of Frank Weinstock, CIPC Artistic Director Paul Schenly and CIPC Executive Director Pierre van der Westhuizen has done the nearly impossible: narrowed a pool of hundreds of applicants to an elite group of 32 invited contestants.
According to Mr. Schenly the quality of this year’s applicants was higher than ever. “We were so saturated with great talent we strained the limit to fit in everyone we possibly could,” Schenly said. “We wish we could have taken many more, but it’s a matter of numbers.” In the end, the committee invited two more pianists than the planned 30.Read more
CIPC offers a new way to experience the Cleveland Museum of Art
By David Franklin
Sarah S. and Alexander M. Cutler Director
Cleveland Museum of Art
It’s important to me that the museum is a container for as many of the arts as possible. Fundamentally, art is about inspiration, creativity, and sensitivity. The experience of music can provide us with a new way to explore paintings. Music gives us a new way to examine paintings, sculpture, and other forms of visual arts. It is so visceral and happening in real time in a way that works of art are not.Read more
CIPC Festival adds a sensational new dimension to Competition
32 contestants? Yes. Breathtaking performances? Yes. Drama and excitement? Of course. But wait – there’s more!
This year marks the launch of the CIPC Festival, a series of events running concurrently with the Competition that will entertain, engage, and expand the knowledge of anyone who wants to take a step or two beyond the contestant performances.Read more
Why I Like Competitions
by Mike Telin, ClevelandClassical.com
I’ve recently become impressed by how deeply concerned organizations and companies are about finding out whether or not I have had an enjoyable experience. People everywhere are asking — how did you find your banking experience, your shopping experience, or your flight experience? Even websites have these little popup surveys — How was your experience using our online booking system?
What I would like to tell these people is, look, I got what I wanted, it didn’t take too long or cost an arm and a leg, so my experience was just fine and it would be even better if I didn’t have to talk to you. But I’m from the Mid-west so I just smile and say, thank you very much.Read more
Look But Don't Touch? Not For This Art!
As if Gartner Auditorium and Severance Hall were not large enough to contain the glorious music of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, 22 brightly decorated pianos will pop up on the streets of Cleveland to help celebrate the event this summer.
Presented jointly by CIPC and Case Western Reserve University, the pianos are a delightfully hands-on art installation called Play Me, I’m Yours. British artist Luke Jerram conceived the concept and this iteration is being carried out by artist volunteers at Case Western, CIPC, and 11 other community institutions.Read more
CIPC and Steinway Continue Remarkable Partnership
When the first notes of the 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition are played in Gartner Auditorium this summer, audience members will be treated to one of the most sublime sounds in the world of musical instruments: the Steinway concert grand piano. Those in attendance can relax, knowing that the quality of sound will remain the same throughout the Competition, as Steinway has once again committed to being the official piano of the CIPC.Read more
Marshall Griffith to Perform for "Jazz-a-Palooza"
Looking for a great way to welcome spring with some great jazz music? Look no further than “Jazz-a-Palooza,” an afternoon concert on Sunday, April 14 with renowned jazz pianist Marshall Griffith in the beautiful Beachwood home of CIPC board member Zeda Blau.
Marshall will perform in the warm ambience that can only be achieved in a house concert, providing lively commentary between pieces in his own unique style. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served before the performance, and a delicious supper will follow.Read more
Alexander Schimpf Carries the Day
Alexander Schimpf performed to a sell-out audience on Sunday, March 10 at the home of David Franklin and Antonia Reiner-Franklin. The concert, part of CIPC’s “PianoPalooza” series, was hosted by the Franklins and Mrs. Alfred M. Rankin, Sr.
Fifty guests enjoyed an eclectic program that ranged from the Classical (Mozart and Beethoven) to the contemporary (Feldman) to the jazzy (Kapustin) – all combining to showcase the wide-ranging skills of our extraordinary 2011 first prize winner.Read more
Heartfelt Thanks to the Mixons
CIPC extends its deepest thanks to Mr. and Mrs. A. Malachi Mixon III, who have pledged their commitment to present the Mixon First Prize of $50,000 for the 2013 Competition and for the next four Competitions to follow. The Mixons have been presenting the first prize since 2005, making their total commitment to date $450,000.Read more
CIPC Board Honors Six Special Patrons
Richard and Connie Manuel, Mal and Barbara Mixon, and George and Rosalyn Sievila were unanimously elected Honorary Directors of the Cleveland International Piano Competition at the Annual Meeting in December. The action was taken to honor their remarkable services and contributions to the Competition over the course of many years of dedicated support. All of us at the CIPC extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Manuels, the Mixons, and the Sievilas – the Competition would not exist as it does today without them!