‘Astana Piano Passion’ prize fund increased to 60,000 U.S dollars

“The organizers representing the leadership of Astana governor office and "Accordi di Astana” social fund  made a decision to increase the prize fund following the meeting dedicated to the classical music festival and competition of young pianists "Astana Piano Passion" scheduled for May year 2014. The competition conditions change has become the reason for the increase according to which the teachers whose students take the 1-st, 2-nd or 3-rd place in the junior, teen and senior age categories will be awarded with 1,000 U.S dollars. Last year the cash prize was awarded to a teacher whose student had won the first place only in each age category,” a statement reads.

The competition of young pianists "Astana Piano Passion" will be held in the capital of Kazakhstan in the period from May 10 to May 16, 2014 as part of the second international festival of classical music. The honored artist of Russia Denis Matsuev will act as the competition art director and the chairman of the jury.

The  key goals of the event are to support young talents at their development stage, maintain international exchange of performing arts techniques and reinforce piano school traditions in Kazakhstan. The competition is open to pianists from any part of the world under 18 years of age. Performances will be judged by an internationally recognized jury whose names will be announced later.