Call for Young Pianists!
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2017 National Piano Competition
Pianists ages 18-25 are invited to apply for this prestigious national competition offering $20,000 in awards and prizes.
(Sarasota-Manatee) Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota seeks young pianists, ages 18-25, to apply for its 2017 National Piano Competition. Formerly a statewide contest rotating between piano, strings and voice, the competition became a national event in 2016, attracting applicants from throughout the United States. The 2017 competition finals, which take place in Sarasota on April 29, will award $20,000 in awards and prizes to four finalists. The application deadline is February 15, 2017. For more information about the 2017 National Piano Competition and to download application forms, visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org.
Since its inception in 2007, the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s scholarship program has become one of the most prestigious competitions in Florida, awarding more than $270,000 to 72 talented young musicians, with many past winners going on to study at major schools and pursue successful music careers.
“Over the years we’ve been fortunate to have renowned music professionals judge our competitions, which has attracted the interest of students beyond the borders of our state,” says Lee Dougherty Ross, director of competitions and outreach for Artist Series Concerts. “Our first national competition for voice, held here last April, was a resounding success. We’re confident the competition will continue to attract many young musicians and industry professionals to our organization and to the Sarasota-Manatee region.”
Dougherty Ross adds that the panel of judges for the 2017 competition includes Julian Martin; one of the country’s foremost pianists and pedagogues; internationally renowned pianist and adjudicator Han Tong-II; and Nelita True, who is sought after the world over as a performer and a teacher.
“A crucial goal of Artists Series Concerts is to take an active role in building the next generation of professional musicians by supporting promising young artists,” says John Fischer, managing director of Artist Series Concerts. “As we enter our third decade, our focus is on the future and we look forward to nurturing emerging young musical talent for generations to come.”
Since 1996, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has presented an ever-expanding annual season of concerts by globally renowned and celebrated emerging artists. The 2016-2017 season runs from October through May and includes 29 performances by artists representing a diverse range of classical and pops genres at a variety of area venues, including two concerts at the Sarasota Opera House and three at the Venice Performing Arts Center. Four “Lunch, Look and Listen” events will also be held at Michael’s On East. For more information about the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2016-2017 season, visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.
