Message from the Executive Committee Chairperson
In 2011, the Ishikawa Prefecture Piano Society, with its long history and many achievements, celebrated its 40th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, we established the Ishikawa International Piano
Competition – Touching Hearts with Your Music – with the aim of nurturing pianists who not only take joy in performance through the piano, but also cultivate artistic sensitivity and a rich sense of humanity from Ishikawa and Kanazawa. Since then, the competition has been held biennially, delivering musical inspiration from the Sea of Japan side to the world.
It is our hope that the young talents who gather in Kanazawa – a beautiful international city known for its traditions and culture – will grow through mutual inspiration and friendly competition, and that the
stage of this competition will serve as a launchpad for them to flourish on the global stage.
We are proud and delighted that many past prizewinners have already gone on to take bold steps toward major international competitions and achieved excellent results.
With the firm belief that fostering a global perspective from an early age is essential, we established a Junior Division as an integral part of the competition. As the only international piano competition on the Sea of Japan side that includes a Junior Division, we have recently been receiving growing attention.
We would be deeply honored if this competition could contribute, even in a small way, to the development of musical culture not only in Japan but around the world.
Ishikawa International Piano Competition Executive Committee Chairperson
SHOJI Yasuko
Purpose and Objectives
This competition is aimed at individuals ranging from elementary school students to adults, with no age restrictions, with the purpose of experiencing the joy of performing through piano, fostering flexible sensibilities, and cultivating a rich humanity.
By inviting renowned jury members from both Japan and abroad, the competition provides a “stage for learning” that helps each participant discover and develop their potential, with the hope that some may go on to become internationally recognized pianists starting from Ishikawa.
As the only international competition on the Sea of Japan side that includes a Junior Division, it gathers brilliant talents from Japan and abroad, serving as a platform for musical and international exchange. Through this, we aim to contribute to the development and enhancement of musical culture not only in Ishikawa Prefecture and the Hokuriku region but also internationally.
Features of Competition
In the first stage of the competition, participants will be required to perform Baroque pieces and etudes. In the second stage, Classical sonatinas and sonatas will be the focus. For the semifinals (for Jr.III category and the Adult Division), the emphasis will be on Romantic pieces; and in the Final, selections may be made from the full repertoire, including works from the Romantic period and later. This structure allows participants to learn the important fundamentals of piano performance and the playing styles appropriate for each of the four historical periods in music: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. The evaluation will consider not only technical skill but also the ability to convey artistic emotion, expressive musicality, and the understanding and completeness of the piece.
In the final stage, participants will be required to give a one-minute speech. This is intended to help them develop the ability to communicate their “thoughts” and stage manners, which are valuable skills for future concerts.
Outstanding performers will have the opportunity to play a piano concerto with an orchestra. In addition, several special award are offered, including the “Jury’s Special Award,” in which each jury member selects one performer in recognition of a particularly moving performance, and the “Audience Award,” determined by the votes of general jurors (music enthusiasts). Finalists and semifinalists will also have the chance to receive direct feedback from the jury.
