While more than 30 thoroughly amazing contestants are battling it out on the stages of Gartner Auditorium and Severance Hall, the “festival” component of the Cleveland International Piano Competition and Festival will offer an amazing array of concert, enrichment, education, and community outreach programs. These events, which are supported by a major grant from the Cleveland Foundation, will be held in four University Circle venues, as well as multiple locations throughout the Greater Cleveland community.
CONCERTS
First up is 2013 Mixon First Prize winner Stanislav Khristenko, who will perform at the opening ceremony in Gartner Auditorium on July 24. Mr. Khristenko will present Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24, a solo work by Johannes Brahms, then collaborate with CityMusic Cleveland for George Gershwin’s hugely popular Rhapsody in Blue. Joel Smirnoff will conduct.
Anderson & Roe Piano Duo, hailed as “the most dynamic duo of this generation” by the San Francisco Classical Voice, will electrify the stage of the Maltz Performing Arts Center at 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 30. Known for their Emmy-nominated music videos, chart-topping albums, and explosive performances, this extraordinary duo will present a concert of works by Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel – plus their own brilliant interpretations of Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Radiohead.
Acclaimed jazz pianist Dan Tepfer will present a must-see program highlighted by Goldberg Variations/Variations, an original interpretation of Bach’s landmark work that the New York Times called “riveting and inspired.” Tepfer will take the stage at the Maltz Performing Arts Center at 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 31.
As a delightful bonus, two finalists from the 2015 CIPC Young Artists Competition will offer a glimpse into the future at a special young artists showcase concert at 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 4 in Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Leonid Nediak winner of the audience prize and second prize in the junior division, and Chaeyoung Park, winner of the third prize in the senior division will return to once again amaze us all with their charm and talent.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Throughout the fifteen day event, audience members will have many opportunities to meet and learn about the musicians who are shaping the world of classical music. These include films on superstars like Martha Argerich, in-depth interviews with piano luminaries like Yefim Bronfman and Marc-André Hamelin, and a Q&A conversation with Stanislav Khristenko. Back for an encore in 2016 is the hugely popular jury roundtable, where our own jury members reveal the inner workings of a jury at a high-stakes international competition.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
For many years generous contestants have helped CIPC present recitals in nursing homes, hospitals, senior centers, and retirement communities before the competition begins. This year 19 contestants will fan out around Northeast Ohio to perform their competition programs for hundreds of seniors that are unable to attend the event. These concerts are a much-loved tradition in the community, offering senior music lovers an opportunity to engage with the young contestants and follow their progress throughout the competition.
EDUCATION
Using the competition as a learning opportunity for children and young pianists is an important part of the festival. To that end, several educational components are included for children and young adults. Educational programs this year include master classes for local piano students taught by jury members, a junior jury comprised of many of these same students, and PianoKids at CIPC, a musical day camp for children between the ages of 8 and 12 held for a full day at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Click HERE for a complete schedule, details, and ticket information.
Major support for educational activities at CIPC is provided by the Cleveland Foundation and the Dan and Linda Silverberg Philanthropic Funds.