Are there any novelties /new aspects of your competition that you have introduced or will introduce? The Bachauer is proud to produce only the highest level of competitors and winners for three distinct age groups. Our founder Paul Pollei was innovative in our procedures, including the screening process, through which pianists are invited to compete in Salt Lake City only after previously performing live in an international venue. We value our impartial voting procedures, with judges having no discussion before or after the voting. We allow our competitors to showcase their full musical personality by offering free repertory rules for all stages. Final Round performances are held in Abravanel Hall with Utah Symphony, giving our competitors the support of a world-class orchestra and concert hall for their concerto performances.
Please introduce in a few words your competition, its history and legacy.
Named after the famed 20th-century pianist, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation was founded in 1976. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, The Bachauer has earned a worldwide reputation for promoting excellence in piano performance. Through its competitions, concerts, and educational programs, the Foundation provides extraordinary opportunities for young pianists and aims to enrich the cultural life of Utah and the international music community. We present three distinct competitions for pianists at different stages of their careers. The Junior Competition, for ages 11-14, promotes pianists just beginning their musical journey. The Young Artists Competition, for ages 14-18, presents pianists with more performing experience, seeking validation for their dedication to their art. The Artists Competition, for ages 19-32, offers a major stepping-stone to pianists seeking an international career.
What are your expectations for the membership in the WFIMC?
The Bachauer is excited to reunite with our colleagues in the international competition world (after a few years’ absence from the Federation). We look forward to working together to uphold the highest ideals as we all seek to discover and promote excellence in piano performance for the rising generations.
Tell us a little about your city?
Salt Lake City, founded by Mormon pioneers in 1847, has nurtured a deep commitment to the arts since its earliest days, valuing music, community, and cultural expression as essential civic pillars. The city is home to leading arts institutions including Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, and Ballet West, each contributing to a vibrant and internationally-recognized arts landscape. Our strong spirit of volunteerism, perhaps most famously demonstrated during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games (and again in 2034), continues to shape our city’s cultural life. During our competitions, dozens of families act as Host Homes, offering lodging, meals, transportation, and moral support to our competitors. We strive to foster cultural understanding by bringing the world to Utah – and Utah to the world.
New Member Competitions
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