For decades, the Pacific Northwest has been the center of a great musical and artistic culture. The warm and welcoming music audience of Seattle is one of the friendliest in the world. Every year the city witnesses numerous local concert series, music festivals, and competitions. The Seattle International Piano Festival, and its annual piano competition, differs from other local events in that it invites both local and international pianists to share their talents and diverse musical backgrounds with the eager and friendly ears of Seattleites. Unique among competitions around the world, the SIPF piano competition encourages pianists of all ages to seek his or her personal niche and voice, with the freedom to select repertoire without specific requirements. We encourage the exploration of ethnically varied literature, ranging from the folk-inspired works of Karol Szymanowski to the contemporary works of living Asian composers.

Aside from the solo piano competition, the festival also features guest recitals, master classes and lectures presented by world-class performers. As music is a gift to be cherished and cultivated among people of all ages and in all times, the 2010 Seattle International Piano Festival provides musical opportunities for aspiring pianists, music lovers, and professional musicians. Youth, piano students of universities and conservatories, professional pianists and amateur pianists - all are invited to compete in the annual piano competition to share their original artistry.

The approachable structure of the festival's annual piano competition makes it possible for a pianist of any financial status to apply and participate. Many competitions require the pianist to travel great distances and live out of a hotel at great personal expense and risk, not knowing whether one will survive to the last round. A user-friendly piano competition such as this provides the pianist a means to participate without such great cost, knowing that the chances for being awarded a prize are high if one passes the preliminary round.

The final round of the second annual Seattle International Piano Festival will take place September 18 and 19, 2010 at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall in Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Washington. All finalists of the 2010 piano competition will have the opportunity to present their music in this venue - one of the most beautiful recital halls of the Pacific Northwest. Finalists will be selected from the preliminary participants to perform this day based on recording submissions. Numerous cash prizes and non-cash awards will be distributed among the winners.

We encourage you to participate and hope to see you in September. Wishing all the best luck and success!

- Dr. Ivona Kaminska
President, SIPF