The Seattle International Piano Competition isn’t just about seasoned professionals — it’s also a platform for the next generation of piano talent. This year, we’ve been blown away by the caliber of applicants in our Youth Categories, which include musicians as young as 9 years old. With 175 participants across three age groups, these young pianists hail from countries including China, the United States, Canada, and more.
What’s truly remarkable about these young artists is not just their technical skill but their ability to interpret works with maturity beyond their years. Imagine an 11-year-old delivering a nuanced performance of a partita by Bach or a 16-year-old tackling the emotional depth of Schumann’s Kreisleriana. These are the kinds of performances you can expect from the finalists of our youth categories.
In the 9 and under category alone, we have 39 applicants, representing five different countries. These tiny titans of the keyboard have already demonstrated incredible poise and talent, making them ones to watch as they continue their musical journeys. Meanwhile, the 10-13 age group has 75 applicants from countries as varied as Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. These young performers of the youth categories are in the midst of honing their skills and discovering their musical voices, making for a fascinating and inspiring competition.
Finally, the 14-18 age group features 61 applicants who are beginning to transition from promising students to accomplished artists. These young musicians have already amassed impressive resumes, often performing in competitions and concerts in their home countries. Their performances at the SIPF will be a testament to the countless hours of practice and dedication they’ve invested in their craft.
As we look forward to the live competition at Benaroya Hall, we can’t wait to see what these young virtuosos will bring to the stage. Their performances will not only showcase their technical prowess but also their passion and love for music. Be sure to secure your tickets to witness the future of classical music live in Seattle. 🎟️ Link to tickets
For inquiries, please contact us at: seattlepianointernational@gmail.com
