Elias Ackerley at the Busoni Competition 2023
Again, the piano world is turning its attention to South Tyrol, where one of the oldest and most renowned piano competitions is entering its all-important decisive phase. A year ago, 110 candidates from almost 600 applicants were invited to participate in the Glocal Piano Project in November 2022. Under this motto, the first round of the competition was held in Steinway & Sons showrooms worldwide over the course of 10 days. The recitals recorded in front of live audiences were professionally recorded, and the jury subsequently appointed the main group of 26 finalists based on the videos. Further candidates got to enter the final stages through the audience vote or were nominated from among prize winners from associated WFIMC competitions; three young pianists were allowed to postpone their 2020 final participation to this year. The audience in Bolzano and the world can look forward to a particularly wide field of participants, with now 32 outstanding young talents!