Fifteenth Van Cliburn Piano Competition

  With the site of three Steinways lined up on the Bass Performance Hall stage, it all begins again. The contestants in one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world begin by selecting the piano that they will use in their performances. The options are two pianos made in the Hamburg factory and one constructed in New York. For those in the know the sounds are distinct and those playing can certainly feel the differences. Some of it is personal preference but in a competition like this every little bit counts. Good luck to all of the pianists in the Fifteenth Van Cliburn Piano Competition over the next couple of weeks.

Rachel Cheung tries out the New York Steinway. 

Piano Face

 Being a photographer and claiming no expertise in piano music I am at a disadvantage in handicapping the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. For my novice ears every one of the contestants is absolutely stellar in their abilities. My tally sheet ends up favoring those with the most expressions. All the pianists make some faces as they play, but a few verge on the comical. For me however, the absolute winner is Italy's Alessandro Deljavan. Expressive, diverse and down right personable to boot.
   Regardless, it is a great way to spend the day and I get to hear some incredible music as well. BEst of luck to all the contestants and their faces.

Alessandro Deljavan with sad face

Ruoyu Huang of China 

Scipione Sangiovanni of Italy

Vadym Kholodenko of Ukraine