Competition

Sunday, March 9, 2008

On Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm, the URI Piano Extravaganza! holds an adjudicated competition open to pianists who have not yet entered college. There are three categories for the competition; high school, middle school, and lower grades. All competitors are rated, but only the middle and high school categories are given placement awards.

For the middle and high school students, this competition gives them an opportunity to showcase their years of hard work in a formal, but low key environment. For the younger students, this competition gives them an opportunity to test their wings.

Competitors are required to prepare a 10 to 15 minute solo program of works from various styles - Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, or Modern/Contemporary. (Grades 1-5 may prepare a shorter program between 8 to 12 minutes.) There are no required pieces, and judges require copies of the sheet music.

Pianists will perform at the URI Fine Arts Center on one of the school's 9 foot Steinway D piano.

Here are some pieces that have been played at recent festival competitions.

In the below high school bracket:

1. Six Ecossaises by Beethoven

2. Bach Two-Part Invention, No. 8

3. Spinning Song by Ellmenreich

4. Clementi Sonatina in F major, Op. 36, No. 4

5. Chopin Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2

6. Beethoven Sonata in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 Third Movement

7. Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm, No. 2 by Bartok

In the high school bracket:

1. Bach Sinfonia in F minor

2. Satin Doll by Duke Ellington

3. The Sunken Cathedral by Debussy

4. Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. posthumous

5. Kitten on the Keys by Confrey

6. Beethoven Sonata in D minor, Op. 31, No 2, Second Movement

7. Schubert Impromptu in A-flat minor, Op. 90, No. 4

8. Liszt Concert Paraphrase on "Rigoletto"

9. Brahms Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No. 2

Competition Rules

1. It is a concert-style contest. Each participant will perform their entire program without interruption.

2. The decision of the adjudicators is final.

3. Send a check of $25 payable to URI Foundation.

4. Mail or email a photo of the student pianist (for identification and publicity purposes).

5. Please make sure you have provided all information.

6. The deadline for application is Friday, February 29, 2008.

7. Participants are asked to attend the Saturday evening concert.

Contact Dr. Manabu Takasawa for details.