On September 1st, pianists from ten countries across four continents arrived in New York City to participate in the 8th New Tang Dynasty International Piano Competition. The organizing committee of the competition held a welcome reception, where participants shared their excitement for showcasing their talents through the designated repertoire spanning from Baroque to Romantic periods, aiming to carry on and promote classical piano music. Some players mentioned they were drawn specifically to the competition because of the set repertoire.
The managing director of the New Tang Dynasty competition, Lucy Zhou, warmly welcomed the international pianists and introduced them to the history of New Tang Dynasty TV and its series of competitions. She highlighted the significance of the event as more than just a competition but also as an opportunity for musicians to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and grow through shared passion for classical music.
Matthew Figel, a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music in Texas with 19 years of piano experience, expressed his thrill in participating in the competition after being drawn to the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic repertoire. He particularly resonated with the spiritual and powerful elements of the set pieces, including the Chinese pentatonic scale, despite being an American musician.
For Matias Cuevas from Chile, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in piano performance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, the allure of the New Tang Dynasty competition lies in its dedication to preserving classical traditions. He believes that reintegrating classical music into the mainstream music scene is crucial for contemporary society, reflecting on the universal resonance and enduring nature of classical music.
Joseph Gallwas, a student at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music in the United States who has won several international piano competitions, emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and individual authenticity in music. He views the New Tang Dynasty competition as a unique platform for nurturing classical traditions and personal artistic integrity.
Francis Lien from Taiwan, pursuing a Master’s degree in piano performance at the Lamont School of Music, returned for the competition due to the captivating narrative and artistic freedom offered by the specified repertoire. He praised the New Tang Dynasty competition for its dedicated promotion of classical music traditions.
Eric Xie, an accomplished pianist at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, cherishes the purity and beauty of music performance, emphasizing the need for profound interpretation and connection to the pieces being played. He values the philosophical depth and emotional engagement required to convey the essence of musical compositions.
Hanh Nhu Le from Vietnam, a dedicated piano teacher with 17 years of experience, expressed her support for the New Tang Dynasty competition despite not having specific expectations for rankings. She values the opportunity to share her music and learn through participation in the competition.
The New Tang Dynasty Piano Competition will feature preliminary rounds on Wednesday and Thursday (September 2-3), followed by the semi-finals on September 4, and the finals on September 5. The semi-finals and finals will be live-streamed online, offering a global audience the chance to witness the talents and dedication of the participants.
For more detailed information, please visit: https://piano.ntdtv.com/en/competition/