Hamline is again proud to be a presenting sponsor of the e-Piano Junior Competition, July 2-8. The four-day event brings some of the best young pianists under the age of 17 to the Twin Cities from all over the world. In series of breathtaking performances, the contestants compete for the top prize of $25,000, a grand piano, and a series of scheduled professional engagements.

The e-Piano competition makes innovative use of the Yamaha Disklavier piano, which allows contestants to perform on one of the pianos here, while judges listen to the performances in other concert halls throughout the world, where the music is perfectly re-created on corresponding Disklavier pianos, allowing the judges to hear the music with clarity, articulation, and resonance, as though they were sitting in the same room as the performer.

Contestants are expected to play pieces from noted composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Mendelssohn. In addition to several required compositions, the pianists will also select some pieces on their own that show their strengths and personality.

“With some of the best pianists in the world under 17 coming to play, they all have something special to share. That’s exciting!” says Stella Sick, coordinator of the program.

The performances are open to the public and take place in Sundin Music Hall, located at 1531 Hewitt Avenue on Hamline University’s Saint Paul campus. The performances are July 2- 3 and July 5-6, 2011. They begin each day at noon and end in the evening. Ticket prices are as follows and are available at the door on the e-piano website. 

Saturday July 2 and Sunday, July 3: First Round Performances - $10 each day
Monday, July 5: Second Round Performances- $15
Tuesday, July 6: Semi-final Round Performances- $20
Students with a valid ID: Free
Hamline Staff and Faculty: Free

For a complete schedule of performance start times, visit the Piano E-competition web page.