Fifth Adult Amateur Competition

General information and rules

The Fifth Chopin Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists and Chopin Recital performed by Adult Amateur Pianists, organized by Chopin Society of Houston, will be take place in the Fall, 2012. The final date and location to be decided. These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, born before January 1, 1985, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.

There are two categories for participation: Competitive, which are judged and awarded prizes, and Non-competitive. Participants in both categories will receive written comments from the judges as well as a Diploma of Recognition.

Non-competitive Category

Recital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music. Competitive Category

Competitive Category

Applicants in the Competitive category are required to enter a Preliminary round prior to the main event by submitting aDVD of the complete performance WITH THEIR APPLICATION. The applicants name should appear on the outside of the tape or DVD, but no titles or names should appear on the recording. Individual pieces may be recorded separately but no editing of individual pieces is allowed.

Successful candidates in the Competitive category will be promptly informed of their acceptance to the Semi-final round by letter or email. The results will also be posted on our Website. Candidates not passed to the Semi-final round may be invited to play in the Non-competitive category.

Participants in the Competitive category are required to bring their music (preferably with measures numbered). They will be judged by a panel of outstanding musicians. Written comments from the judges will be available following the competition.

Competitive Category Repertoire Requirements

Competition participants are required to perform any one Prelude from Op.28.

In addition, a selection of one or several contrasting compositions of Fryderyk Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes (including the required Prelude). One larger work, such as a Ballade or Scherzo, may be submitted and performed along with the required piece, even if it exceeds the time limit. All works must be performed by memory.

Competitive Category Awards

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, Honorable Mentions, and Special Prizes for the Best Performance of a Polonaise will be awarded.

The judges’ decisions will be final.