AAF-catalogue-2017

Preface
In 2016, people in the USA and the UK, but also elsewhere,
voted for a new political direction of their countries. The
outcome shocked the establishment and caused an
unprecedented wave of astonishment, dismay, anger, resent,
anxiety and uncertainty in the entire world.
Appalling are the hostile tone and lack of respect for the
opponent and the ease with which other people are insulted in
such political discussions. Let us hope that everyone will be
able to listen to and enjoy the magnificent creations of classical
composers, who were true geniuses. Classical music is
important. I strongly believe that it brings harmony to our lives
and more peace to society.
This edition of the AAF catalogue offers again a lot of information on the international
piano competitions worldwide. A considerable amount of new competitions joined AAF
or came back, bringing the total number of competitions and organisations affiliated with
AAF to 173, making the current edition more comprehensive than ever before.
In 2016, financial support was offered to eight competitions to organise a special
reception for the contestants. More information and some impressions can be found on
pages 68-69. The special AAF Award went to four excellent pianists at the competitions
in Sydney, Cleveland and Bergen (Norway), while the two winners of 2015 had recitals in
Lugano (Switzerland) and Germany. (see the report and photos on pages 70-73)
Three competitions were ‘under attack’ in 2016, as a contestant, a jury member and a
distant observer questioned the results and criticized the official procedures. AAF could
assist and mediate. It was very much appreciated that the organisers published the jury’s
votes, which provided more transparency. It is encouraging to see that more and more
competitions reveal the voting to the public. The competitions in Hamamatsu and Sendai
also included this in their beautiful reports, which show a vast range of interesting details,
surveys and statistics.
2017 will be a year full of exciting and important competitions. We are looking forward to
the next winners of the Cliburn, the Rubinstein, Busoni and Clara Haskil competitions,
and who will win Montreal, Tromsø or Utrecht …?
With pleasure, I can already announce that the first international AAF Conference will be
held in Barcelona, 19-20 March 2018. All organisers of international piano competitions
are welcome to attend, while the participation of pianists, piano companies and others
with an involvement in competitions will also be greatly valued. It will be a unique
opportunity for all to come, meet and talk! (see page 87 for more information)
Gustav Alink
Alink - Argerich Foundation | 1