AAF-catalogue-2017

AAF Receptions
Every competition brings enjoyment, but also some surprises and disappointment. One of
the tense moments during a piano competition is the time that contestants have to wait for
the results. Not only after the finals. Also at the end of the first round, all contestants are
anxious to know who may pass to the next round. They often have to wait for one hour –
or much longer – until the jury makes an announcement.
In 2009, the Alink-Argerich Foundation started to offer financial support to several
competitions for organising a special reception, preferably at the end of the first round.
The main idea is to offer the contestants some comfort with food and drinks and an
opportunity to relax a little, to meet and talk in a friendly atmosphere, while hopefully all
of them are still there. It can also bring new contacts that might be useful for the future.
Between 2009 and 2016, financial support for such a special reception was offered to 72
competitions. Until 2015, AAF had asked notary Mr. D.L. Rang to conduct an official
draw, to make an objective and fair selection.
From 2016, competitions which had not yet received AAF’s support, could still apply for
this; also in 2017. It will then be decided where the support will be given and in which
way. More details will be posted on AAF’s website, where also reports on the receptions
in the years 2009-2016 are given and several photos can be seen.
On the next page: more photos and impressions from different places and competitions,
where the receptions have been held.
68 | Piano Competitions Worldwide 2017