AAF-catalogue-2018

Preface
Climate change is affecting our entire planet and will be felt by
all of us, even though short-sighted people are obstinately
trying to deny it. While some politicians keep themselves busy
inventing rules to make life more difficult, others are making
great efforts in their attempts to save the world.
It is vital that we preserve nature and stop destroying trees
which are truly monumental and so incredibly meaningful. The
environment, forests and oceans are shared habitats which we
may only enter with great respect. And yes, if people care to
listen, music also plays an important role. It brings harmony to
our lives and more peace to society. It would be good if
politicians could balance their priorities differently and have
more attention for culture.
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 181, making the current edition more comprehensive than ever before.
In 2017, 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 72-73. AAF also provided support for two of the AAF Award winners, assisting
them in their travels and performance opportunities. Further arrangements are being made.
(see the report and photos on pages 74-75)
In May 2017, the 61 st General Assembly of the World Federation of International Music
Competitions voted in Montreal in favour of an Associate membership for AAF. As we all
care about the contestants at music competitions, it will be a pleasure to share our
experiences and ideas. I am looking forward to a fruitful collaboration!
An important item is transparency. When young musicians apply for a competition, they
are entitled to know which procedures are followed. The results of preselections are not
always understood. Naturally, one expects a certain degree of fairness. Rules regarding
students of jury members also require extra attention (see pages 87-89). Very interesting
will be the new competition in Salzburg (February 2019), where three different jury
panels will listen to the same group of contestants and might come to different results.
Each participant will thus have multiple chances of winning a prize.
In March 2018, the first AAF Conference will be held! Many organisers of international
piano competitions from all over the world have already confirmed to be present. It is a
great pleasure for AAF to facilitate this unique gathering in Barcelona, where they can
meet and talk about matters that are important for their events and for the contestants (see
also pages 90-91). I am confident that we can arrive at some useful conclusions!
Gustav Alink
Alink - Argerich Foundation | 1