Great Escape: The Cleveland International Piano Competition

When did “tickling the ivories” become a spectator sport? 

Well, that would be since 1975 when the prestigious and world-renowned Cleveland International Piano Competition began taking place here every two years, bringing the most gifted young pianists to our town for a nail-bitingly suspenseful marathon of music. 

This year’s showdown began with the solo rounds at the Cleveland Play House on July 27 and continues through Aug. 3, after which the field will be reduced to eight semifinalists and four finalists. 

The four perform in the final round along with our own pride and joy, The Cleveland Orchestra, on Aug. 5 and 6 at Severance Hall.  The winner of the first prize will be judged from among a field of 27 ridiculously talented musicians from China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.  

The contest, known as one of the best in the competition realm, can be a career maker for the talented winner; he or she will receive a $50,000 cash award, a recital debut at Carnegie Hall in New York, and, almost assuredly, a booked-up calendar of concert dates well into the future.

Tickets are $15 for the early rounds; $20 semifinals and $25-$55 for the finals.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 216-795-7000 at Play House Square or 216-231-1111 for Severance Hall events.           

Whether or not you know the difference between a sonata and a cantata or a crescendo and a diminuendo, you will be completely enthralled by the skill and passion of these gifted young people from all over the world.