Carl Bechstein Piano Competition will be delayed

Owing to the global financial situation and the expected international market cutbacks the C. Bechstein pianomanufacturer’s board of directors has decided to delay the 2nd International Carl Bechstein Piano Competition for a period of presumably two years.

As reported by all media, companies and markets anticipate losses worldwide. Budgets for public acquisitions especially in the cultural sector have been and will be cut. In addition, the private consumer’s retention in spendings is already noticeable in many national markets like USA, Asia and Eastern Europe. As a result, sales for upright and grand pianos will be affected. Even though the overall results in 2008 are positive for the C. Bechstein pianomanufacturers due to the strong position on the German market, the budgets for 2009 have to be restricted in order to assure that any existing commitments will be fulfilled.
The very successful International Carl Bechstein Piano Competition supports promising talents above all cultural and political borders. The competition implicates considerable financial responsibility both for the organizer as for the partners. The benefits and the well-being of all participants – like high prize money, concert engagements, accomodation costs et cetera have to be safeguarded and guaranteed in advance.
The C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG will intensify national cultural activities and concerts to bridge the time gap to the next International Carl Bechstein Competition. The series of competitions for local conservatories will start in Düsseldorf in April, accompanied by the international concert series in Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.

The very successful International Carl Bechstein Piano Competition supports promising talents above all cultural and political borders. The competition implicates considerable financial responsibility both for the organizer as for the partners. The benefits and the well-being of all participants – like high prize money, concert engagements, accomodation costs et cetera have to be safeguarded and guaranteed in advance.
The C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG will intensify national cultural activities and concerts to bridge the time gap to the next International Carl Bechstein Competition. The series of competitions for local conservatories will start in Düsseldorf in April, accompanied by the international concert series in Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.