Introduction from Prof. Dr. Pfeffer, President of the Folkwang Hochschule

With the launching of the First International Carl Bechstein Piano Competition the Folkwang Hochschule joins the list of the music academies that have established important international competitions.
Above all this competition is looking for pianists who show a deep commitment to their art. The large number of applicants is proof of the concept for which Professor Boris Bloch, Artistic Director and President of the jury, is responsible.
The degree of required maturity allied to a strong independent musical personality is reflected by the fact that no upper age limit has been imposed.

A competition such as this hopes to help pave the way towards a successful concert career.
We are particularly delighted to be associated with the C. Bechstein Piano Company, who is very generously providing the instruments and indeed the means to allow this competition to take place.
I wish this competition every success and look forward to many more in the future.
Prof. Dr. Martin Pfeffer
President of the Folkwang Hochschule
Chairman of the Presidents’ Conference of the German Music Colleges

Artistic Director and General Manager of the Philharmonie Essen

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends of the Bechstein Piano Competition,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Carl Bechstein Piano Competition, which is being held here in the Rhine-Ruhr area of Germany.
One of Europe’s most vibrant cultural regions, already home to outstanding orchestras and opera houses, attractive concert halls and internationally acclaimed festivals, is further enriched by yet another significant musical attraction.
The unique profile of a new piano competition sets it apart from the multitude of other such events, which is in itself no small feat. The great commitment of Carl Bechstein Piano Company, the original concept of Professor Boris Bloch and the wholehearted co-operation of the prestigious Folkwang Academy deserve our deep appreciation and support for getting a new exciting major competition off the ground, a competition, which embraces a wide range of repertoire and is hoping to discover interpreters of great individual flair, possessing both emotional and intellectual
skills.
The Essen Philharmonic is delighted to be associated with this new venture and is eagerly looking forward to the musical partnership with its participants.
Michael Kaufmann
© Frank Vinken