Cape Town to host the International Piano Competition: a new era for classical music
Nina Schumann, Artistic Director, Cape Piano and Adriaan Fuchs CEO and Artistic Director of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra who are partnering with Cape Piano in this venture. Back: Esthea Kruger, Head of Piano SACM, a member of Cape Piano Advisory Committee and Alex Andersson, Executive Director, Cape Piano.
Image: Tiffany Schultz
Cape Town will host the Cape Town International Piano Competition. This groundbreaking initiative aimed at placing itself alongside the world’s most esteemed piano competitions such as the Chopin, Busoni, Van Cliburn, and Queen Elisabeth.
This move is a significant leap forward in establishing a world-class platform for top concert pianists, set against a backdrop that has earned accolades as the World’s Best City for Travellers by The Telegraph for seven consecutive years.
Starting in March 2027, the competition, spearheaded by the organisation Cape Piano, aims to create a bridge between the rich heritage of classical music and the people of South Africa. By collaborating with prestigious institutions including Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), the competition aims to nurture local talent and attract accomplished pianists from around the globe.
Under the visionary leadership of co-founder and executive director Alex Andersson, Cape Piano seeks to enhance local exposure to classical music—an art form that, as he notes, “has to be one of the finest expressions of human creativity, and yet, so few South Africans have enjoyed any real exposure to it.” The addition of the Cape Town International Piano Competition is viewed as a vital contribution towards making classical music more accessible and inspiring for upcoming artists.
“South Africa possesses a special spirit that manifests in the way people engage with one another,” said Artistic Director Nina Schumann. “There are still areas in South Africa where very few people have been exposed to classical music. The Mother City is a whole world in one city, meaning that it has the wherewithal to expose people from diverse backgrounds and remote communities to classical music in a ‘hip’ and relevant way.”
The Cape Town International Piano Competition will stand out not only for its high-calibre participants but also for its unique community initiatives. The competition will feature “spin-off” concerts in unconventional locations, including Table Mountain, local beaches, and vibrant township communities. Additionally, the innovative Piano Graveyard Revival project aims to refurbish old pianos and donate them to schools and community venues in previously disadvantaged areas.
The competition will host 30 of the world's finest pianists through four live rounds, culminating in a grand finale featuring concerto performances with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Daniel Raiskin. Prize money exceeding $70,000 (USD) is up for grabs, along with lucrative concert engagements following the competition.
To ensure that the event showcases a diverse range of talent, the competition will cover the costs of international travel and local accommodation for the selected contestants. Furthermore, these artists will remain in the city for the duration of the competition, participating in various outreach programmes and performances as part of the accompanying Cape Piano Festival. This ensures a dual impact: encouraging artistry while simultaneously enriching the local community.
As the world eagerly anticipates this momentous event, the Cape Town International Piano Competition promises not only to elevate the city’s standing on the global music stage but also to ignite a passion for classical music within the hearts of many South Africans. With its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, the competition encapsulates the essence of what the community and its talented musicians can achieve when they harmonise their efforts.