Fourth Adult Amateur Competition

February 27, 2010
Rice University

Medalists

Robin Green, Gold Medal

Marcus Merrell, Gold Medal

Paula Alencar, Silver Medal

Congratulations to our medalists and all our participants!

Schedule of Events

The competition will take place in Room 1133 in the Alice Pratt building at Rice University. It is open to the public.

Non-Competitive Category (10:30 to 12:30)

Jim Bradley

Bert Moser

James Willsey

Brenda Ray

Jerry Jones

James Crump

Kimberly Mori

Thang Dinh

Alina Alt

Non-competitors will play in this order (oldest to youngest).

Competitive Category (2:30 to 5:00)

Stephen Page

Robin Green

Pei-Li Huang

Kimbra Fishel

Marcus Merrell

Paula Alencar

Competitors are asked to arrive at Rice at 2:00. The order of the contestants will be determined by lot at this time.

General information and rules

Fourth Chopin Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists and Chopin Recital performed by Adult Amateur Pianists, organized by Chopin Society of Houston, will be take place on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Rice University, Houston, Texas. These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, born before January 1, 1983, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.

Applications, registration fees and DVD's (for competitive category applicants) must be received by Friday, January 29, 2010. Information on application form must be typed or printed in block letters. Proof of age (such as copy of a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate) and a non-refundable fee of $75 per competition entry or $75 per recital entry must accompany each application. Please make check payable to: Chopin Society of Houston. Send the application material to:
Chopin Society of Houston
1938 Baker Trail
Houston, TX 77094

Participants will be notified of performance times immediately after closing the list of applicants. This list will also be published on our Website at: www.chopinsocietyofhouston.org.

No changes or substitutions in the repertoire will be accepted once the application has been received. Please note: Only original versions will be accepted – No transcriptions – No arrangements.

There are two categories for participation: Competitive, which are judged and awarded prizes, and Non-competitive. Participants in both categories will receive written comments from the judges as well as a Diploma of Recognition.

All performers are expected to wear appropriate attire to ensure a proper atmosphere. The Chopin Society of Houston reserves the right to record all performances during the event for use at its own discretion. By signing the application form the participant renounces all rights and fees.

Non-competitive Category

Recital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music.

Competitive Category

Applicants in the Competitive category are required to enter a Preliminary round prior to the main event by submitting a videotape or DVD of the complete performance WITH THEIR APPLICATION. The applicants name should appear on the outside of the tape or DVD, but no titles or names should appear on the recording. Individual pieces may be recorded separately but no editing of individual pieces is allowed.

Successful candidates in the Competitive category will be promptly informed of their acceptance to the Semi-final round by letter or email. The results will also be posted on our Website. Candidates not passed to the Semi-final round may be invited to play in the Non-competitive category.

Participants in the Competitive category are required to bring their music (preferably with measures numbered). They will be judged by a panel of outstanding musicians. Written comments from the judges will be available following the competition.

Competitive Category Repertoire Requirements

Competition participants are required to perform one of the following polonaises:

C-sharp minor, Op. 26, No. 1

E-flat minor, Op. 26, No. 2

B-flat minor, “Adieu”

C minor, Op. 40, No. 2

F-sharp minor, Op. 44

A-flat Major, Op. 53

D minor, Op. 71, No. 1

B-flat Major, Op. 71, No. 2

and, in addition, a selection of one or several contrasting compositions of Fryderyk Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes (including the required polonaise). One larger work, such as a Ballade or Scherzo, may be submitted and performed along with the required piece, even if it exceeds the time limit. All works must be performed by memory.