About Competition

About Competition

Language : ENG / 日本語

The cultures of Asia and Europe are, of course, vastly different. In terms of ways of thinking, perspectives, processes of building something, and how things are evaluated, it's fair to say that everything is different. However, the undeniable fact is that in recent years, many Asians have studied European classical music and achieved success in numerous international competitions.

The time has come for Asians to stand shoulder to shoulder with Europeans in the world of classical music. What we must now reconsider is the fundamental question: “What is classical music?” Classical music originated in Europe. Instruments were developed in Europe, and until the early 20th century, all the major composers were European. Asia, by nature, is not the traditional home of classical music. So why do we study classical music, work hard, and compete alongside Europeans, the original practitioners?

The reason, I believe, lies in the universality of classical music that transcends ethnicity, as well as its profound ability to accept individual diversity.

Classical music has now transcended its regional roots and has been elevated to a global cultural tradition. By respecting the identities of individual composers and their works, and by engaging with them sincerely, I believe we can discover something unique that only Asians can offer through performance. Through the Asia Piano Competition, we aim to deepen the understanding of classical music across the Asian region, share the Asian identity among performers, and comprehensively understand both the strengths and weaknesses of Asians in classical music, leading to discoveries that will contribute to the development of classical music culture.

Asia Piano Competition Executive Committee