If you’re passionate about your jazz piano playing then make a note of THE PIANISTS, the acclaimed competition for outstanding amateur players.

Jazzwise is supporting this unique competition presented in association with Yamaha , Pianist magazine, theJazz radio station and Classic FM. The scheme embraces both Classical and Jazz genres and aims to showcase the cream of the UK’s best amateur ‘adult’ musical talent and follows the highly successful inauguration of this biennial competition in 2005.

Entries for the 2007 event are now being invited, entrants should be over thirty years of age and not derive their principal income from playing – it’s that simple! All you have to do is submit a short recording to the organisers and you could find yourself playing in front of a capacity audience at the Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square – one of the capital’s most prestigious venues – in November.

But that’s only the beginning of the story.

Winners will also have the fantastic opportunity of being broadcast on theJazz and achieving the ultimate dream for many an amateur pianist, as the winner scoops a set with Julian Joseph’s internationally acclaimed band at a major London venue. As many people will know Julian’s band stars some of the world’s hottest jazz players including saxophonist Steve Williamson and drummer Mark Mondiser. Both experiences will prove truly life-changing for the successful winners.

The first event for outstanding amateurs was a great success and received massive publicity culminating in a sellout final at the Cadogan Hall. Pianist Eddy James (pictured) triumphed in the jazz category and was named the UK’s most outstanding jazz amateur after dazzling the 1000 strong audience with a ‘Jazz Journey’ from the 1920s to the 1940s.

Unique to the UK, the aim of THE PIANISTS is to provide a high profile, professionally produced showcase for the country’s most passionate amateur piano players and assist them in reaching new levels whist promoting piano playing to new audiences. This year’s jazz judges include Julian Joseph, Jamie Cullum, Jason Rebello and Gwilym Simcock for the jazz. THE PIANISTS scheme is supported by The Jazz and Jazzwise magazine, who will be covering all stages and providing regular information and updates throughout the year.

Closing date for entries is the 10th August followed by the semifinal in September. The six finalists will then be invited to perform at the Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square – one of the capital’s most prestigious venues – in November.
 
Yamaha’s Mike Ketley comments, ‘It gives me great pleasure to be once again launching our Competition for outstanding amateur jazz pianists. There are many competitions for young, up-coming pianists but our scheme is unique in that it offers a real opportunity for talented adults who play for the sheer love of their art to enter a vibrant, stimulating and friendly environment amongst like-minded players. For amateur jazz pianists the opportunity to perform with Julian Joseph would otherwise be impossible. We found with our first event that the quality of amateur players throughout the UK was simply staggering, these people deserve a wider audience and that’s exactly what we provide.’

Jazzwise magazine’s editor Jon Newey says “This competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented non-professional pianists from all areas of the United Kingdom to have their skills and imagination noticed and compete for a place on the big stage. Live performance is the authentic jazz experience and the competition will greatly ignite the interest of players and audiences alike.”

Pianist magazine’s Erica Worth adds, ‘The atmosphere of the Finals night in 2005 was electrifying. In fact, the atmosphere throughout the whole competition from the launch to the end was totally unique. That’s because all applicants were in for the sheer joy and love of the piano, not for the money and not because they had to do it. For those who made it to the semi finals and the finals, this their dream realized – that is, to actually perform like professionals on a big stage!’

To find out more please visit www.thepianists.co.uk