June 1 Is Application Deadline for Inaugural Olga Kern International Piano Competition

Olga Kern International Piano Competition Participants To Perform in November

June 1 Is Application Deadline for Inaugural Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday, May 24, 2016

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Acclaimed pianist Olga Kern and the New Mexico Philharmonic, the state’s premier orchestra, are joining together to produce the first Olga Kern International Piano Competition from Nov. 13 to Nov. 20 amidst the scenic high-desert mountains of Albuquerque, N.M.

This competition will feature selected pianists ages 18-32 and will offer $30,000 in prize money. In addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive a professional recording on the Steinway & Sons label, and the Olga Kern International Piano Competition will provide multiple concert engagements through the end of 2018.

Pianists interested in competing should check the website – http://www.olgakerncompetition.org – and then submit required documents and recordings by the June 1 deadline.

Pianists accepted into the competition will be provided with lodging in private homes, most meals and travel stipends of $150 for U.S. candidates and $300 for those from outside the U.S.

The closing round of this exciting new competition will feature the finalists in performance with the New Mexico Philharmonic.

The mission of the Olga Kern International Piano Competition is “to provide the venue for young pianists to develop international careers through a competition that is recognized globally for its value and excellence” and was first conceived by Olga Kern herself.

The competition will be held every three to four years after its debut this November.

"Launching a successful performing career in the 21st century is a daunting task for most young, talented, aspiring musicians,” said Olga Kern. “I have been very fortunate to achieve my dreams of becoming a concert pianist.

“And my hope is that the Olga Kern International Piano Competition can now assist the next generation in its efforts to achieve their aspirations and dreams. I am thrilled to be working in tandem with the New Mexico Philharmonic on this new and exciting project."

For more information on the Olga Kern International Competition for aspiring young pianists, please visit http://www.olgakerncompetition.org, email info@olgakerncompetition.org or telephone 505-814-5355.

About Olga Kern

Now recognized as one of her generation’s great pianists, Olga Kern’s career began with her award-winning, gold-medal performance at the Eleventh Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2001. With her vivid stage presence, passionately confident musicianship and extraordinary technique, the striking pianist continues to captivate fans and critics alike.

Kern will serve as Artistic Director and President of the Jury of the inaugural Olga Kern International Piano Competition to be held this November in Albuquerque, N.M.

Kern was born into a family of musicians with direct links to Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff and began studying piano at the age of 5. Winner of the first Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition when she was 17, Kern is a laureate of 11 international competitions and has toured throughout her native Russia, Europe and the United States, as well as in Japan, South Africa and South Korea.

Recipient of an honorary scholarship from the President of Russia in 1996, Kern is a member of Russia’s International Academy of Arts. In addition to performing, Kern devotes her time to the support and education of developing musicians. In 2012, the artist and her brother, Vladimir Kern, co-founded the “Aspiration” Foundation to provide financial and artistic assistance to musicians throughout the world.

About the New Mexico Philharmonic

The New Mexico Philharmonic enriches the lives of New Mexicans through musical excellence, educational opportunities and community engagement. As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. Formed in 2011, the New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and is proud to be the first arts organization in New Mexico to receive Pinon recognition from Quality New Mexico’s Performance Excellence program. This designation recognizes that the NMPhil uses systematic processes to manage the organization as a business focused on our audiences, our donors and our results.

# # #