AAF-2024

Preface We are momentarily living in a turbulent world, plagued by awful conflicts and a dramatic climate change. Yet, perhaps even especially under these heavy circumstances, the presence of Classical Music is truly wonderful. It can give much comfort and some relief. Since the Covid-19 pandemic has somewhat subdued, it is a real delight to see that the concert halls are being filled with people again, who are fully enjoying the musical performances!

For too long, many of us (in the audience as well as on stage) had missed the wonderful experience of hearing and making live music. We can see this revival also in the world of music competitions. Many competitions are taking place again, attracting large numbers of applicants. It is astonishing to see that there are now even several competitions offering an incredibly high amount of money for the first prize. Not all competitions have such enormous budget. They are all trying their best and announce the total amount of prizes and awards, while some of them mention the value of certain scholarships or special services such as the production of a CD or the opportunity to have a masterclass (e.g. with the competition organiser), to take part in a festival or to have the privilege of being directly admitted to another competition without going through the preselection. It can also be seen that some competitions add the promised fee for one or several concerts to the prize money. A few competitions invite the first prize winner to serve on the jury at the next edition the competition. There has become quite a variety of the prize package, making it more difficult to compare the competitions. As it always has been one of AAF’s main aims to provide clear and objective information about the competitions, it will be a good step for AAF to look closer into this diversity of prizes and awards and to publish a better specification. This will be useful for all organisers and participants and will enhance transparency. This year, several competitions will be celebrating a special anniversary for having been in existence for 10, 20, 25, 30 or even 50 years! In the latter category are Cleveland and the Palma d’Oro competition in Finale Ligure (Italy). AAF will turn 25 this year! It is a true pleasure and honour that Piano Cleveland will host the 3 rd AAF Conference during their competition in August. Important topics will be discussed and it will be again a unique opportunity to meet other colleagues from the Piano World. (see also page 63) We look forward very much to seeing you there!

Gustav Alink

Alink-Argerich Foundation 2024