Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition
Encyclopedia
The Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition is an international piano
competition founded in 2003 by the late David Bradshaw, and Cosmo Buono
. It gives the opportunity to first prize winners to perform in Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall
, New York City
.
, in response to the need they saw for an artistic vehicle that would help pianists make the transition from formal piano studies to a professional career. The two pianists, who performed throughout the world for more than thirty years, were aware of the difficulties associated with gaining the exposure that would result in longevity as a performing artist, and wanted to do something to help the large numbers of qualified pianists whose abilities were going unnoticed.
as part of the Winners’ Recital.
Their belief that too many competitions valued technique over musicianship led Bradshaw and Buono to build one that would place more of an emphasis on sensitivity, individuality, and expression, while positioning the competition for pianists who were not necessarily ready to embark on an international career, but who were capable, in time, of sustaining one. With their goal to have pianists perform in a professional setting while also indirectly rewarding the efforts of parents and teachers, they designed the Bradshaw & Buono to also help provide a significant performance credential for pianists who might be applying to schools where distinctions in a particular field might prove of value.
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
competition founded in 2003 by the late David Bradshaw, and Cosmo Buono
Cosmo Buono
Cosmo Buono is an American pianist, native of New Jersey who completed his piano studies at New York University, Bard College, and The Juilliard School. As a soloist he has been heard in North America, Europe, and Japan, including performances with the Munich Philharmonic and the Danish State Radio...
. It gives the opportunity to first prize winners to perform in Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Origins
The Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition was founded in 2003 by the late David Bradshaw, and Cosmo BuonoCosmo Buono
Cosmo Buono is an American pianist, native of New Jersey who completed his piano studies at New York University, Bard College, and The Juilliard School. As a soloist he has been heard in North America, Europe, and Japan, including performances with the Munich Philharmonic and the Danish State Radio...
, in response to the need they saw for an artistic vehicle that would help pianists make the transition from formal piano studies to a professional career. The two pianists, who performed throughout the world for more than thirty years, were aware of the difficulties associated with gaining the exposure that would result in longevity as a performing artist, and wanted to do something to help the large numbers of qualified pianists whose abilities were going unnoticed.
The Competition
The competition, held annually, allows pianists from five age categories (Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College Adult, and Amateur Adult) to submit recordings of their playing which are reviewed by a panel of judges who then choose multiple First Prize Winners in each category. These artists are then given a performance debut at Carnegie HallCarnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
as part of the Winners’ Recital.
Their belief that too many competitions valued technique over musicianship led Bradshaw and Buono to build one that would place more of an emphasis on sensitivity, individuality, and expression, while positioning the competition for pianists who were not necessarily ready to embark on an international career, but who were capable, in time, of sustaining one. With their goal to have pianists perform in a professional setting while also indirectly rewarding the efforts of parents and teachers, they designed the Bradshaw & Buono to also help provide a significant performance credential for pianists who might be applying to schools where distinctions in a particular field might prove of value.