65th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition Nears Finale in Italy
The 65th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition will reach its final stage in Bolzano, Italy, from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. After a rigorous selection process that began in 2024, 26 outstanding young pianists from around the world advanced to the finals.
These finalists will perform solo pieces, chamber works with the Simply Quartet, and concertos with the Haydn Orchestra. Registration for this year’s competition closed on May 15, 2024.
The competition began with a video-based pre-selection round that identified 100 participants. The pianists then took part in the Glocal Piano Project, a hybrid stage held in 12 cities worldwide. The project aimed to increase accessibility and artistic exchange by blending live performances with online participation.
Founded in 1949 in memory of influential pianist and composer Ferruccio Busoni, the competition’s founding committee included classical music legends such as Arthur Rubinstein and Alfred Cortot. Over the decades, it has helped launch the careers of renowned pianists including Martha Argerich, Maurizio Pollini, and Alfred Brendel.
The Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition is known not only for discovering new talent but also for promoting musicianship rooted in international understanding and cultural openness. Organizers stress artistic integrity and reject any use of the event for political or nationalist agendas.
The competition prizes range from 2,500 to 30,000 euros. However, the event offers more than just financial rewards. It serves as a gateway to global opportunities and professional growth. The Busoni Competition remains a vital platform for young pianists to develop, connect, and shape the future of classical music.
Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1755743087/1613367716
1. When and where will the final stage of the competition take place?
2. How many pianists advanced to the finals in 2025?
3. What was the purpose of the Glocal Piano Project?
4. Who were some of the famous committee members when the competition was founded?
1. Why are international music competitions important for young artists?
2. How might hybrid stages like the Glocal Piano Project change the future of competitions?
3. Should competitions focus more on artistic growth or financial prizes?
4. In what ways can music promote cultural openness and international understanding?
The 65th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition will reach its final stage in Bolzano, Italy, from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. After a rigorous selection process that began in 2024, 26 outstanding young pianists from around the world advanced to the finals.
