Piano Competition

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition, one of the leading international piano competitions in the United States, operates with a three-year rotation of events: an adult competition for pianists 18–30 years old, a young artist competition for pianists 13–17 years old, and a festival—BravoPiano!—which showcases past prize winners and other prominent keyboard artists performing music ranging from classical to jazz.  

The HHIPC, inaugurated by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra in 2002, draws applicants, artists, and audiences from numerous countries the world over, and many HHIPC artists are now enjoying thriving professional careers.

The HHIPC for ages 13-17 returns March 13-18, when 20 young pianists will compete in three rounds for more than $21,000 in cash prizes. The First Prize winner will also be awarded a return performance with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and additional performance engagements.  

Competitors this year are:
Riko Ando, Japan, (15)
David Choi, United States / South Korea, (15)
William Ge, United States, (15)
Sawako Harada, Japan, (15)
Yuhe Jin, China, (15)
Donghwi Kang, South Korea, (15)
Andrew Li, Canada / Hong Kong, (15)
Caden Lin, United States, (15)
Zarin Mehta, United States, (15)
Takuma Onodera, Japan, (17)
Xinran Shi, United States, (13)
Rebekah Yinuo Tan, China (16)
Kevin Wang, Canada, (17)
Keyi Wang, China, (15)
Zhonghua Wei, China, (14)
Ruby Wu, Hong Kong, (16)
Lindsey Yang, United States, (17)
Kyle Yeung, United States, (15)
Nathaniel Zhang, United States, (15)
Chengyao Zhou, China, (15)

The most recent adult competition was in March 2022, with 23-year-old Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko selected as First Prize winner from among 20 performers in Hilton Head (who hailed from eight different countries).  

The four rounds included two short recitals for each of the 20 competitors, followed by a longer recital for the six semi-finalists, leading to the ultimate round where the three finalists each played a full piano concerto with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and Maestro John Morris Russell.

The winners received a total of $34,000 in cash prizes.  Competitors stay in the homes of host families, who provide lodging, meals, transportation, and access to a competition quality grand piano for practice.

Island residents also host the judges for dinners in their homes during the week of competition, and others offer the judges use of their grand pianos for personal practice.

In all, more than 200 volunteers devote their time, talents and energy to help staff the competition events.

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