#Japan #Takamatsu #Shigeru Kawai #SK-EX #Takamatsu Contest

Overview

The 6th Takamatsu International Piano Competition was held in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, from February 10 to February 23, 2023. This prestigious event has been a platform for fostering young talent since its inception in 2006. In this recent competition, Roman Fediurko from Ukraine took the gold medal, while South Korea's Jeonghwan Kim secured the silver. Both award-winning pianists performed on the renowned Shigeru Kawai full concert piano, the SK-EX.

Competition Highlights

Throughout the duration of the competition, 45 contestants participated, showcasing their exceptional skills across various rounds. Only five advanced to the finals after succeeding in the preliminary and semi-final stages. The Grand Finale featured two outstanding musicians utilizing the SK-EX, resulting in remarkable performances that left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience.

Winners of the Competition:

1. Roman Fediurko, Ukraine – 1st Place (SK-EX)
2. KIM Jeonghwan, South Korea – 2nd Place (SK-EX)
3. Elisabeth Tsai, USA – 3rd Place
4. PARK Haerim, South Korea – 4th Place
5. HA Gyu Tae, South Korea – 5th Place

The Takamatsu International Piano Competition aims not only to discover and nurture exceptional talent but also to foster dreams and goals among local youth, creating an opportunity for them to interact with world-class musicians.

The Role of Shigeru Kawai

Shigeru Kawai has been an official acoustic piano partner of the Takamatsu International Piano Competition since its first edition in 2006. This year, four companies provided official pianos, with the SK-EX being a preferred choice among the contestants during all qualifying rounds. This is a testament to the instrument’s superior quality and the musicians' trust in its capabilities.

The SK-EX, launched in 2001, represents Shigeru Kawai's commitment to creating the world's finest pianos. Crafted with hand-selected materials through a meticulous traditional process known as the 'original instrument process,' the SK-EX delivers exceptional expressiveness that meets the high standards demanded by concert performers.

Features of the SK-EX Piano

• - Innovative Construction: Incorporates new materials established in the Shigeru Kawai Grand Piano series, enhancing sound quality and playability.
• - Ultra-Responsive Action II: Ensures rapid repetition capability and stable touch, allowing for both soft and powerful playing.
• - Sound Characteristics: Delivers a rich, well-defined tone across a spectrum, from delicate pianissimo to resonant forte.

The specific SK-EX piano used in the competition was installed at the Sunport Hall Takamatsu, further aligning with the event's epicenter of musical excellence.

Conclusion

The Takamatsu International Piano Competition not only highlights individual talent but also contributes significantly to the local cultural landscape. Shigeru Kawai is proud to support such initiatives, continuously seeking to enhance the environment and resources for aspiring pianists. To explore more about the SK-EX used in this competition, please visit our special feature on the Shigeru Kawai site covering the installation at Sunport Hall Takamatsu: SK-EX Installation Report.