About SKIPC
The Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition was established in 2017 in commemoration
of the 90th anniversary of Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. The aim of the competition is contributing to the development of musical culture and promoting international exchange by finding out and nurturing pianists of the next generation from around the world.
The Competition has two unique characteristics:
The first is that Shigeru Kawai grand pianos are utilized throughout the competition. The Shigeru Kawai full concert grand piano SK-EX,
which will be used from the 1st Round to the Final Round, has been frequently selected by pianists in prestigious international piano
competitions, and highly acclaimed as an instrument that is able to produce a variety of tones depending on the performer.
The second is that the repertoire of the final round is a "piano concerto performed by two pianos.” Adopted from the second edition,
this two-piano concerto will feature the orchestral part performed by Mr. Pavel Nersessian, a professor at the Moscow Conservatory and a world-renowned pianist, and Mr. Alexei Melnikov, a former student of Mr. Nersessian and also a world-renowned pianist.
With their powerful musical support, the finalists will have the opportunity to express their music to the fullest.
Shigeru Kawai Brand Site: https://www.shigerukawai.jp/en/
Kentaro Kawai
In commemoration of our company's 90th anniversary, the Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition was established in 2017 and has now reached its 5th edition. We are delighted that over 1,000 pianists from more than 20 countries and regions have participated so far, and the Competition has grown to attract international attention. This success is entirely thanks to the support and cooperation of all those involved, and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude.
As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027, we are reaffirming and developing the "Kawai Ism" that we have continuously inherited for 97 years since our founding. This spirit embodies the pursuit of high ideals, never yielding to adversity, and being sincere and warm-hearted. With renewed determination, we will carry this forward. Beyond our 100th anniversary, Kawai will continue to strive towards our ultimate goal of building the world's finest pianos for the next 100 years.
We are truly looking forward to seeing the wonderful performances you will deliver with the "Shigeru Kawai" pianos, the realization of our dreams, during this Competition.
Kentaro Kawai, President
Hitoshi Kobayashi
Winner of the first prize and the special prize at the 25th Music Competition of Japan. In 1960-64 he studied in Munich as a scholarship student of Bavaria, Germany.
At the International Chopin Competition in 1960 he was given an Honorary Diploma. Has performed over 40 concertos with the most of major orchestras in Japan. He was invited as a jury at many piano competitions in and outside of Japan such as the Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1995 and the Geneva
International Music Competition.
The Gold Medal for Merit to Culture "Gloria Artis" was awarded him from Polish government in recognition of his substantial contribution to the culture of Poland. In autumn of 2015, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Akiko Ebi
After winning the 41st Music Competition of Japan, Akiko Ebi studied abroad at the Paris Conservatoire. She was Grand Prix winner of the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition, and she also won 5th prize of the International Chopin Piano Competition. She has received numerous awards including two Japan Gold Disc Awards. She has performed with so many musicians, and her 2-piano recitals with Martha Argerich have been repeatedly broadcast all over the world.
For more than 30 years, she has been active as a participating musician in music festivals and recordings for TV and radio in 36 countries in the world.
She has served on the juries of international piano competitions. She was a chairperson of jury of the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition and a jury member of the International Chopin Piano Competition.
She is now placing emphasis on music education as well, and is enjoying the full confidence of music circle worldwide.
© Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition
