The distance in time from now back to our first piano contest in Enschede in 2001 increases year by year. We are pleased that the names of earlier winners and participants appear more and more frequently on the posters of leading concert – halls together with the names of participants and winners of other “great” piano competitions, or to hear and see them on radio or TV.
This gives us a great satisfaction but also the courage and energy to continue the organisation of our competition. For it is, indeed, a substantial and effective means to discover, stimulans and promote national and international young piano talents in the Netherlands.

I do hope that 2012 competition will again produce interesting musical personalities. Talents who thanks to their love and passion for piano music may expect a fascinating artistic career.

Today’s young piano talents are our future ambassadors ensuring a qualitatively high level of piano playing also in the years ahead.

I sincerely wish all candidates to shere musical pleasure in making music, with the attentive public may enjoy and appreciate their artistic achievements.

Michail Markov
Artistic leader