A hearty congratulations to our 10 semi-finalists

We are excited to announce our 10 semi-finalists for the inaugural Steinway Malaysian Youth Piano Competition 2012. The competition was received with an overwhelming response from many bright talents which made the selection of our semi-finalists no easy task. All of our entrants should feel great about their performance. Here are our 10 semi-finalists.

REPRESENTING MALAYSIA AT THE REGIONAL FINALS

Bentley Music Announces Semi-finalists for Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition; one of whom will represent Malaysia at the Regional Finals in Singapore.

Petaling Jaya, 31 January 2012. International Steinway Festival is a renowned event held in Germany every two years since 1987, discovering young talented pianists from Belgium, China, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and Germany. Lucky finalists from these countries were given the opportunity to perform in Hamburg, where they got to meet other like-minded pianists and explore their own creative musicality.

This is the first year where the International Steinway Festival has opened up a coveted space for the best South East Asian youth pianist. A total of eight countries are vying for the spot: Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The Regional Finals will be held in Singapore at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore on 27-29 July 2012, where one talented young pianist will be chosen to represent South East Asia in September at the International Steinway Festival in Hamburg.

Bentley Music, The Malaysian dealer of Steinway & Sons alongside BMW Malaysia, is hosting The Steinway Malaysian Youth Piano Competition and spearheading the search for a talented Malaysian pianist to represent the country at the upcoming Regional Finals. Call for entries closed on 15 January 2011, and 10 pianists have been shortlisted to compete at the semi-finals on 22 March 2012 at the Bentley Auditorium.

"The response has been encouraging, considering that this is the first year we're organising the competition. We received numerous video recordings from all over Malaysia, and even one from a Malaysian currently residing in Germany. Many more have called enquiring as to how to join the next competition. This goes to show that there is a market for a competition of this stature as there are many talented Malaysians yet to be discovered. We are proud to have spearheaded this effort, and will be even more excited if a Malaysian manages to win at the Regional Finals," says Ken Phua, Executive Director of Bentley Music Sdn Bhd.

Jamie Smith (ABRSM) and Shuenda Wong (Concert Pianist), two of the three judges – the other being Dr. Joanne Yeoh (Trinity Guildhall) – that attended the press event, highlighted the type of performer they are looking for to represent Malaysia at regional finals.

"We're looking for a pianist that not only hits all the right notes, but one that is able to connect and engage with the audience," says Jamie. "Basically, we're looking for an individual that has the X-factor in the field of classical music, and judging from what we've heard so far, I wouldn't be surprised to see him or her giving the other contestants a run for their money at the Regional Finals," says Shuenda before media and invited guests were treated to afternoon tea at the Steinway Gallery located in the Wisma Bentley showroom.

The semi-finals and finals of The Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition will be held on 22 and 23 March 2012 respectively at the Bentley Music Auditorium, Wisma Bentley Music, Mutiara Damansara. Tickets are priced at RM10 for semi-finals; RM30 and RM15 for Adults and youth under 17 respectively for the finals. Tickets are only available for purchase at the Bentley Music Showroom, Mutiara Damansara. For further information, please visit www.steinwaymypc.com or call Bentley Music at 03-7727 3333.