Hamamatsu 7th International Piano Competition Implementation Committee Chairman
Yasutomo Suzuki Mayor of Hamamatsu

In November 2009, Hamamatsu will host the 7th International Piano Competition showcasing the future talent of young pianists from around the world. Hamamatsu prides itself on being known as the city which is home to world re-known musical companies such as Yamaha and Kawai, and is actively involved in a wide range of musical events. This competition first began in 1991, which was the 80th anniversary of the city’s establishment, and marked the beginning of a musical city on an international scale. Since then, it has been held every three years and is highly respected both within Japan and internationally. In 1998, it became affiliated with the World Federation of International Music Competitions. It has grown to become a prominent competition throughout the world, increasingly being known not only for its superior level of music but also for its management. In addition, the previous competition was broadcasted live over the Internet, the first of its kind in Asia, enabling it to be viewed in over eighty thousand locations. This time, in order to get the audience more involved, there will be voting system where the performer with the most votes will receive a special “Audience Award”. Also, in order to develop the competition on a grass-roots level, volunteer and homestays, neighborhood concerts performed by pianists as well as various other activities will be held on a community level. I hope that this competition will help launch the young pianists onto the international stage.

Minister for Foreign Affairs OKADA Katsuya

I would like to extend my congratulations on the occasion of the 7th Hamamatsu International Piano competition held in Hamamatsu City.
　This competition marks its seventh year, and has taken root in Hamamatsu as one of the gateways for young pianists to become world-renowned musicians. I am very pleased that this competition has received international acclaim, for its high standards that are suitable for international competitions. 　With the acceleration of globalization in the 21st century, human communication has become more active than ever. Under such circumstances, I believe that this competition not only nurtures young pianists but also contributes greatly to the promotion of international cultural exchange.
　I have learned that 98 contestants from 23 countries and 1 region were selected among the 229 applicants from 26 countries and 1 region.
　I sincerely hope that the competition will provide these pianists of the twenty-first century with a place where they can perform what they have practiced and deepen exchanges with one another. Last but not least, I wish you all the best for the success of the 7th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition.

Commissioner for Cultural Affairs TAMAI Hideo

I would like to extend best wishes to the 7th Hamamatsu International Piano competition hosted by Hamamatsu City and Hamamatsu Cultural Foundation.
I understand the competition started in order to promote “a city of music” in commemoration of the city’s
80th anniversary, and plenty of young pianists will showcase the results of their intense practice. It is my sincere hope that this competition functions as a place for promoting music culture and international cultural exchange, as well as fosters young promising pianists aiming to perform on the world stage.
On this occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt respect for those who have made great efforts to organize the competition, and I sincerely hope for the event’s continued success.

Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture KAWAKATSU Heita

　It is with great joy that I welcome both the successful commencement of the 7th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition and guests from around the world to Shizuoka Prefecture. 　This event has earned a high reputation since its inception and is recognized as an international competition that consistently showcases a number of outstanding musicians.
　Along with the opening of Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport on June 4th of this year, Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 24th National Cultural Festival, Shizuoka 2009 that will involve the varied areas of tourism, culture, art, and industry to further strengthen relations with other areas across the globe. 　This competition is significant in promoting the region’s music culture and international relations with invited guests from both within and outside the prefecture.
　Hamamatsu is the central city in Shizuoka Prefecture’s western region and has a long history and tradition as a city of music and musical instruments. With Hamamatsu as the venue for this competition along with powerful performances by pianists, many volunteers plan to show great hospitality that will hopefully captivate the visitors and create a world-renowned cultural event.
　In closing, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those whose tireless efforts have made the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition possible, and I humbly offer my hopes for the event’s continued success.

Chairperson of Jury NAKAMURA Hiroko

　This year marks the 7th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition and fortunately it seems that international reputation has been established. However in this “affluent society” of the 21st century, new impulsion is required at any time in various fields in “information flooding society” and piano competition is not an exception. In a situation where strong and stimulating “something extra” is desired other than the intrinsic musical impression in musical performances, the so-called Westerners of “origin” sit as audience and in their place, “Asian” pianists appear on the stage. In the midst of such transformation in a complicated age, how are we going to succeed, protect, and nurture the musical impression of classical music which has no equivalent?
　In “Hamamatsu”, the selected young pianists with caliber gather from all over the world. We would like to discover such ability which will shoulder the future and assist in realizing their dreams. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to people concerned who have developed and nurtured Hamamatsu International Piano Competition to the present level, volunteers, and citizens of Hamamatsu who have blossomed now as number one “listeners” in Japan for their understanding and cooperation. And at the same time, I would like to ask you to think together with us about the future of classical music in an age where the world is undergoing great transformation.

Chairperson of Management Committee EBISAWA Bin

I would like to say a few words on the occasion of the opening of the 7th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition.
Hamamatsu International Piano Competition is held every 3 years and the competition was already held 6 times in the past. Within the long elapsed time of nearly 20 years, the Competition has discovered multiple talents of young musicians who shoulder the art of piano and has made a unique contribution to the development of modern piano and its art which dates back to over one and a half century ago. Above all, I have participated as the member of the Jury and later as Chairperson of the Management Committee in the Competitions held after entering into the 21st century. I was fortunate to have first hand experience of the high qualification of the young people, the challengers. From such feeling, I have great expectation for this year’s competition. As a chairperson of the Management Committee, I am strongly determined to concentrate all my efforts for the smooth and successful conclusion of the festivity of the art where these young people strive and learn from each other.
Apparently in the 21st century, there is great hope and expectation for the development of musical arts. At the same time, there is the worldwide political and social situation which seems to further amplify the instability and on the other hand being in the midst of the tension of the economic situation where now a shade of anxiety is felt about the future of the artistic activities. Among the international piano competitions, the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition has continued to bring solid results. So as to send as many excellent pianists to the field who have contributed to the great impressions on the presence of the Competition, I would like to sincerely ask for the efforts of the world renowned members of the Jury and the avid support of respective organizations, volunteers, and guests. It is my sincere hope that this Competition be a successful one.