A wonderful opportunity to hear the best international piano students drawn from all the major UK conservatoires – and to cast your vote for the audience prize!

Now in its twelfth year, this notable competition, established by the Sheepdrove Trust, is open to candidates aged 26 and under from the eight major UK music colleges, and attracts young pianists of the highest standard from around the world. Today’s competition, which this year has an emphasis on Beethoven, features four shortlisted finalists and takes place in the tranquil setting of Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre on the Lambourn Downs.

The overall winner will perform a solo recital in the Corn Exchange on Monday 18 May as part of the Festival’s popular Young Artists Lunchtime Recital Series.

Sponsored by The Sheepdrove Trust

Jury

David Whelton  former Managing Director, Philharmonia Orchestra
Lucy Parham  British pianist and Professor of Piano, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London
Mikhail Kazakevich  Russian pianist and Professor of Piano, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance
Gordon Fergus-Thompson  British pianist and Professor of Piano, Royal College of Music, London
Mark Eynon  Director, Newbury Spring Festival

Prizes

1st Prize: The Kindersley Prize of £2,000
2nd Prize: £1,000 donated by Greenham Trust
3rd Prize: £500 donated by the Friends of NSF
4th Prize: £250 donated by an anonymous donor
Audience Prize: £250 donated by an anonymous donor

Tickets

£20 (unreserved seating; includes afternoon tea)