Can you master Chopin’s Ballade No. 1?

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Hot on the heels of the publication of his book ‘Play It Again’, Guardian editor and keen amateur pianist Alan Rusbridger and publisher, Jonathan Cape, are organising a competition for amateur pianists to showcase their talents to the world.

If you have what it takes to play Chopin’s ‘Ballade No.1’, submit a video of your performance to YouTube, to be in with a chance of winning:

  • A trip to London
  • A piano masterclass
  • A chance to meet Alan Rusbridger
  • A tour of the Guardian offices
  • A year’s subscription to BBC Music Magazine

Judges:

  • Alan Rusbridger (Editor of the Guardian)
  • Oliver Condy (Editor of BBC Music Magazine)
  • Andrew Clements (Guardian Music Critic)
  • Erica Worth (Editor of The Pianist)
  • Lucy Parham (Concert Pianist)
  • Alex Bowler (Editor at Jonathan Cape)

Pianists of all standards and levels of experience welcome

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: March 8th 2013

Further information, entry form and full terms & conditions here

Check out the Play It Again website for piano and Ballade-related content, including interviews, video clips, articles on the brain and music, and much more

Murray Perahia plays Chopin’s Ballade No. 1:

6 Comments

  2. Just a thought – your statement that “Pianists of all standards and levels of experience welcome” is totally untrue, misleading and should be removed. How could a typical 8 year old with a year of lessons expect to have a go at the piece, or someone with say Grade 5 ability try ?

    Grrrrrrrr

    • Quite right, Stephen. The same thought struck me when I was reading the blurb on the book’s website (where this text comes from). Really it should read “advanced pianists only need apply”. Meanwhile everyone else: keep practising!

    • I would – if I had time to refresh the piece (I learnt it in 2010) – but I’m too busy with my diploma preparations (the exam/recital is in April). It’s a great idea though.

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