4th Takamatsu International Piano Competition

This piano competition was conceived by local Kagawans with a passion for music and a dream of creating an event that would inspire young musicians seeking careers on the international stage. To realize this dream, a committee of like-minded people was formed in 2003, and the first Takamatsu International Piano Competition was held in March 2006. The competition has been held every four years since that time, and the fourth will be held in March 2018.

The Takamatsu International Piano Competition is distinguished by three main features. Firstly, it is held in Sunport Hall Takamatsu, which has been highly praised by all those involved, including the contestants, for its excellent facilities and its view of the scenic Seto Inland Sea. Secondly, the competition offers the winners an additional prize in the form of numerous opportunities to perform internationally. And thirdly, the competition is supported not only by the Kagawa prefectural and Takamatsu municipal governments but also by many businesses, organizations and volunteers. In May 2015, the Takamatsu International Piano Competition became a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, which had been a long-cherished goal. Membership demonstrates that this competition is now recognized worldwide as meeting international standards for such competitions.

Building on these features and on our past experience, and with the motto “Shared Dreams, Shared Emotion”, we will continue our efforts to increase the quality of the fourth competitioneven further. We aim to support young pianists to fully tap their potential and to contribute to the development of regional musical culture. For the third round of the fourth competition, we have included a chamber music piece, which will expand the enjoyment of not only the participating pianists but of all those who come to hear them play.

We look forward eagerly to the participation of many pianists and a large audience of supporters, and ask for your continued support of this event.