Welcome

Since its inception in 1987, the primary purpose of the KIPC Trust has been to present NZ’s most recognised classical music competition for solo piano. It is held in the first week of July every second year at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri, located in the scenic Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. The venue has a 400 seat auditorium with a 9 foot Steinway grand piano. As a charitable trust KIPC depends on its Friends and Supporters for a major part of its funding.

Our Patron, New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun, was involved from the outset and created the competition format.

Past competitions have seen a steady increase in interest and quality with the 2012 event attracting over 40 entrants from New Zealand and overseas. Of the 16 selected contestants, 8 came from within New Zealand and 8 from other countries. Alumni of the competition include John Chen, Stephen de Pledge, Dan Poynton, Jun Bouterey-Ishido, John-Paul Muir and 2012 winner, Yeh Shih Hsien from Taiwan.

The 2014 competition will take another step forward with the introduction of a three-judge panel of adjudicators. The panel will comprise pianists with an international reputation and competition experience drawn from around the world.

The total prize purse will be NZ$25000 with a first prize of NZ$12000.

The four day event begins with an opening recital by one of the judges followed by three rounds of competition. Round 1- a classical sonata and Round 2 a 35 minute recital. Four pianists are selected for the Final one hour recital round.

Potential applicants should check the Competitors info page for full information.

Audiences at the Turner Centre have gown steadily in numbers with the 2012 event exceeding 1300. Music enthusiasts have been bowled over by the standard of competition performance and now travel from far and wide to attend. They have also responded positively to the additional events held during the week which include the opening recital, two masterclasses and the opening and closing receptions.

In addition to the biennial Competition, the KIPC Trust host a number of recitals and events between competitions. These are also held at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri and have included recitals by Professor Michael Endres and Michael Houstoun. They are designed to maintain the profile of the KIPC Trust during the non-competition years and also to raise funds towards the costs of the next competition.