Key competition

Piano players from many parts of the country gathered in Shanghai for the national finals of the 14th Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition that took place from Oct 1 to 4.

More than 600 amateur and professional piano players took part in this year's final contest.

About 1,800 finalists were unable to travel to Shanghai because of travel restrictions in place due to the pandemic. The organizers say these individuals will get another chance to compete in the second part of the finals in January 2022.

"The response from the participants can still be considered overwhelming given the current pandemic situation," says Lu Haijun, director of the organizing committee of the event.

"Our efforts to make the national finals a reality has boosted the spirits of many piano players from around the country. For them, the annual competition is more like an art carnival that celebrates music, rather than a fight to top the rankings."

According to Zhu Yafen, a member of the jury, the main reason behind holding the competition despite the ongoing pandemic is the desire to see the passion for music passed down from generation to generation. The 92-year-old piano education expert is also the former coach of internationally renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang.

The competition jury and parents of the young participants both commented that recent moves by the government to alleviate academic burdens has presented children with the opportunity to spend more time learning the piano.

"Music education is a major form of art and a beautiful experience. The pursuit of art is a way to accumulate positive experiences and feel the kindness of others," says Zhu, who is also the former dean of the piano department at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in Liaoning province.

Learning the piano is also critical to self-development, according to some parents. Tan Xiaoting, the mother of an 8-year-old participant from Changsha city, Hunan province, points out that piano practice has helped her daughter grow in self-confidence.

"Learning the piano has given her more opportunities to perform in front of people. Playing the piano also requires a certain degree of expressiveness and this has helped raise her confidence level," says Tan.

"I hope that music will be a lifelong companion and a way for the young piano students to find the link between the world and their lives."

Lu points out that some children from low-income families from Jiangxi province will be invited to watch the second half of the finals in January. The competition organizers will also help provide financial assistance to these children.

"We hope that music will help these young piano players establish a positive value system and teach them to love and care for others," says Lu.