This is the first time for Egypt's Chopin Piano Competition to accept applications from young pianists living outside Egypt. It is also the reason behind the festival’s name change from Chopin Piano Competition Egypt to International Chopin Piano Competition Egypt.
Egyptian as well as foreign contestants are welcomed to participate in the festival scheduled to take place between 20 and 30 November. However, as the organisers outline, priority will be given to young pianists from Egypt and the Arab World.
The competition is divided into four age categories, with each going through two rounds during which the participants will be required to play works by Chopin and other composers, as indicated by the competition's program, below.
Programme:
Category I (age 18 – above)
First round (semi final):
1. J. S. Bach: One Prelude and Fugue (not less than 3 voices) or Toccata and Fugue
2. Classical Sonata: (except Beethoven Op. 49 Nr.1 & 2 – Mozart facile sonata)
3. One Etude from below:
-- Chopin (except Op. 10 Nr. 3, 6, Op. 25 Nr. 7)
-- or one of the following composers: Liszt, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Debussy
4. Chopin: one nocturne
Source: Ahram Online