Society news

Stephen Kovacevich and William Kinderman star at the recent BPSE Diabelli Symposium
The Beethoven Diabelli Symposium 28 June 2011 with Stephen Kovacevich and William Kinderman attracted a large crowd in the Great Hall of King's College, London. Presented by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe in association with the Institute of Musical Research (DeNOTE) of the University of London, the day offered fresh insights, new contexts, and inspiring perspectives on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations Op.120. Special guest speakers were Stephen Kovacevich and William Kinderman, alongside presentations from Barry Cooper, Professor at Manchaester University, and by BPSE Chairman Malcolm Troup, Alberto Portugheis, Julian Jacobson and Malcolm Miller, with participation by Dr Nicholas Marston (Cambridge University) and Dr Tim Jones (RAM). The action packed programme, from 11am until 6pm, featured a keynote lecture, two lecture-recitals, academic papers, an interview and panel discussion, to shed deeper light on one of the most enriching, yet also challenging of Beethoven's late piano masterpieces. A full report appears on this website, under 'Articles'.
Winner announced - BPSE Chamber Music Competition 2011
Once again this annual event counted with veteran cellist, chamber musician and pedagogue Prof. Martin Lovett to coach the participating teams of advanced students and young professionals -- an array of talented violin/piano and cello/piano duos destined to carve a niche for themselves in the world of music. For me, attending these Masterclasses, listening to one duo after another followed by Prof. Lovett's incisive observations, then listening yet again to the same students, was like watching a magician put a handkerchief into a hat and produce a dove! The concert-cum-competition to decide which team would take the GWYNETH GEORGE AWARD was not easy for the Jury -- made up of Professors Martin Lovett, Gwyneth George and myself - as everybody present agreed. However, the award had to go to one duo and the lucky recipients of the prestigious Award were violinist Eugene Lee and pianist Tania Park, both born in Korea but raised in New Zealand, who gave us an exhilarating performance of Beethoven's Sonata No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3. Each movement so indelibly defined, with a great variety of dynamics and colours, excellent line and rhythm. Eugene could make one single note - a "staccato", a "sforzato" or just one long note - tell a whole story. The other Violin and Piano Sonata we heard was the No.4 in A minor, Op.23. Here again we were handsomely rewarded by the expressive sound, temperament and superlative balance of the experienced duo made up of Japanese violinist Yuka Ishizuka and Israeli pianist Nadav Hertzka. Both listened to each other in an exemplary way. The Cello and Piano Sonata with which we were then regaled was the No.1 in F Major, Op.5 No.1. Dutch cellist Willemijn Knödler and Austrian pianist Bernadette Bartos made an exciting duo, impressing us with their energy and contagious enjoyment. Bernadette's insight into the complex world in which Beethoven operates was remarkably defined and exposed. I very much look forward to hearing all of these young artists further in our BPSE Concert Series. Alberto Portugheis © 2011
Winner announced - BPSE Junior Piano Competition 2011
The annual Junior Competition held by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe took place on Sunday March 20 in the elegant concert room of the Austrian Cultural Forum in South Kensington, London. A select group of four young pianists, from the Royal Academy and Royal Northern College junior departments and Chetham's and Wells specialist schools, performed the set work, the early (but not so early) little (but not so little) C minor Allegretto WoO 53, followed by an own-choice sonata. Indeed the Allegretto turned out to be a cunning choice: no obvious technical difficulties but lean, concentrated and subtly subversive. One or two of the young pianists smoothed it over too much, making it a fluent, graceful one-in-a-bar when a tense and fairly swift three-in-a-bar, such as Han Seul Lee (RAM) offered, gives it much more Beethovenian edge. Thomas Hicks (Chetham's) was also good here, and delivered the most convincingly characterised account of the "recitativo patetico" passage near the end. They all had good qualities though I generally missed a kind of harmonic density - something that may be easier to get right in the more spacious and formal architecture of sonata form. Jâns Coleman, from the RNCM, gave us the lovely A flat Sonata op 26, less popular now than it once was. He was rather nervous and technically inhibited on this showing but is clearly a warm-hearted and serious pianist. The third movement Funeral March suited him well, as did some of the Variations of the first movement (one of the very few in Beethoven's output (the late 1790s) not in sonata form). From Wells Cathedral School, Hyo-Jung Roh impressed with the sincerity and musical naturalness of her playing. Her Allegretto was perhaps rather Mozartean in its graceful delicacy, though there was fire and drive in it, too. The D minor Sonata op.31 no 2 was less convincing, needing tighter rhythmic control and more feeling for symphonic drama than she can muster as yet. Nevertheless, the impression remained of a sympathetic and promising player. Thomas Hicks, from Chetham's School, confident and artistic, listened well and respected the acoustic space. He picked the E minor Sonata, op 90, a subtle and elusive two-movement work from a transitional period of Beethoven's life when he had largely finished with the mighty statements of his "second period" but before he had forged the sublime integration of his late masterpieces. Thomas came over to me as having thought seriously about the issues, even if not everything had settled down: work in progress maybe, but good work. Mainly I found his rondo second movement a bit too slow and 'Romantic'; but his fluent and secure technique throughout were a pleasure in themselves, and in the future he will surely penetrate more deeply into the special character of this sonata -- the one that Schnabel said he had least often played to his own satisfaction. Finally the RAM's Han Seul Lee opened with an alert and concentrated Allegretto. Her Sonata (op 81a, "Les Adieux") was at its best (as is perhaps the sonata itself) in the slow introduction to the first movement, with some perceptive phrasing and good harmonic awareness. The main Allegro was less engaging, needing more energy and a tighter structure. The second, "Absence" movement, apart from some misjudged rubato, went well, and the "Retour" finale certainly had energy, at a sparking tempo, even if it felt a little impersonal after the commitment she brought to the opening. The distinguished Jury, comprising Benjamin Kaplan, Noretta Conci-Leech and Angela Brownridge, unanimously awarded the first prize to Thomas Hicks and the second to Han Seul Lee. Benjamin Kaplan, the Chairman of the Jury, offered some cogent advice to the young players, stressing the greatness of Beethoven and how one must understand and respect all his indications, as well as enjoining them to think more deeply about the music and how to realise it in precisely imagined sound. Cash prizes were presented to Thomas Hicks and Han Seul Lee, and all the participants received a copy of "Arietta", journal of the BPSE. Thomas Hicks was also offered a recital in the Society's London concert series. Thanks were offered to Andrea Rauter of the Austrian Cultural Forum for their generous hosting of the event. Julian Jacobson © 2011
Call For Papers BPSE Symposium on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations 28 June 2011
The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe in association with the IMR are delighted to invite the submission of papers and musical presentations for the forthcoming Symposium on Beethoven's 'Diabelli' Variations Op.120, to be held on Tuesday 28 June 2011, from 11am to 7pm, at The Great Hall, Kings College, London, Strand, WC2R 2LS. The guest speakers are Stephen Kovacevich, world renowned concert pianist, and Professor William Kinderman, the eminent Beethoven scholar, whose new facsimile edition of the 'Diabelli Variations' with Commentary has recently been published. The day will comprise papers, performances and panel discussions, with the participation of distinguished speakers and performers including Professor Nicholas Marston (Kings College, Cambridge), Professor Malcolm Troup (Professor Emeritus, City University), Dr Timothy Jones (Royal Academy of Music), Profesor Barry Cooper (University of Manchester), Prof. Alberto Portugheis, Prof. Julian Jacobson (RCM) and Dr Malcolm Miller (The Open University in London, & IMR). Papers and musical or multi-media presentations may be on any aspect of the 'Diabelli' Variations, including contextual studies and contemporary works, explorations of variations by other composers commissioned by Diabelli, Beethoven's late piano music or similar. A variety of approaches is welcomed including historical musicology, sketch and genetic study, analysis, and performance studies. Panel discussions will address issues of interpretation and performance. The deadline for receipt of submissions, emailed to symposium AT bpse.org, is 15 May 2011. For further details please contact the BPSE by email at symposium AT bpse.org or the IMR administrator, email: valerie.james AT sas.ac.uk
Winners of the Chamber Music Competition 2010 Announced
The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Competition, in association with the Piano trio Society, was held on 22 April 2010 at Steinway Hall. Three outstanding young ensembles each performed a Beethoven trio of their choice before the distinguished Jury of Martin Lovett OBE, former cellist of the Amadeus Quartet, the cellist Gwyneth George, who donated the annual award, and Alberto Portugheis Vice-Chairman UK of the BPSE. The winning ensemble was the Greenwich Trio, Lana Trotovsek, violin, Stjepan Hauser, 'cello, and Yoko Misumi, piano, who played a superb 'Archduke'; Trio. They received the Gwyneth George Award, and a recital as part of the BPSE series. The other two Trios will also receive recitals as part of the BPSE concert series in recognition of their great promise and the high standards displayed at the competition: the Bager trio, Michael Foyle, violin; Hannah Masson-Smythe, 'cello; Frederic Bager, piano, and the November Trio, comprising Agata Darashkaite, Violin, Mikhail Shumov, 'cello, and Olga Jegunova, Piano. Details will be posted on the BPSE website. A full report appears under 'articles'. Malcolm Miller (c)2010
High Standards at the 2010 BPSE Junior Intercollegiate Competition on 21 March 2010
There was a high level of promising pianism on show at the BPSE Junior Intercollegiate BPSE Competition 2010, held at the Bluthner Piano Centre on Sunday 21st March 2010. Five young talented pianists attending junior departments or specialist music schools performed before the distinguished Jury, Angela Brownridge, Wanda Jeziorska and Melvyn Cooper. First prize was awared to Asagi Nakata, representing the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music; in second place was Lee Jae Phang, of the Wells Cathedral School. BPSE patrons William Brown CBE and Mrs Nachiko Brown presented the prizes to the two winners also receive recitals in the BPSE lunchtime series. A full report is given on the 'articles' page.	The Winners with the Jury and William Brown CBE and Nachika Brown
A Sad Loss for the BPSE and the world of music: Carola Grindea in Memoriam
We of the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe are profoundly sad to announce the death of our much-loved and -lamented Co-Founder and Vice Chairman Carola Grindea, who died peacefully in London on 10 July, aged ninety-five, with her daughter Nadia at her side. Only last year the Music Teachers National Association of America presented Carola with a Citation for Leadership to honour her accomplishments as "performer, teacher, lecturer, author and founder of two international professional music organizations: European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) in 1978 and the International Society for the Study of Tension in Performance in 1981". They praised her for being the person who united pianists and teachers from all over the world singlehandedly, and her achivements "which made a significant impact on the field of piano teaching worldwide and makes her a very deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition". It was apt to dedicate the BPSE lunchtime recital on 13 July at St James' Piccadilly to her memory as a token of our gratitude and affection. The well-attended concert, by the prize-winning Kanazawa-Admony Piano Duo, presented jointly with the Jewish Music Institute, SOAS, was introduced by BPSE Chairman, Professor Malcolm Troup, who both welcomed the Duo, whose fame had travelled on before them, and underlined Carola Grindea's insuperable achievements. The feast of four-hand music, played with virtuoso panache, was certainly an eloquent tribute to Carola Grindea's lifelong enthusiasm for pianists, piano music and piano pedagogy. Further tributes and appreciations will be published in newsletters and our journal Arietta, while news of any Memorial Events will be posted on this website (for Concert Review see under 'articles'). Malcolm Miller	Carola Grindea at the 2006 BPSE Intercollegiate Piano Competition. In the background, her daughter Nadia Lasserson
INTERNATIONAL PIANO DUO TO PLAY BEETHOVEN'S GROSSE FUGE at BPSE LONDON CONCERTS IN JULY
KANAZAWA - ADMONY PIANO DUO YEHEZKEL BRAUN Sonata for Four Hands (2004) ~ (UK Premiere) I - Meditazione II - Rondo in motu perpetuo III - Team con variazioni BEETHOVEN Grosse Fuge op.134 MENDELSSOHN Allegro Brillante There will be three highlights in the special London visit by the acclaimed international prize winning piano duo team of Tami Kanazawa & Yuval Admony from Israel. The programme of their lunchtime concerts on 10 July (St Barnabas Ealing) and 13 July (St James's Piccadilly) offers an exciting opportunity to hear the UK premiere of a Sonata for Four Hands by the leading Israeli composer Yehezkel Braun, who will be present for the occasion, as well as Beethoven's monumental Grosse Fuge, in the recently rediscovered composer's piano duo version and a work to mark the Mendelssohn 150th anniversary. The recital, free of charge, is presented by St Barnabas Church in association with the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe and the Forum for Israeli Music of the JMI (SOAS), University of London. The concerts takes place at 1pm on 10 July at St Barnabas Church, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, London W5 and at 1.10pm on 13 July at St James's Church Piccadilly). Further details on www.jmi.org.ujk and www.bpse.org under events	Tami Kanazawa and Yuval Admony
WINNERS ANNOUNCED for the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition
The winner of the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition for the Gwyneth George Award, was the duo of Lana Trotovsek, violin, and Gayane Gasparyan, piano, while the duo of Andrei Simion, cello, and Veneta Neynska, piano, was highly commended by the distinguished jury, Martin Lovett OBE, Julian Jacobson and Gwyneth George. This exciting event, held on Thursday 28 May 2009 at Steinway Hall, central London, UK, attracted five young and talented duos, all of whom participated in two days of masterclasses (26-27 May 2009) with Martin Lovett OBE, cellist of the renowned Amadeus String Quartet. For a full Report, see 'Articles'.
Results of the 2009 Junior BPSE Intercollegiate Piano Competition
The winner of the 2009 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition was Sophia Dee of the Junior Guildhall School of Music, with second prize awarded to Han-Seul Lee of the Junior Royal Academy of Music and third prize awarded to Dae-Young Kim of Chetham's School of Music. The Competition, held on Sunday 22 March 2009 at the Bluthner Piano Centre in central London, attracted six gifted competitors from UK Junior Colleges and specialist music schools to perform before the distinguished Jury of Angela Brownridge and Colin Stone, amidst an enthusiastic audience. The first two winners were awarded cash prizes by the BPSE Patrons W.C.L. Brown CBE and Nachiko Brown. Copies of the 2 Volume Schnabel Edition of the 32 Sonatas, published by Alfred's Publishing, were offered by the publishers to the first three winners, who also receive a prize winner concert in the BPSE series. For a full report see under 'articles'.
Results of the Beethoven Senior Intercollegiate Piano Competition 2008
1st prize - Andrejs Osokins (RAM) 2nd prize - Gintaute Gataveckaite (RNCM) 3rd prize - Veneta Neynska (GSMD) Honourable Mention - Nikos Stavlas (Goldsmiths) Audience Prize - Veneta Neynska (GSMD) Congratulations to all the prize winners!
Exciting BPSE SUMMER FESTIVAL at the Regent Hall 25 July - 8 August 2008
The BPSE's Summer Festival at the Regent Hall, 275 Oxford St, London W1 features an exciting line-up of pianists and chamber ensembles on Fridays and Tuesdays at 1pm. The schedule of artists is as follows: 25th July: Nimrod Reitman (piano) 29th July: Yuka Matsumoto (violin) and Julian Jacobson (piano) 1 August: Evelyne Berezovsky (piano) 5 August: Daniel Kuzmin (violin) and Alberto Portugheis (piano) 8th August: Dora de Marinis (piano) For Full Details of Programmes Please See the EVENTS page on this website.
Winner of the BPSE Junior Competition 2008 Announced
Julian Clef (Chetham's School) was the winner of the 2008 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, presented by the BPSE at the Bluthner Piano Centre, 1 Davies Street, London W1, on 16 March. The distinguished jury comprised Professor Sulamit Aronowksy, Stephen Savage and Angela Brownridge. Of the five participants, second prize was awarded to Lin Yang (Junior RNCM) and third prize to Schay Wickham (Junior RAM). All three received cash prizes and a copy of the BPSE journal 'Arietta' and will perform in prize winners' recitals, to be announced soon, with details on the BPSE website (www.bpse.org). A sizeable audience attended the exciting event generously hosted by Roger Willson of the Bluthner Piano Centre. Paying tribute to the BPSE for providing a platform for young performers, Stephen Savage, Jury spokesman, observed that the practice of live performance was especially valuable in an era in which audiences often judge interpretations from recordings. Moreover, such competitions also offer a beneficial stimulus to institutions to foster their own internal Beethoven competitions. The Jury was looking, he explained, for many qualities, including attention to pianistic colour, effective ways of approaching the instrument's sonorities, and sensitive pedalling. All the participants played the compulsory Bagatelle, Op 33/4 and a sonata of their choice: the first and third winners each gave dramatic accounts of the 'Appassionata' sonata Op.57, while Lin Yang played a crisply articulated Op. 27/2. We also heard Sarah Lyo (Junior RCM) in Op. 78 and Holly Coma (Croydon Music Centre) in an arresting Op. 31/2. The event was especially memorable as it always refreshing to hear young performers approach favourite warhorses for the first time, discovering the music afresh, and making it meaningful. The winner, Julian Clef, was particularly impressive for his polished and professonal attitude, his powerful expression, originlity of voicing, notably in the slow movement, and technical discipline. He is soon to study at the RNCM; one hopes to hear him at the BPSE Senior Intercollegiate Competition in the near future. Malcolm Miller
BPSE Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition 2008 to be held on 16 March
The 2008 BPSE Intercollegiate Beethoven Piano Competition, generously sponsored by Bluthner Pianos, will be held at Bluthner Piano Centre, 1 Davies Street, London WC1 on 16 March 2008. Pianists from Junior Colleges and Specialist Music Schools across the UK will gather to perform works by Beethoven before a distinguished Jury comprising Professor Sulamit Aronowsky and Professor Stephen Savage. The event begins at 2pm. Further Details may be obtained by emailing contact1 AT www.bpse.org or telephoning our Secretary at minamiletic AT hotmail.com
Winner of the 15th BPSE Beethoven Intercollegiate Competition Announced
Jayson Gillham (Royal Academy of Music) won first prize in the 15th Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition 2007, presented on 2 December 2007 by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe, at the Blüthner Piano Centre who sponsored the event. Eight competitors from UK conservatoires played the Bagatelle Op.119/3 and a sonata of their choice to a distinguished jury Murray McLachlan, (Chairman EPTA UK), Dejan Sinadinovic (President EPTA Servia) and Steven Savage. Jovanni De Pedro (Trinity College of Music) came second and Alexander Kanchavely (Royal Scottish Academy of Music) third. Gillham, who played an impressive Op.109, also received the Audience Prize, and received the Beethoven Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians by their Master, Leslie East, as well as a cash award and recitals in the 2008 BPSE season. For full Report see Articles.
Winners of the 2007 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition
The 2007 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition was held on 25 March 2007 at The Bluthner Piano Centre, 1 Davies Street, London W1, presented by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe, with generous sponsorship by the Bluthner Piano Centre. At their fine showrooms in London's West End, nine young pianists from the junior schools of our major conservatoires and some of the specialist schools competed against each other, performing a sonata of their own choice together with the compulsory work, the A major Bagatelle from the opus 33 set. The distinguished and experienced panel of judges, comprising Noretta Conci-Leech, Alberto Portugheis and Ratimir Martinovic, awarded joint first prize to Walid El Yafi (Chetham's School) and David Secchi (Wells Cathedral School), dividing the second prize between Mandaktuja Dorj (Junior Royal Academy of Music) and Lin Yang (Junior Royal Northern College) while Fumi Sakuma (Croydon Music Centre) was awarded third prize. A full report appears on our 'Articles' webpage.
BLUTHNER PIANOS IS THE NEW VENUE ON 17 DECEMBER FOR THE 2006 BEETHOVEN INTERCOLLEGIATE COMPETITION
The 2006 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition will be held for the first time at Bluthner Pianos, 1 Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London W1, on Sunday 17 December at 2pm. Since its inception in 1993 the competition has been located at the Austrian Cultural Forum, Rutland Gardens, SW7. This year marks a new departure, coupled with valuable sponsorship from Bluthners. The distinguished Jury includes Peter Frankel, Murray McLachlan, Dorian Leljak, and Valentino Surif. Competitors, nominated by eight music colleges around the UK, perform Beethoven sonatas of their choice alongside a compulsory Bagatelle. The event is scheduled to begin at 2pm, and ends at 9pm, with the awards taking place around 8pm. Members of the BPSE and general public are invited to attend and enjoy this uniquely exciting event.
First Beethoven Marathon at City Lit - November 2006
BEETHOVEN MARATHON 29 November 2006 Wednesday 29 November 2006 saw the City Lit's first attempt at a marathon concert event in the recital room of the City Lit. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. students, tutors and a constantly changing audience heard a range of performances for solo piano, chamber music and song given by students and tutors of the City Lit in a true tour de force. The breadth and range of pieces programmed for the marathon reflected the musical genius of Ludwig Van Beethoven and truly captured the minds and spirit of the audience who remained steadfast and impassioned throughout the day. We would like to congratulate Yekaterina Lebedeva, the co-ordinator for piano and keyboards at the City Lit, for a spectacular event! We look forward to the next marathon... Janet Obi-Keller, Head of Music, City Lit, London
Harnoncourt's Beethoven
Conscious perhaps of the renewed public interest in Beethoven following the issue of the new Simon Rattle cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on EMI 5 57445 2, Warner Classics has reissued at mid-price Nikolaus Harnoncourt's recording of the complete Beethoven Symphonies with The Chamber Orchestra of Europe (0927-49768-2). The critically-acclaimed cycle, originally released in 1991, was Gramophone Record of the Year 1992 and is still hailed as the finest modern instrument recording of the 1990s.
Angela Brownridge on tour, on CD and on Radio 3
At the beginning of 2005, a live broadcast by Angela Brownridge on Radio 3 with interview previewed the release of her recording of the complete piano works of Kenneth Leighton in a three CD set on the DELPHIAN label. The recording has been featured in articles in International Record Review and Musical Opinion, as well as receiving five-star reviews. Beethoven's "Appassionata" Sonata cropped up repeatedly in Angela's recital programmes this year, including the Cambridge Faculty of Music concert Hall and the Jaqueline Du Pré Hall in Oxford. Along with the US premieres of works by Leighton, the Beethoven also featured in her four recitals in New York, including the Merkin Hall on 1st November. On 24th November, she plays in the Crossley Gallery of Dean Clough, Halifax, at the start of her series of lectures and masterclass weekends there for students of RNCM, Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield Universities (see website: thepianoacademy.co.uk). February found her on a tour of Scotland with recitals later in the year in the south of France before her return to the USA and Canada.
1st International Piano Amateur Competition was held in Berlin in September 2006.
The 1st International Piano Amateur Competition Berlin was held at the famous Halls of the Berlin Philharmonic from 19-23 September 2006. No less than 60 outstanding piano amateurs from all over the world met at this special event which was supported by Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic.
Russian Pianist at RNCM wins 2005 BPSE Piano Competition
There was an international flavour to the 2005 13th Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition held on 16 December at the Austrian Cultural Forum, Rutland Gate, London, thanks to the hospitality of its Director Dr Johannes Wimmer. The eight competitors, drawn from UK colleges, included pianists from Russia, Japan, Romania, China and Portugal. In the final of three sessions there was a capacity audience to hear the winning performance, that of the accomplished young Russian pianist Mikhail Shilyaev, a postgraduate student at the Royal Northern College of Music, whose masterly performance of the Sonata Op.111 in C minor, followed by the compulsory Bagatelle Op 119/3 formed the climax of the event. Second prize went to the Japanese pianist Yoko Misumi (Trinity College of Music) and third prize to Diana Zavalas (Birmingham Conservatoire) from Romania. The BPSE's UK Chairman Malcolm Troup introduced the Competition's distinguished jury, Deborah Sobol, Raphael Terroni and Alan Walker, the Liszt scholar, who congratulated all the participants on their achievements. He emphasised that while there were qualities to all the performances, the Jury decision on first prize had been unanimous, and their choice was borne out by the Audience Prize choice. For full report on the Competition see under 'Articles'.
A Winner: BPSE 2005 Junior Beethoven Competition Results!
The winner of the 2005 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition held on 15th December 2005 was Joseph Sloan (Junior Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama). The BPSE's annual Junior competition was again held at the Austrian Cultural Forum thanks to the hospitality of its Director Dr Johannes Wimmer, and attracted talented young pianists from four of the UK specialist schools, who each played Beethoven sonatas and, as in previous years, a compulsory Bagatelle Op.33 No.4 in A major. BPSE Vice Chairman Alberto Portugheis introduced the event and the distinguished Jury of Professor Deborah Sobol from Chicago and Professor Raphael Terroni, who announced the results and decided to award just one prize, commending the generally high standard. The winner receives a cash award, a recital in the BPSE series and copies of the Society's journal Arietta no.5, were given to all four participants.
New Beethoven website
The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe has launched its new website to coincide with its AGM and Beethoven's Birthday on 16 December 2005.
BPSE 2005 Junior Competition Winner announced!
The winner of the 2005 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition held on 15th December 2005 was Joseph Sloan (Junior Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama). The BPSE's annual Junior competition was again held at the Austrian Cultural Forum thanks to the hospitality of its Director Dr Johannes Wimmer, and attracted talented young pianists from four of the UK specialist schools, who each played Beethoven sonatas and, as in previous years, a compulsory Bagatelle Op.33 No.4 in A major. BPSE Vice Chairman Alberto Portugheis introduced the event and the distinguished Jury of Professor Deborah Sobol from Chicago and Professor Raphael Terroni, who announced the results and decided to award just one prize, commending the generally high standard. The winner receives a cash award, a recital in the BPSE series and copies of the Society's journal Arietta no.5, were given to all four participants.
Lead poisoning?
Expert scientists in Chicago now believe (from examining fragments of hair and bone) that Beethoven died of lead poisoning. For some additional background, see a review of the exciting detective novel "Beethoven's Hair", see Arietta, Journal of the BPSE, Vol.3 2003
Music fascists
In a Gramophone interview a few years ago, Stephen Kovacevich declared that if you play Beethoven on a modern piano today "they think you're a fascist, who wants to close down all the hospitals".
AGM
The society held its 2005 AGM on 16th December.