The Aloha International Piano Festival will host its Keʻalohi International Piano Competition from Aug. 17- 24, giving talented young pianists a chance to win more than $30,000 in cash prizes.
The top contestants perform with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. The finalist wins $10,000. This year, contestants in the quarterfinals of the competition range in age from 18 to 28 years old. They represent eight countries, including Russia, Taiwan, South Korea and more.
Aloha State Daily spoke with Lisa Nakamichi, the founder of AIPF, ahead of the upcoming competition. Nakamichi, who grew up in Kailua, was inspired to start AIPF because growing up she had her own heart set on taking music to the highest level.
“My aspiration was to go to The Juilliard School in New York City,” she said. “But in order to get accepted to The Juilliard School — or any other renowned conservatories — one would have to start preparing from your junior or senior [year in high school]."
Travel to compete in Mainland festivals is expensive, she added. Nakamichi’s parents were able to send her to a festival.
“But not many kids in Hawai’i have access," she said.
That is why she decided to start the Aloha International Piano Festival. Nakamichi did indeed go to The Juilliard School, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She was also the featured soloist in the inaugural concert of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra.
Today, the Keʻalohi International Piano Competition occurs every three years, with the first event occuring in 2022.
“We're going to be welcoming 14 quarterfinalists who have passed the preliminary video round,” she said. “The level is is unbelievably high. When I was receiving the video submissions, I just could not believe the quality, and the high level of playing by all of the preliminary competitors.”
Those participating in the competition receive accomodations and food, she said.
“The Keʻalohi only happens every three years,” Nakamichi said. “So if people could think of it like the Olympics of the piano — because the Olympics only happen every four years. Competition is always so exciting to watch, and then people will get to experience the feel of a serious competition, and the artistry.”
The competition includes free performances for the quarterfinals and semifinals. The top three performers will play with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra on Aug. 24. Details.
