As many as 52 contestants from nine countries and territories, including Vietnam, have registered to join the International Piano Competition which will take place from September 4-11 in Hanoi.

The competition, hosted by the Vietnam National Academy of Music (ANAM) for the second time, is a good chance for pianists in the region and the world to get closer together.

The contestants will be divided into three groups, with categories for pianists aged 10-13, 14-17, and 18-25.

Well-known Vietnamese pianist Dang Thai Son will be the competition's honourable president and art director.

Members of the jury will include famous piano performers and teachers from various countries including the Republic of Korea , Poland , the US , France , Macedonia , Japan and Vietnam . Vietnamese professor and people’s artist Tran Thu Ha will chair the jury panel.

The competition will also attract the participation of Polish Conductor Jacek Rogala and the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra.

Speaking at a press briefing in Hanoi on August 24, Ha said the contest is the only professional one of its kind in Vietnam . Compared to the first one, the competition this time will be adjusted to suit the increased standards of contestants with higher assessment requirements.

The first International Piano Competition, held in 2010 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was chosen as one of the 10 outstanding cultural events of the year. It has contributed to helping Vietnamese pianists integrate on a professional level with musicians from around the world and has encouraged them to reach new heights in the field.

Entry to the performances during the competition will be offered free at the VNAM.-VNA