Aruba to Hold Fourth Annual Aruba Piano Festival

Aruba is holding its Fourth Annual International Aruba Piano Festival, April 17-24, 2010. The festival, established in 2006, is one of the most important annual chamber music events in the Caribbean region, and includes classical recitals from internationally acclaimed musicians, as well as master classes for amateur talent and a piano competition, giving talented youthful pianists from Aruba the chance to be discovered and acknowledged.

The festival will open with a piano recital entitled “A Tribune to Chopin,” featuring classical works from seven different professional pianists. Additional recitals taking place throughout the festival will feature chamber music from around the world, including Spain, France, Germany and more.

The Crescendo Piano Competition is another very important part of the festival, and is open to Aruban pianists between the ages of eight and 18. The winner of the competition receives one full year of piano lessons with a teacher of his/her choice, along with an invitation from the Classical Music Board of Bonaire to perform in a recital next to internationally acclaimed musicians.

Festival events take place in some of Aruba’s most beautiful cultural locations, including Aruba’s Cas di Cultura, the National Library and Da Vinci Academy. General admission prices are AFL 25 (approx. $13) for evening recitals, AFL 15 (approx. $8 for matinee performances, and AFL 5 (approx. $3) to attend the competition, and tickets can be purchased at the Plaza Book Shop or the Cas di Cultura.