Yi-Yang Chen received one of the four main prizes (25,000 Zar – 4th prize – special prize) for the classical category in 14th Unisa International Piano Competition. The competition selected top 15 competitors around the globe to compete in both classical and jazz category. The competition took place from 20th January until 01 February 2020 at the ZK Matthews Great Hall in Pretoria, South Africa. It is a prestige competition that covers all the fees related to the travel and lodging for all invited contestants.
Established in 1982 by the Unisa Music Foundation- based in the famous mega university offering distance education, the event aims at promoting music in all its forms and expressions in South Africa. As the only accredited contest by World Federation of International Music Competitions (Geneva) on the African continent, the event has earned the reputation as Unisa’s foremost cultural showcase. Held in Pretoria, one of the capital cities in the north of Gauteng province, visitors can experience its unique ambience blending diverse cultures. First started as a piano competition, more disciplines such as vocal, strings and organ have gradually been included as well. Notable laureates include Renée Fleming, Marc-André Hamelin, Johan Botha, and Kobie van Rensburg.
Press release (in Chinese): https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acul/202002030329.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2iRuVNTbmLOVcpkIQOwgaofQ3F0eZ2SkFbaVW4MT-4bQQ2E4_QWqp953U
Bonus: safari trip!
