The first stage auditions

We’re two days into the first stage of auditions; although it’s still too early to say whether there are any runaway favourites, perhaps a picture is beginning to emerge. Proceedings opened on Sunday morning with a few nerves – understandable under the circumstances – and a rather fidgety audience.

This year, the competitors have four models of pianos to choose from: Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai and, for the first time, Fazioli. The uptake for the last in this list has been rather slow – only one competitor in the first two days. Steinway remains the favourite choice, even though this mighty instrument can present challenges to a young pianist unused to its sometimes unyielding strength. Wise perhaps are those who choose models with a lighter touch.

And what of the competitors? All young – some extremely so – and talented. Here are a few keep an eye on: Marijana Prjevalskaya from Spain, second to play in the whole competition on Sunday morning, Russians Miroslav Kultyshev and Daniil Trifonov – the latter the only competitor to choose the Fazioli so far. Anke Pan of Germany – only  17 years old – displayed plenty of charm. On Monday, Ukrainian Anna Fedorova won over the audience with her poise and musicality; Japanese-American Claire Huangci and Israeli Nimrod David Pfeffer were also impressive. But there are three more days to go and more than 40 more pianists to hear – anything can happen.