ime-honored art and modern technology will intersect in June 2002 when the International Piano-e-Competition takes place in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN - and on the Internet. Through advanced technology, including the use of Yamaha Disklavier® pianos transmitting the pianists' performance via MIDI through the Internet, the Piano-e-Competition can be judged from any location. This concept enables the e-Competition to attract to the jury great musicians who would otherwise be prevented from participating by their busy schedules.

For the first e-Competition, two juries will be assembled. Judges Fou T'Song, Ralf Gothoni, Sergio Perticaroli, Abbey Simon, Sontraud Speidel, Dubravka Tomsic, and Earl Wild will view the competition in person. Two more judges, pianists Emmanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman will adjudicate from Japan and Australia respectively. Each judge will be able to view the competition via video-conferencing, and also hear the competition as synchronous performances are transmitted from the competition site directly to each judges' location.

"The vision of the International Piano-e-Competition is to use the very latest in technology to bring music to as wide an audience as possible," says competition President and Artistic Director Dr. Alexander Braginsky. Members of the general public will be able to "tune in" over the web as well, resulting in a truly global event that would not have been possible a few years ago.

The program has been designed to allow participants the freedom to demonstrate their strongest qualities in the repertoire that suits them best. Up to 60 contestants will vie for the $25,000 First Prize.

The winner will also receive a Yamaha Disklavier DC3A, a recital in Spring 2003 at New York's Alice Tully Hall and other possible engagements, a recording on the Ten Thousand Lakes label, and the chance to create a Yamaha PianoSoft™ recording for sale in stores. Cash prizes will go to the second through sixth place contestants. Contestants must be no older than 32 years of age as of June 7, 2002. Students and relatives of the jury members cannot participate in the competition.

The competition's website at www.piano-e-competition.com will provide applications, information on participants, works being performed, and offer additional educational elements. For the duration of the competition, all solo performances will be stored on the Internet, accessible at any time. All rounds and the Gala Concert will be broadcast over the Internet.