Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA) was established by concert pianist Ching-Yun Hu to help young artists achieve their dreams of becoming professional pianists. Since its inception 7 years ago, it has blossomed into one of the most highly anticipated summer piano festivals on the East Coast encompassing intensive master classes and public concerts featuring internationally celebrated pianists.

PYPA announces its annual piano festival set for August 2-11, 2019 at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. With 10 summertime concerts, 62 hours of master classes, a guest lecture series, and the adjoining Philadelphia International Piano Competition, there are endless learning opportunities and entertainment for students and the public.

The summer music festival accepts 20 gifted pianists globally to participate in 10 days of master classes and recitals with legendary concert artists and pedagogues, including gold medalists at the Chopin, Cliburn, and Rubinstein competitions.

2019 PYPA Faculty

The faculty for the 2019 PYPA Piano Festival includes six artists who have achieved substantial careers as concert musicians. They include Ching-Yun Hu, the PYPA Artistic Director and celebrated pianist in Asia, as well as top prize recipient at the Rubinstein Competition; Gary Graffman, legendary pedagogue and former president of Curtis Institute of Music; Dang Thai Son, Gold Medalist of the Chopin Competition; Yekwon Sunwoo, Gold Medalist of Cliburn Competition; Lydia Artymiw, Grammy-nominated pianist and Gramophone Award-winner ("Best of the Year", Chandos recording); and Alon Goldstein, pianist with top orchestral engagements from the LA Phil to the Philadelphia Orchestra.

In addition to giving master classes, Cliburn gold medalist Yekwon Sunwoo, Chopin gold medalist Dang Thai Son, and Rubinstein top prize winner Ching-Yun Hu will give solo recitals throughout the festival. The concerts are open to the public.

Philadelphia International Piano Competition Top Prize

All students enrolled in the festival will compete to win the top prize at the Philadelphia International Piano Competition. Winners receive (both in senior and junior division):

• Cash prize: $1,000.

• Live radio broadcast on WRTI Philadelphia (the main classical music radio station in the city).

• Solo recital at Puffin Cultural Forum (Teaneck, NJ) during 2019-2020 season.

• Full scholarship to attend the 2020 PYPA (scholarship award in the amount of $3,250, as of 2019 PYPA).

• Performance at final festival concert on August 11, 2019 at Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.

• Orchestral performance opportunities in upcoming seasons. For example, PYPA arranged for the winner of the 2017 competition to perform at the National Concert Hall in Taipei with the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra to a sold-out crowd.

Deadline and Information

The deadline to apply to attend the PYPA Piano Festival is April 30, 2019. Please visit the PYPA website to check guidelines and submit an application.