International Piano Competition.

13-19 May 2006. The preliminary rounds of the AXA International Piano competition take place at the Royal Dublin Society 5-11 May. Twelve successful competitors then go through to the semi-finals at the National Concert Hall (NCH) on 13 and 14 May. Thereafter six participants will be admitted to the finals with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Gerhard Markson, at the NCH on 18 and 19 May. The competition is open to professional pianists of all nationalities who were born between 1989 and 1976. In addition to cash prizes ranging from 2,500 to 12,000 plus several individual awards, the finalists win engagements to appear with orchestras all over the world. Countries represented in this years competition include Australia, the Peoples Republic of China, Korea, Finland, Italy and Japan. Semi-finals 13 and 14 May at 14.30 and 19.30. Admission 10-7. Finals 18 and 19 May at 19.30. Tickets 25 or 40 for semi-final and finals.