Every two years for more than 50 years, Épinal welcomes young piano virtuosos from all over the world to take part in one of the most prestigious international competitions. Among them this year, Anton Rosputko, a 28-year-old Latvian pianist, who is participating for the first time: “It’s a very renowned competition with a long history, and many pianists recognized today have been finalists or winners of this competition.”
A somewhat special 28th edition, normally scheduled for 2021. But due to the health crisis and travel restrictions, only the first event was able to take place last winter, but remotely. Out of more than a hundred candidates, around twenty had been selected for the second test, which had to be postponed for a year. In the end, they are only thirteen to have joined the Vosges at the beginning of March. Thirteen musicians from nine countries. And Anton Rosputko knows it, the competition is going to be tough: “Being in competition with some good artists, because not many have been selected this year – so the level is very high – that motivates me a lot.”
The particularity of this competition – and which is very popular with participants, especially foreigners – is that the musicians selected for the final stages, which take place over a week, are accommodated with locals in Épinal or the surrounding area. The only imperative: to provide candidates with a piano, of course. Anton Rosputko is thus hosted by Florence Nicolas in Remiremont, this is the second time that she has hosted a young pianist: “I love music, I play the piano myself, and having someone play my piano as much as they want is wonderful.”
For the musician, who is used to performing abroad and frequenting hotels, this homestay accommodation helps to reduce the pressure and stress associated with the competition: “My host family is caring, I feel supported and it allows me to be more relaxed and focus on the music.” Anton is the first of the thirteen candidates to enter the running this Monday, March 7. The best will be selected for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday. The final will take place on Sunday March 13 with the Orchester national de Metz.
28th Epinal International Piano Competition (2021 edition) – March 6 to 13, 2022 – Auditorium de la Louvière, 88000 Épinal (2nd round and semi-final) – La Rotonde Theater, 3 Rue Pierre de Coubertin 88150 Thaon-les- Vosges (final) – Information on the competition website.