Published:  00:00 Monday - September 06, 2010

The first Hanoi international piano competition began in Hanoi on September 6, attracting 63 contestants from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, Russia, Taiwan and host Vietnam.

There will be three categories for pianists aged 10-13, 14-17, and 18-25.

The contest was held by the Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM) and is expected to provide young Vietnamese pianists with a chance to exchange experience with foreign counterparts.

The judging panel, chaired by former VNAM director, Professor Tran Thu Ha, includes 7 leading music professors. Pianist Dang Thai Son, a people’s artist, will be the competition's honourable president and art director.