The International Tchaikovsky Competition continues and the names of those pianists who have made it to the second stage are announced. The rules for this year's competition have been slightly changed.
The 13th annual competition commemorates the late Mstislav Rostropovich. This year the contest is more democratic than in previous years, as the repertoire is unusually flexible. It must include one major piece by any chosen composer. But naturally there have to be compositions by Tchaikovsky as well. Moreover, this year some of his less famous works have been performed at the Moscow Conservatoire. Also, new rules for the jury have been established. Instead of the anonymous evaluation system, the voting process will now be open. “I think the changes in rules and repertoire have been well received by both participants and the audience. Although the latter wonder why there are no etudes and polyphonies,” said Sergey Dorensky, a jury member. However, these innovations don't make the competition any less of a challenge for participants. Some of them have been waiting all the day long before they have got a chance to perform. The last ones had to wait for more than 40 competitors to play before finally taking to the stage. “Waiting is very frustrating and it gets on your nerves. On the one hand there is more time for practice, and on the other hand you just cannot wait to go to stage and start playing!” shared Irina Zakharenkova, a competition participant.