Sir Stephen Hough to become patron of Hastings International Piano

Hastings International Piano, the organisation behind the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, has announced that pianist and composer Sir Stephen Hough has been appointed to the role of patron.

Sir Stephen brings over four decades of experience to his new role and joins a broad spectrum of patrons for the organisation. Applications are now closed for the next competition, which is set to take place from 22 February – 2 March 2024. Following two preliminary rounds, chosen competitors will have the chance to perform alongside Southbank Sinfonia in the competition semi-final and with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the final on 1 and 2 March.

Sir Stephen said: ‘I’m very pleased to become Patron of Hastings International Piano. It can truly be daunting for young pianists reaching the end of their studies to look ahead to the possibility of a concert life bringing music to audiences across the world. “How do I start?”, “Where do I go?” A competition like Hastings International can be a vital step in this process: a chance to be heard outside the conservatory walls and, for those who win a prize, the beginning of a diary of concert engagements. It's not so much about ranking who is the best, as in a sports event; it's more like discovering which of the young pianists we might want to hear again and again, over a lifetime.’ 

The roots of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition go back more than a century to the Hastings Musical Festival which has been taking place in Hastings since 1908. Following the competition’s revival in 2005 it has become a renowned platform for emerging talent, and one of the only competitions to ask competitors to play complete concertos from the first round.

Artistic director 2024 competition jury president Professor Vanessa Latarche said: ‘We are very pleased to welcome the esteemed pianist Sir Stephen Hough as Patron of Hastings International Piano. His endorsement of our competition will be a source of inspiration to our young competitors and we look forward to working with him closely in the coming months.’