Twenty pianists have been chosen from a record number of applicants for the June festival

Twenty of the most accomplished young pianists in the nation will be competing in the 12th annual Southeastern Piano Festival (SEPF) at the University of South Carolina in June. This year the accepted students were selected from a record number of talented applicants from across the United States.

The participants are from leading music schools around the country and have numerous competition awards already under their belts. They will vie for top prizes during the festival's Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition. The preeminent competition jury includes Alexander Korsantia, chair, professor, New England Conservatory; Ilana Vered, concert pianist and master teacher, artistic director, Perugia Music Festival; Ingrid Jacoby, concert pianist, England; Paolo Gualdi, concert pianist, Italy, and Morihiko Nakahara, music director, South Carolina Philharmonic.

"We are thrilled to host an extraordinary group of students, world-renowned guest artists and audiences from across the southeast," said Joseph Rackers, program director of the festival. "It will be a week to remember."

For participants, an intensive week of master classes with world-renowned guest artists including legendary pianist Leon Fleisher, daily lessons with USC piano faculty, and hours of practice each day culminates in the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition. Winners of the competition receive cash awards and the opportunity to perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic.

The festival takes place June 15 – 21, 2014 and music lovers can enjoy a week of exceptional piano concerts, recitals, master classes and lectures that are open to the public. For the full schedule, more information about the festival, guest artists and to purchase event tickets, visit southeasternpianofestival.com.

Photos and information about each of the participants can be found on the SEPF Facebook page. 

Marina Lomazov, festival founder and artistic director, and festival program director Joseph Rackers, have performed around the world and each have won prizes in international piano competitions. They are International Steinway Artists.

The Symphony League of the South Carolina Philharmonic sponsors the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition. Sponsors of the 2014 Southeastern Piano Festival are Steinway & Sons, Rice Music House, Symphony League, South Carolina Philharmonic, University of South Carolina School of Music and Free Times.

Photo: 2013 festival's Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition winners