Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition
The Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition is an international piano competition founded in 2003 by David Bradshaw, and Cosmo Buono. It gives the opportunity to first prize winners to perform in Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, New York City.
Origins
The Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition was founded in 2003 by the late David Bradshaw, and Cosmo Buono, in response to the need they saw for an artistic vehicle that would help pianists make the transition from formal piano studies to a professional career. The two pianists, who performed throughout the world for more than thirty years, were aware of the difficulties associated with gaining the exposure that would result in longevity as a performing artist, and wanted to do something to help the large numbers of qualified pianists whose abilities were going unnoticed.
The Competition
The competition, held annually, allows pianists from five age categories (Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College Adult, and Amateur Adult) to submit recordings of their playing which are reviewed by a panel of judges who then choose multiple First Prize Winners in each category. These artists are then given a performance debut at Carnegie Hall as part of the Winners’ Recital.
Their belief that too many competitions valued technique over musicianship led Bradshaw and Buono to build one that would place more of an emphasis on sensitivity, individuality, and expression, while positioning the competition for pianists who were not necessarily ready to embark on an international career, but who were capable, in time, of sustaining one. With their goal to have pianists perform in a professional setting while also indirectly rewarding the efforts of parents and teachers, they designed the Bradshaw & Buono to also help provide a significant performance credential for pianists who might be applying to schools where distinctions in a particular field might prove of value.
Development of the Competition
Upon the death of Mr. Bradshaw in 2005, Mr. Buono remained committed to seeing the competition grow, as in its initial years it had helped a number of artists. Mr. Buono thus approached Barry Alexander, a publicist specializing in classical music, for advice on how to increase the exposure of the Bradshaw & Buono. Alexander re-positioned the competition in the media with new graphics and visuals, while also working to establish alliances with piano manufacturers such as Bechstein and Fazzioli, and performance venues that would feature competition winners.
Role of the Alexander and Buono Foundation
The Bradshaw & Buono continues to attract ever-growing numbers of aspiring pianists throughout the world, many of whom have received scholarships and study grants through The Alexander & Buono Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation designed to help winners of The Alexander & Buono Competitions.