Preface

For the 8th time now, the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG) is organizer of the international chamber music competition “Franz Schubert and Modern Music” with its unique program taking place in 2012. Duo for Voice and Piano (Lied) and String Quartet have always been permanent features while the third category has been variable in the past: Piano, Piano Duo, Duo for Violin and Piano, Duo for Flute and Piano, Piano Trio. As from the competition of 2012, Trio for Piano, Violin and Violoncello will be a permanent factor of our canon of categories.

From 1989 on, some 200 young musicians meet every third year to perform in front of their respective jury and to compete in three categories with their fellow musicians from all four corners of the world. For them, taking part in a competition is an important evaluation of their skills while for our university it is a central factor of social responsibility, an institutionalized tradition of university education ever since. Therefore, we put special emphasis on preparation which regards not only organizational matters but contents, as well. In order to expand the repertoire of the category of Trio for Piano, Violin and Violoncello an international competition for composition has been organized, and the award-winning work will be on the program of the third round as compulsory piece of music. A selected ensemble will present the award-winning work on the occasion of the concert of prize-winners at Stefaniensaal of Graz Convention Center by performing, among others, in front of the audience of KUG’s subscription cycle. The repertoire in the category of Lied has been updated by including also new and most recent compositions. Moreover, the category of String Quartet has been opened up for Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart – indispensable composers for a string quartet striving for success in an international competition.

With that said, the repertoire actually reflects the profile of our university: great compositions of the past combined with contemporary trends. For participants, this program and its juxtaposition of equals is a special challenge. It requires absolute precision when dealing with contemporary music, and the recurring critical study of tradition alike. We hold the belief that reflective preparation of the new renders the old tangible all over again and widens the perspective of artistic conception.

To keep the level high the executive committee of the competition puts special emphasis on internationality and reputation when appointing the members of the jury.

We are delighted to meet highly motivated participants and are looking forward to an exciting artistic debate in February 2012.

Georg Schulz, Rector