Day 12

Second day of rehearsals with the Helsinki Philharmonic today -I guess the finalists from Thursday practiced today, while the ones from tomorrow yesterday... Interesting discussions in the comment sections -especially in the English one, where people from abroad can share their views with us in Finland. Thank you Tanel for a great -and in a personal level- encouraging comment!

Day 11

One would think that this is a free day, so no need to write something. Suddenly, I'm in the middle of an argument with a critic, who very kindly decided to make his point. What more can somebody wish for? It is very interesting to have this kind of debates publicly, especially in Finland. (I caused it, I know, there's no complaint in the previous sentences...)

Day 10 - Chamber Music Final

Another lovely day here in Helsinki! I did listen the finalists. Brilliant performances by very different pianists; I will write on them something short tomorrow or after tomorrow. Excellent string players! Thank you!

Day 9

Another free day for most of us. The finalists -once again congartulations!- are practicing with the string players and the office is, well, open...

A few general things I'd like to write today.

First of all the audience: I found it quite cold. Don't be surprised, I can explain myself.

Day 8 - Round 2

A day full of great performances again. Maybe even better than yesterday... at least according to the jury; and probaby the audience if I judge from its reactions. 5 finalists from today, one from yesterday.

Day 7 - Round 2

A "bit" of listening today; I could handle listening the majority of the players today, my ears however, started ringing at some point in the afternoon, and I had to leave... In all, great playing, diverse pianists/musicians; didn't like everything, but that's natural.

Day 6

Free day today for most of us, not for the semi-finalists nor for the office assistants...

It's been fun reading some of the comments. They're mostly naive, aggressive, or ignorant. Somebody even claimed that the president of the jury doesn't vote, in both languages, luckily Risto-Matti corrected her/him (thank you for that!).