State-of-the-art broadband piano delivered for competition

May 13, 2014

University Relations

UAF photo by Todd Paris. A Yamaha Disklavier piano arrived on the Fairbanks campus the morning of May 8. The specialized piano, which can transmit and receive performances through the Internet, will be used during the Alaska International Piano e-Competition, June 28-July 12, at the Charles Davis Concert Hall.
UAF photo by Todd Paris. A Yamaha Disklavier piano arrived on the Fairbanks campus the morning of May 8. The specialized piano, which can transmit and receive performances through the Internet, will be used during the Alaska International Piano e-Competition, June 28-July 12, at the Charles Davis Concert Hall.
Kirsten Pickard
907-474-2417
05/09/14

Alaska International Piano-e-Competition, your piano has arrived.

A Yamaha Mark IV Disklavier Grand Piano was delivered last week to the music department at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for use in the Alaska International Piano-e-Competition from June 28-July 12. Provided for the competition by Yamaha and valued at  $250,000, this premier Internet-connected grand piano will transmit the performances taking place in the Davis Concert Hall to the world via the Disklavier network.

The Alaska Piano-e-Competition is the first international piano contest ever to be held in the state.

As each of the 24 competitors performs, data will travel over the network to other pianos with Disklavier technology installed — from uprights to grand pianos, in living rooms, show rooms and concert spaces worldwide. Connected Disklaviers will play along with the performer, showing the subtle nuances in each pianist’s technique. A simultaneous video stream can be viewed alone or in sync with the Disklavier performance. These measures will allow listeners around the world to hear the best replication of the live performances taking place here in Fairbanks.

All-access passes for the Alaska International Piano-e-Competition are available for purchase online at www.uaf.edu/piano. The passes ensure premium seating during the final rounds of competition, featuring chamber musicians and the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, and at the awards ceremony and concert on July 12. Tickets for individual events will go on sale later this month.

Those individuals or families who wish to volunteer at the competition or to provide hospitality and support to competitors, should contact Linda Harriger in the music department at 474-7555.