To promote interest in Chinese music to youths in Canada, Toronto Chinese Orchestra holds the first ever concerto competition for piano and Chinese traditional orchestra in Canada.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Sep, 24, 2009 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra, the largest Chinese orchestra in Ontario and the longest running in Canada, is pleased to host its first Piano Concerto Competition in 2009.

“The piano concerto, entitled ‘Youth’, combines the western piano instrument with a full scale Chinese traditional orchestra.” says Karl Pang, Music Director and Conductor of Toronto Chinese Orchestra. “The combination is both unique and unusual, and represents a first in North America, in terms of musical composition and as a choice for a competition piece in Canada. The work calls for an excellent pianist with an ear and sensibility for both east and west. The Toronto Chinese Orchestra will host the competition, which is the first time ever of its kind in Canadian history. I strongly believe that all kinds of music will eventually blend together in a certain format as our notion and reality of a global village grow.”

The competition aims to provide promising young pianists the rare opportunity to perform with a traditional Chinese orchestra, and to promote interest in Chinese music to youths in Canada. Any pianist born on or after Jan. 1, 1980 may enter. It takes place in Markham, Ontario on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. The winner will receive an award of $500 and perform with the orchestra in the annual 2010 concert.