The Bachauer Piano Foundation has brought world-class piano experiences to global and local communities through transformative competitions, festivals, concerts, and educational programs since 1976. The flagship event, The International Artists Competition, brings rising piano superstars from all over the world to Salt Lake City where they compete for acclaim and prize money (over $108,000) to launch their careers. This competition, held every four years, will next culminate in June 2024 (June 16th-29th) at Rose Wagner for the Quarter and Semifinals and Abravanel Hall for the Finals. On the final two nights at Abravanel Hall, the top three competitors play concerti with the Utah Symphony before the winner is chosen.
In preparation for this competition, The Blocks partnered with The Bachauer to commission six local artists to transform donated pianos into works of sculptural and visual art pieces. All pianos will be placed on Abravanel Plaza from May 31 - October 31, with the unveiling date on May 31 from noon-1pm. Each month there will be a lunchtime concert on the final Friday on Abravanel Plaza from noon-1pm called Forte Fridays.
