Bachauer entry — again

Hong Xu's father sold pianos in China for a living.

He wasn't a musician, said Xu, but he knew a lot about music and instruments. And he thought it would be good for Xu to learn to play.

"They actually borrowed the money to buy me a piano," he recalled.

Now Xu is one of 39 pianists chosen to compete in the 2006 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition.

Being in the Bachauer this year is a bit of a homecoming for Xu. He has already been a prize winner in a Bachauer competition once. "That was five years ago, 2001. I came for the Bachauer competition in the Young Artists division."

That was the first time that Xu — then 17 years old — had been in the United States. He came for the Bachauer and then just stayed. "I changed my visa status, everything," he said.

That same year, he went on to win second prize at the Eastman International Young Artists Piano Competition.

Eastman proved to be a good place for Xu, who continued his studies there. He has just finished his bachelor's degree. Xu says that he'll be going to Juilliard this fall to get a master's degree.

"I really wish I could be just a performing artist, just playing," he said. "I don't mind teaching at all, but mainly I want to be just a concert pianist."

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If you go

What: Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, Round 2

Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South

When: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.

How much: through June 28, $15; June 29 and 30, $22-$42

Phone: 355-2787 or 888-451-2787

Web: www.arttix.org

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E-mail: rcline@desnews.com