6 finalists make Bachauer cut

When Stephen Beus calls three rounds of competition "grueling," he's not only speaking for himself but also for the five other finalists in this year's Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition.

On Tuesday, the 10-member Bachauer jury picked Beus — one of only three Americans in the competition — to be in the final round. He's joined by Vadym Kholodenko, of the Ukraine; Hinrich Alpers, Germany; Takashi Yamamoto, Japan; Colleen Lee, Hong Kong; and Jue Wang, China.

Unlike most other competitions, the Bachauer did away with eliminations until after the third round, when the six finalists are chosen. This gives the participants the opportunity to perform the programs they've prepared. "I love it," Beus admitted. "This is humane, and I thank (Bachauer founder and director Paul Pollei) for changing the rules."

The other five echo Beus' sentiments. "Everybody likes that concept," said Alpers. "It's hard only to play 20 minutes and then be eliminated." Playing three rounds of 20, 30 and 45 minutes respectively allows the pianists to display their artistry, he added.

The Bachauer is attractive to young pianists not only because it has the no-elimination rule, but also because there is no required repertoire. "Maybe the compulsory pieces aren't your favorites, and you get eliminated because you aren't at your best," Alpers said. "Here you can play long works or etudes. It's your choice."

All six finalists are thrilled to have been selected. "Of course, I am very happy to be chosen, and I am very proud," Kholodenko said. "This competition is one of the best in the world. The playing is of high quality."

"I feel very good to be here," Alpers said. "This is one of the biggest (competitions) I've been in, and certainly one of the most sympathetic."

The 24-year-old German pianist finds that being lodged with a host family is appealing. "At other competitions, you stay in a hotel with one of the other pianists. But here, you become kind of integrated into the family."

Four of the six finalists are making their first appearance at the Bachauer. Beus and Lee, on the other hand, have been here before. Both took first prize at two separate junior competitions.

"I'm very happy to be in the finals again," Lee said. "I think why I like to come back to the artists competition is to complete the mission." (Lee participated in the last artists competition in 2002, but didn't make it into the final round.)