A world-first in music competition, Ireland’s most talented pianists will take home Bitcoin prizes in recognition of their stunning performances at this year’s 9th Piano Academy National Festival.

The highly sought-after cryptocurrency is on offer to pianists aged from 4 to 84 from across the Emerald Isle, who will converge on Rathgar’s Methodist Church in Dublin, Ireland, to perform in 15 different performance categories from 22-25 February.
The husband and wife team behind the event, pianists Dr. Archie Chen and Rhona Gouldson-Chen have spearheaded this unique annual performance opportunity for pianists of all levels, displaying their unique talents and individuality. Staged by the Piano Academy of Ireland, the festival is ‘a celebration of the piano’, with pianists showcasing their technical prowess in “own choice” solo, duet, étude and piano concerto performances throughout the four-day event.

About the prizes, Dr. Archie Chen says “With so much excitement currently surrounding Bitcoin, we’re thrilled to offer it as a reward for the incredible talents of our performers – the equivalent of the modern day ‘Prize Bonds’, which were gifted at Birthdays and Christmas traditionally. It’s an exciting fusion of old world classical music and the new, digital world of Bitcoin and who knows what the prize could be worth over the next few years…only time will tell!”

Generously provided by Bitex.ie, Ireland’s oldest Bitcoin provider, CEO Alan Donohoe says "Crypto trading is all about timing the market, and I am told that great pianists are experts at timing! I am delighted to be able to join forces with the Piano Academy enabling them to become the first in the world to offer Bitcoin as a prize while giving back to the Arts!”

The festival’s 2018 theme is ‘Community Involvement and Inclusion’, as it brings Irish communities together through music and will be presented on a full-size Kawai 9-foot Concert Grand, until just recently belonging to the late Bob Smyth, a local music lover and Patron of the Arts. Recently deceased, he bequeathed his magnificent piano to the Piano Academy.

“Bob was a wonderful man; for more than 40 years, he generously welcomed everyone and anyone who could play piano into his home to play for him and his friends. We share his life-long passion for the piano and are truly honoured to be able to continue the legacy of hosting musical events, only this time on Bob’s lovely piano,” said Rhona Gouldson-Chen. With 200-plus pianists performing at past festivals, we’re expecting an even bigger turn out this year. February 22-25, the highlight will be the Piano Playoffs GALA, Sunday 25th @ 3:00pm, featuring all the winners and presenting the awards. Trophies, medals and €1000 of cash and Bitcoin prizes will be presented, judged by esteemed Irish pianists Veronica McSwiney & Roy Holmes. All participants will receive a free gift from event sponsor GSMsolutions.ie.

Application deadline for performers is February 11.

€5 Day passes are available at the door for attendees.