Program notes
As a tribute to the Swiss virtuoso, a piano contest is dedicated to Clara Haskil, The Clara Haskil Piano Competition, with the purpose to promote since 1963 the young pianists inspired by a musical ideal, just like the one that she inspired during her career.
Born in 1895 in Bucharest and died in 1960 in Brussels, Clara Haskil was, since her earliest childhood, an exceptionally gifted pianist. As a Jew, she had to overcome the events of the Second World War, as well as the physical and moral sufferings due to her scoliosis. Her life, ranging from successive disappointments to international recognition, provoked the nickname "Great Lady of the Music".
The Concours Clara Haskil was founded in 1963 in order to honour and perpetuate the memory of the incomparable Swiss pianist, of Rumanian origin. The aim of the competition is to reveal a talented young pianist who can represent its values: sensisitivity, humility, constant reappraisal, perpetual pursuit of excellence, an attentive listening ear for partners, respect for the composer, musicality rather than virtuosity, modesty and discretion.