Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been an uncommon year, and for the Performing Arts it has been disastrous. The #StayHome International Piano Competition was born with the aim of helping musicians during these hard times, both providing motivation and monetary relief. Being entirely online, this project contributes to the flourishing phenomenon of the online competition, yet maintaining its own peculiarities and thus making us believe to be the first of its own kind. The first edition has been extremely successful, with incredible pianists participating from 24 different countries of all continents. This has made us think about a project for the youth, #StayHome Young, a two-month long competition, which looks like a concert series, for pianists up to the age of 19 divided into four different categories. Our events are supported by AmiCa (Associazione musicale internazionale del Calatino), an organization based in Sicily that leads high-profile artistic activities, including AmiCaFest, an International Piano Festival that takes place every summer between Grammichele – famous in the world for its one of a kind hexagonal main square – and Catania, Vincenzo Bellini’s city of birth.
Luca Cubisino, Artistic Director
