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One Contestant Looks Ahead To The Olga Kern Piano Competition

http://www.rundschau-online.de/region/oberberg/klavierfestival-zwei-wochen-voller-musik-2964282
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Foto: Szemkus

Twenty-four young pianists will travel to Albuquerque this month to compete against each other for prize money, concert engagements and professional recognition.  The first-ever Olga Kern International Piano Competition has attracted contestants from, among other countries, China, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Brazil and Japan.  One of the Americans taking part is 23-year-old Joshua Rupley, born and raised in Albuquerque.

Josh now lives and studies in Germany.  From his home in Wurzberg, he explains how an international competition can benefit a young musician.

In this more complete version of the conversation, Josh talks about growing up in Albuquerque and the reasons for his move to Germany.

josh_rupley_interview_long_version.mp3

Spencer Beckwith reports on the arts for KUNM. For ten years, until March of 2014, Spencer was the producer and host of KUNM's "Performance New Mexico," a weekday morning arts program that included interviews with musicians, writers and performers. Spencer is a graduate of the acting program at the Juilliard School, and, before moving to New Mexico in 2002, was for many years a professional actor based in New York City.