Hastings International Piano, the organisation behind the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, is delighted to announce that the composer, writer, painter and internationally-renowned concert pianist Sir Stephen Hough, has agreed to be its Patron. 

Sir Stephen said: “I’m very pleased to become Patron of Hastings International Piano. It can truly be daunting for young pianists reaching the end of their studies to look ahead to the possibility of a concert life bringing music to audiences across the world. ‘How do I start?’ ‘Where do I go?’ A competition like Hastings International can be a vital step in this process: a chance to be heard outside the conservatory walls and, for those who win a prize, the beginning of a diary of concert engagements. It’s not so much about ranking who is the best, as in a sports event; it’s more like discovering which of the young pianists we might want to hear again … and again, over a lifetime.”  

Artistic Director (and President of the Jury for next year’s competition) Professor Vanessa Latarche, added: “We are very pleased to welcome the esteemed pianist Sir Stephen Hough as Patron of Hastings International Piano. His endorsement of our competition will be a source of inspiration to our young competitors and we look forward to working with him closely in the coming months.”