Kawai America is pleased to announce that Pianist Alexey Sychev won the highest award at the 21st José Iturbi International Piano Competition performing on a Shigeru Kawai "SK-EX" concert grand piano. The competition is an international competition that has been held since 1981 in honor of José Iturbi (1895-1980), a pianist, conductor, and composer born in Valencia. It was held June 23rd through July 2nd in Valencia, Spain. Commenting on the Shigeru Kawai concert grand, Mr. Sychev stated, "It is a great honor to win the Audience Award and 2nd place at the 21st José Iturbi International Piano Competition. It's my pleasure to play solo, co-star with the Valencia Orchestra, and meet a wonderful audience. We would like to thank Kawai for providing the Shigeru Kawai full concert piano "SK-EX" and Kawai's Master Piano Artisan for preparing the piano. I was very impressed with the sound quality of the SK-EX. The tone was bright, sang well, and at the same time very sophisticated. I played many songs including various styles in this competition, but the balance and response of the keyboard were good, and I was always able to play comfortably. I am looking forward to playing the "SK-EX", which can fill any hall with its beautiful and diverse tones." In addition to Mr. Sychev, 3rd place Salome Jordania and finalist Airi Katada also performed on the Shigeru "SK-EX". Cory Callies, National Sales Manager of Kawai America stated, "More and more world-class pianists are discovering the incredibly responsive touch, almost unlimited range of expression and the wonderful tonal range in Shigeru Kawai grand pianos. We are delighted that in international competitions Shigeru Kawai concert grand pianos often are selected by these amazing young musicians." About Shigeru Kawai Hand-crafted pianos With the desire to "make the best piano in the world", Shigeru Kawai pianos debuted in 2001. In order to achieve the highest levels of expression and the broadest range of tone, Shigeru Kawai pianos use only carefully selected materials and are produced in limited numbers by a small group of piano specialists called "Master Piano Artisans". Innovative carbon fiber action parts provide stability and responsiveness unique to Shigeru Kawai pianos. About Kawai: Kawai is a global corporation with over $600 million in worldwide sales and distribution in virtually every major market in the world. From its beginnings in 1927 in Hamamatsu, Japan, the company has been committed to an ongoing quest to perfect the art of the piano. One of the world's largest musical instrument manufacturers, Kawai is one of a very few piano companies in the world still led by members of its founding family. For more information about its award-winning instruments, visit www.kawaius.com. Contact Cory Callies National Sales Manager Kawai America Corp. 800-421-2177

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