The 2012 Kerikeri International Piano Competition has confirmed its reputation as a prestigious international contest.

The growth of the event is reflected in the diversity of the 16 contestants. The line up for the final, on July 1, featured Anna Maksymove from New Zealand, James Guan - Australia , Szczepan Konczal - Poland and Yeh Shih Hsien from Taiwan. 

After three demanding and exacting rounds of performance, it was Shih Hsien who came away with the top prize and a much deserved standing ovation from the audience. 

Recognition of the importance of this event on the classical music calendar is seen by the ever increasing audience numbers from all parts of the country and overseas. 

Adjudicator Mikhail Solovei acknowledged this, saying that the quality of the event, venue and contestants shows that it deserves to be recognised as a truly international competition standing alongside many other similar events around the world. 

First held in 1987, the biennial piano competition attracts contestants, teachers, and audience members from around the country and overseas. Alumni of the competition include such well-known names as John Chen, Stephen de Pledge, Dan Poynton, Emma Sayers and Henry Wong Doe. In 2006, 15 year-old Denny Liu swept away the competition to seize first place as the youngest winner ever. 

Results for 2012:

First Prize - Yeh Shih Hsien 

Second Prize - Szczepan Konczal 

Third Prize -Anna Maksymova

Fourth Prize - James Guan

Sonata prize - Yeh Shih Hsien

Encouragement award - Somi Kim

People's choice award - Szczepan Konczal

- Bay Chronicle