At a time when the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators is coming under increasing pressure over the question of adjudicator competence, they may well be relieved to know that it is not just the outcome of brass band competitions that is coming under increasing scrutiny.

Growing revolt

A wonderful article in 'The Times' on Friday by John Evans, Editor of Classic FM magazine, has highlighted the growing revolt against what is increasingly being seen as corruption, deal making, lack of transparency and vote rigging in classical music competitions – by judges.

50-50 split

The article gave the example of a recent piano competition in Rio de Janeiro, where one anonymous competitor e-mailed the contest organiser suggesting quite openly: "No juror can judge the talent of a musician, so I suggest you give me the first prize and we’ll split it 50-50."

Disgruntled competitors or an exasperated media is not just making the claims of underhand practice either – fellow judges are making the claims too.

Gustav Alink of the Alink-Argerich Foundation who has monitored and reported on music competitions for over 30 years has said that it is now common for jury members to be, what he called, 'influenced in various ways, without even realising it4BR

Influence

The problem has become so serious that Gustav Alink of the Alink-Argerich Foundation who has monitored and reported on music competitions for over 30 years has said that it is now common for jury members to be, what he called, 'influenced in various ways, without even realising it.'

These influences he stated, include the possibility of a jury member of great reputation making his opinion more forcibly felt, the enthusiastic audience reception to a performance influencing less experienced jury members, or even jury members talking to each other about certain performances and not others.

Some judges are unfair

The world famous Chinese pianist Lang Lang has given up taking part in potentially lucrative international competitions after his teacher revealed that, "Some judges are unfair…some have prejudices".

Meanwhile, the British pianist Tom Poster even added: "I have entered many competitions and I do not understand juries. You can play well and not win; you can play badly and win."

Change

However, change may well be on the way, with the most prestigious competitions employing judges who pride themselves on rewarding 'complete musicians' and not just those who are mere 'soloists'.

The famous Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary doesn’t allow jury members to confer and should abstain from voting for students they know are competing.

Geater transparency

As one enlightened competition organiser stated: "Greater transparency is the answer; it is important the public sees the rules. A new broom will be sweeping through."

And you thought the fall out from the British Open was a storm in a tea cup?

To read the article by John Evans, go to:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/classical/article6942973.ece