Following those unexpected concerts in mid-August: when ‘SOS-Ortiz’ once again stepped-in at short notice, to great acclaim, especially from the press in France (see Press Reviews) – nice, considering whom I had substituted — I was to serve on ‘jury-duty’, at a Piano Competition that is. Unfortunately, this taxing a job, leads me into deeply-felt frustration; I wonder if I will ever accept any future invitations! I’ll try to explain all that bothered me!

To sit through hour-after-hour of listening in deep concentration, to so many ‘hopefuls’ – is too-exhausting a passive task for an active performer like myself— and for what purpose? If the muscles in my back were the only thing to suffer from this mauling, I could still reconsider my decision, but when it’s the essence of my integrity as a musician that cries in desperation, “alors, là”!

Firstly, when the great revelation of the Competition – a new Richter, in my opinion— didn’t make it to the finals, I was quite tempted to go home. Then I detected that a player with a most obviously disgusting attitude to Music, composers and colleagues alike was tipped to win: that drove me insane. Then, the idea that a Jury formed entirely of professional musicians, is quite content in submitting votes on a piece of paper without ever uttering a word to express any views or convictions they may have about the musicality of the candidates to the title, is beyond belief! At this point I felt gagged, as if I needed to feed oxygen to my brain. I decided before the Finals, that had that one player gone on to win, I was not prepared to stand-by complacently, or be seen to have anything to do with that result, God forbid as I once did, at the Cliburn!
I honestly believe that the public usually gets it right and there’s a real possibility that they would get better results. More often than not, winners come and … mainly go! Players should become winners only if by unanimous vote, and that may require long deliberation; one might again find the Lupus, or the Perahias!
‘ Professional-jurors’ as I refer to some colleagues, never want to be involved in any sort of confrontation. Their motto: “stay out of trouble”. Whatever the result, their salary is guaranteed; and on to the next competition. Two other jurors also worried about the voting system — at least I’m not mad ... My friends, when I stop caring, I will let you know!

A surprised student of mine asked: “you mean to say that outside, the poor candidates sweat away waiting for the dreaded result, while the Jury waits inside, for that same result, just like puppets? Give me a break!”

One more event this month, almost more frustrating: I had to play a recital in a venue situated right on the flight path to Heathrow! And I just couldn’t “fly above the situation” – forgive the horrible pun! Anybody would have thought that I’d be able to control the situation, well NO! I realized more than ever that I do need to hear what I’m trying to do, thank you very much!

Let’s just say that I am glad to see the back of this month!

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