Five pianists are invited to perform a concerto with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and its Music Director, Roberto Minczuk. They are also asked to give a second interview with an arts journalist.

Pianists may choose any concerto written after 1760. Should the Competition feel that a pianist has chosen a concerto that might not be to his or her advantage due to limited rehearsal time or for any similar reason, or which requires the addition of a considerable number of musicians, it so notifies the pianist who is then obliged to submit an alternative.

Jurors consider the choice and performance of a demanding concerto from the classical era equally with the choice and performance of a work composed later.

A professional arts journalist will conduct a ten-minute interview with each pianist. These interviews will again be videotaped. The Jury will evaluate interviews based on a pianist's ability and willingness to communicate and his or her readiness and suitability for a major career in music. The language of all interviews is English, but proficiency in English will not be a factor in evaluation. 

Finalists will be announced 21 October 2012.