Fifty pianists are invited to perform a 40-minute solo recital and give an interview with an arts journalist in cities including Berlin, London, Los Angeles and New York.

Pianists may perform any solo repertory for this recital and are advised to consider this performance, and to design its program, on the same principles as a professional concert. While no repertory is required, pianists are asked to include a pivotal work from the piano literature and encouraged to perform contemporary music. The Jury will look for intelligent and imaginative programming. 

A professional arts journalist will conduct a five-minute interview with each pianist. These interviews will 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.

Quarterfinalists will be announced 12 March 2012.