Try combining the logistical problems of staging an event the magnitude of the 1998 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition with pleasing a large crowd of people and providing something educational and uplifting.
That, according to associate artistic director Massimiliano Frani, is the real challenge of staging this event."But I don't want to talk about difficulties here," Frani quickly adds. "It's a privilege to be associated (with the Bachauer)."
Instead, Frani wants to talk about the competition itself. "We've grown so much that it takes four years to gather the high caliber of performers and jurors for the competition." Which is why the competition takes place only once every four years.
Frani, who has been associated with the Bachauer since 1991, when he was in the competition representing Italy, feels that being a former competitor aids immensely in his position as associate director. "I know what the competition and the competitors need."
The selection process stretches over eight months through 14 auditions, which are held throughout the world. And with some of these qualifying auditions, the organizers also arrange piano festivals, give concerts and hold master classes.
"The selection process is logical and fair to all," Frani asserts, noting that there have been no scandals connected with any part of the Bachauer competition.
As the event has grown in size, so too has its reputation and recognition - not just here in Utah but also internationally. Frani says that when he was in St. Petersburg, Russia, recently, people there knew all about the competition. To which Becky Bessinger, communications director for the competition, adds, "It's an international competition that puts Utah on the map."
Frani and Bessinger agree that pulling off a competition of this size would be extremely difficult without assistance. "We have a truckload of volunteers," Bessinger says, and they are involved in every aspect of the competition. Frani adds, "This is the 22nd year of competition, and we have gathered quite a collection of people."
Equally important are host families. Each competitor stays with a private family instead of at a hotel, and finding families to accommodate the participants is a daunting task. There are 47 pianists in this year's competition.
"There are certain requirements to become a host family," Frani explained. "First, you must have a piano, obviously. Second, you need to be able to know how to handle performers."
Many people come to the Bachauer offices requesting to be considered for the host family program. But before being accepted they, too, must be "auditioned" as to suitability and requirements.
Everything connected to this competition is carefully orchestrated and coordinated, right down to the most minute details. Nothing, it seems, is left to chance.
They are also already working on the eighth junior Bachauer competition, to be held next year. "Since '99 is the 150th anniversary of Chopin's death, the competition will be heavy on Chopin," Frani promises.
An important part of the Bachauer competition is getting young people to attend performances. Therefore, free tickets are being offered to piano students whose teachers purchase passes - except for the two final rounds.
"We encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity to see the best display of artistry, commitment and devotion to the arts in the community," Frani says.