Setting the Scene
Tomorrow and Saturday see the finals of this world-famous competition live on BBC2 and Radio 3 from Leeds Town Hall.
Presented by Michael Berkeley and Jane Glover
Tonight Michael Berkeley looks at the background to the competition (founded in 1963 by Fanny Waterman and Marion Thorpe ) and asks what it is that has brought it to its pre-eminent position among the music competitions of the world.
Featured will be some of this year's outstanding young pianists who have been fighting their way through the gruelling preliminary rounds.
With contributions from
Murray Perahia (winner in 1972), Simon Rattle (this year's competition conductor) and Fanny Waterman herself, chairman of the jury. Assistant producer JANE WALKER
Executive producer KENNETH CORDEN Director
JONATHAN FULFORD
Competition in association with Harveys of Bristol
(The finals will be shown tomorrow and Saturday at 6.55pm. A special results programme can be seen on BBC2 on Saturday at 11.05pm)