On Friday 24 May, the preliminary round of the Pianoduo Festival Competition took place at the Amstelkerk. Fifteen amateur piano duos from across the country performed for a live audience and a professional jury, each presenting their own programme on one or two grand pianos. The atmosphere was engaged and attentive, with inspiring performances by musicians of all ages.

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At the end of the day, the jury announced the three duos selected for the final round on Friday 18 October:

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- Joost-Jan van Houten & Alim Zulfiqar

- Tiwaz Kraan & Tom ten Broecke

- Murat Duman & Bektash van Bruinessen

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An encouragement award was also given to:

Olivier & Thymen Hillebrand

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The jury consisted of pianist and chamber musician Vera Kooper, pianist and festival organiser Gwylim Janssens, and concert pianist and teacher Camiel Boomsma. They assessed the duos based on ensemble playing, sound balance, and musical interpretation.

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The final will take place on Friday 18 October during the Pianoduo Festival Autumn Edition. The selected duos will perform again for the jury and audience. More information about the autumn programme will be available soon.