Contestants play a concertino by Baklanova and a minuet by Bach in the Harmony Group.

HA NOI (VNS) — Nearly 300 children between 5 and 13 took part in the 10th Piano Festival at the Ha Noi Children's Palace.

The contestants were divided into four age groups and asked to play two pieces in a genre designated by the jury.

The biennial competition aims to find young, talented musicians who haven't been trained at music schools. The first round wrapped up last night, and 43 performances were selected to enter the second and last round next Sunday.

Do Quang Minh, 10, from Ba Dinh District, said he'd prepared for two months for the festival. He said he was very worried, but would do his best to enter the final and follow his dream of becoming a pianist.

"The performances this year were high-quality, and many candidates played difficult pieces," said Nguyen Kieu Lan, the competition jury member. — VNS