🎹 Help Israel Play On – Bring Hope Through Music at Scherzo

Scherzo International Piano Competition is an independent, Tel Aviv–based event bringing together talented young pianists from around the world.

This year, when words fall short, a child’s music may speak louder than anything else.

The Vision: Scherzo International Piano Competition

🎶 Music That Connects

Young pianists rely on music to say what words cannot.
From Australia and Indonesia, from Vietnam, Germany, and Israel — they arrive with different stories, different fears, different dreams.

They may not speak the same language. But the moment their fingers touch the keys, something unspoken begins to rise.

This stage becomes their common ground.
A place where music connects what the world so often divides.

🇮🇱 Why This Year Matters

For eight years, Scherzo has held this space — even during war, even during a pandemic.
Because music doesn’t wait for peace. It creates it.
And this year, that message is more urgent than ever.

Today, life in Israel feels fragile.
Sirens interrupt childhood. News cycles replace normalcy. Families carry uncertainty in their bones.
And yet — somewhere in all of this — a young pianist is still practicing.
Not for the prize itself. Not to compete for applause. But because they need their voice to be heard — and this is the way they speak.

🎼 Why We Need You

Since its founding in 2016, Scherzo has welcomed over 350 pianists from 20+ countries.

Scherzo is more than a competition. It’s a place where young musicians can feel calm, creative, and connected — a rare moment where everything else fades, and only the music remains.

But to create that space — to tune the pianos, light the stage, welcome the audience, and capture the performances so they can live beyond the moment — we need support.

We have the music. We have the young pianists. We have an esteemed international jury. We have the stage waiting.
What we’re missing is the support that brings this plan to life — for real, for them, for now.

We’ve done it before. And with your help, we’ll do it again.

📊 Where the Funds Will Go

Every contribution helps us make Scherzo happen — not just as a competition, but as a transformative experience for young pianists.

• 🏆 Prizes & Scholarships
  So that exceptionally talented young pianists — those who stand out on stage — can receive prizes that truly matter: encouragement, opportunity, and meaningful support for their next musical step.
• 🎹 Operations & Production 
  Covers our esteemed international jury, auditorium rental, piano tuning, and professional video/audio documentation — so that the music made at Scherzo can continue to resonate far beyond the concert hall.

Together, this $8,000 goal makes Scherzo accessible, inspiring, and unforgettable.

What Your Support Makes Possible — Contributions with Heart

Each contribution helps build the space, the sound, and the quiet confidence Scherzo gives young musicians. Every amount has meaning — and we make sure our supporters are recognized with gratitude and care.

All donors will receive a personal thank-you message. Those giving $100 or more will be acknowledged on our virtual supporter wall and in our printed program. And for those offering major support — your impact will be felt and remembered on stage.

👤 A Word from the Director – Stella Brener, Managing Director, Scherzo International Piano Competition

“As Scherzo’s Managing Director, I’ve seen how much a single performance can mean to a young pianist. For some, it’s their first time playing on a real stage. For others, it’s a turning point — the moment they realize they want to pursue music for life.

What we offer isn’t just a competition; it’s a place to grow, to be heard, and to belong. Each year, I’m reminded that classical music isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. That’s why I believe so deeply in this project, and that’s why I’m asking for your help to make it possible.”

🔁 We’ll Keep You Informed

All funds are managed transparently and used directly for program delivery. We are happy to share a breakdown upon request.

Your contribution won’t vanish into silence.

We’ll keep you updated throughout the competition — with rehearsal clips, messages from participants, and videos from the final stage. You’ll hear the difference you’ve made — literally.

How You Can Help

🎁 Donate today — any amount helps.
📢 Share this campaign with your community — music teachers, friends, synagogues, family abroad.

Because the more people who hear, the more hope we can create.

Let’s help Israel play on.
Let’s bring hope — through music.