The Aloha International Piano Festival today announced the roster of artists taking part in the fourth annual festival and competition beginning June 6 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

The festival features concerts for the general public and master classes for aspiring young pianists. The weeklong event concludes with a piano competition. Participants range in age from 5 to 25 and hail from around the world.

The 2009 festival welcomes renowned pianists Sean Botkin, Martin Canin, Susan Duehlmeier, Bonnie Gritton, Norman Krieger, Lisa Nakamichi and Noriko Uenaka, who will teach master classes and perform concerts featuring light-hearted music in a family-friendly setting.

Unlike other festivals, the AIPF competition is optional for students.

The non-traditional approach offers young pianists the chance to participate in a high-caliber festival without the pressures of competition.

Applications to participate in AIPF classes and workshops are now being accepted. The application deadline is April 30. For more information on tickets and applying to become an AIPF student, visit www.lisanakamichi.com/AIPF/index.html.