This bi-annual competition, founded in 1947, aims to 'identify the youngest and most promising pianists from all around the world, in the very first phase of their professional careers'. It is open to pianists aged between 15 and 30 years old.
Applications are limited to 150 pianists on a first-come-first-served basis and then, following an audition, just 33 are picked to compete in Monza, just outside Milan, in September.
The whole competition, which will take place over six days, is made up of three preliminary rounds followed by the Final. Previous finalists have included such pre-eminent pianists as Angela Hewitt and British-Polish pianist, Mateusz Borowiak.
Seung Hye, who is currently sitting her GCSE examinations, will need to prepare three programmes - for the first round, a 30 minute programme, and for the second and third rounds, a 60 minute recital for each (she is not allowed to repeat any music within these rounds).
In addition, she will need to prepare a concerto for the Final.
"For Seung Hye to have been picked to compete is an extraordinary achievement in itself. We are all extremely proud of her and wish her the very best of luck with the huge amount of preparation that will be needed for the next stage of the competition," said a spokesperson for the school.
Caption:
Seung Hye with Mrs Crouch and Mr Hargraves after her recital at school in October