Ukrainian pianist Illia Ovcharenko won the 2022 Honens International Piano Competition Friday evening at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary.
The 21-year-old took home $100,000 and an artist development program estimated at $500,000 – one of the biggest piano prizes in the world.
Congratulations to our 2022 Honens Prize Laureate, Illia Ovcharenko (age 21) from Ukraine!
He wins one of the world’s largest prizes for piano $100,000 (CAD) and an Artist Development Program valued at a half-million dollars. #HONENS2022 pic.twitter.com/N0rVwvBsey
— Honens (@honens) October 29, 2022
The three-year development program includes debut recitals in some of the world’s leading concert houses, concert opportunities with leading orchestras, professional management, residencies, and recordings.
Other finalists included 26-year-old American Rachel Breen and 27-year old Sasha Kasman Laude, with each receiving prizes of $10,000.
Meanwhile, Ádåm Balogh won a $2,500 prize for the best performance of a commissioned work, while Angie Zhang won two prizes valued at $2,500 for the best performance of a Beethoven violin sonata and the audience choice award.
“The world is in the throes of change and while Honens continues to adapt as it moves forward in its mission, we are pleased to remain consistent and true in our search for the ‘Complete Artist,'” said Neil Edwards, Honens’ president and CEO.
The competition included jurors from around the world.
READ MORE:
-
Jerry Lee Lewis, outrageous rock ‘n’ roll star, dies at 87
-
Canadian musicians worried for livelihoods after CBC contract ends with SiriusXM
“Over the past two weeks, our jury and devoted audiences have experienced world-class pianism of the highest possible level,” said Jon Kimura Parker, Honens’ artistic director. “The Honens International Piano Competition has brought artistry, emotion, virtuosity, and creativity to Calgary and to the world. We offer our warmest congratulations to all of the pianists and special congratulations to the 2022 Honens Prize Laureate, Illia Ovcharenko.”
The Honens 2022 awards ceremony was livestreamed around the world, and people who missed it can visit their website.
