The Epinal International Piano Competition 2023 selected the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano as its official piano, showcasing the high quality and performance of the instrument. The competition, held in France, is a prestigious event that provides an opportunity for young pianists to start their international careers. The top three prize winners of the competition commended the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX for its exceptional sound, comfort, and responsiveness, further solidifying the brand’s reputation for excellence in the piano industry.
The Epinal International Piano Competition 2023 was held in Epinal, France from March 18 to 26, and the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano was chosen as the official piano for the competition.
Held every two years, the Epinal International Piano Competition is one of the major musical events in France. Kawai has provided the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano in recent years.
Epinal International Piano Competition 2023: Final Results
| 1st Prize and Audience Prize | Stefan BONEV | Bulgaria |
| 2nd Prize and Chopin Etude Prize | Leo DE MARIA | Spain |
| 3rd Prize | Nanaho ISHIKAWA | Japan |
| 4th Prize | Ami KUROSAWA | Japan |
Comments from the Top Three Prize Winners
1st Prize and Audience Prize Winner| Stefan BONEV
Q: How do you feel about winning the 1st prize?
A: I feel extremely grateful and happy, although still quite surprised.
Q: What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
A: The keyboard felt extremely comfortable, allowing for a very light touch and responding to very slight color changes. I particularly liked the bass, which gave a necessary depth in the interpretation of works such as the Waldstein Sonata and the Liszt Sonata.
2nd Prize and Chopin Etude Prize Winner | Leo DE MARIA
Q: How do you feel about winning the 2nd prize?
A: I feel very good, happy and it is a big honor to be rewarded a prize in such an old, prestigious and great competition.
Q: What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
A: The Shigeru Kawai piano never disappoints. It was very comfortable to play, as always; the colours of this brand are pleasant and extremely colourful. I really enjoyed playing this wonderful instrument.
3rd Prize Winner | Nanaho ISHIKAWA
Q: How do you feel about winning the 3rd prize?
A: I still can’t believe it, but I’m really happy to have received the third prize. I had wanted to challenge at the Épinal piano competition since before the COVID-19 pandemic, so being able to reach the final and play all the prepared pieces without losing my focus has been an incredible experience and has provided a view of the world that I have never seen before.
Q: What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
A:The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX had a beautiful sound that always felt like it was in the perfect distance, not too close and not too far away. I think that is why I was able to express myself in various ways with my approach.
About the Prestigious Epinal International Piano Competition
The Epinal International Piano Competition is a world-renowned event that brings together the most talented pianists from around the globe. Established in 1970, this prestigious competition has a long and storied history of fostering the careers of many world-class musicians. The competition is held in Epinal, a picturesque town in northeastern France known for its rich cultural heritage.
The History of the Epinal International Piano Competition
The Epinal International Piano Competition was founded by a passionate group of musicians and educators who wanted to create a platform for young pianists to showcase their skills and gain international recognition. Over the years, the competition has evolved into a highly respected event that attracts top talent from all corners of the world. Renowned pianists, teachers, and composers have graced the competition’s stage and contributed to its growing legacy.
The Structure of the Competition
The Epinal International Piano Competition consists of several stages, culminating in a highly anticipated final round. Competitors progress through the stages by performing a diverse range of repertoire, including classical, romantic, and contemporary pieces. The jury, composed of distinguished musicians and educators, carefully evaluates each performance and selects the top contestants to advance to the next stage.
Preliminary Round
The competition begins with the preliminary round, where all competitors present a 30-minute recital showcasing their technical prowess and artistic interpretation. This round serves as an opportunity for the jury to assess each pianist’s overall abilities and select the most promising talents to advance.
Semi-Final Round
During the semi-final round, selected pianists perform a 60-minute recital, offering a more comprehensive representation of their skillset. At this stage, the jury pays close attention to the pianists’ versatility, creativity, and command of the instrument.
Final Round
The competition culminates in the final round, where the remaining contestants perform a full-length piano concerto accompanied by a professional orchestra. This round presents the ultimate challenge for the pianists, as they must demonstrate their ability to collaborate with the orchestra while delivering a captivating and memorable performance.
Prizes and Recognition
The Epinal International Piano Competition offers generous cash prizes, prestigious engagements, and invaluable exposure to the winners. In addition to the monetary awards, the competition provides winners with opportunities to perform at renowned concert venues and collaborate with esteemed orchestras and conductors.
The Impact of the Epinal International Piano Competition on the Music World
The competition has played a significant role in launching the careers of many distinguished pianists. Past winners and laureates have gone on to perform with renowned orchestras, release critically acclaimed recordings, and teach at prestigious music institutions. The Epinal International Piano Competition has become synonymous with excellence, and its reputation continues to grow with each passing year.
About Shigeru Kawai Grand Pianos
The SK-EX full concert grand piano by Shigeru Kawai was launched in 2001 and is at the forefront of Shigeru Kawai’s instruments. Each piano is meticulously crafted by hand in limited quantities using a one-of-a-kind “prototyping” process. This process allows for the creation of an instrument with the extraordinary expression and range necessary for a concert piano. The SK-EX utilizes an assortment of hand-picked materials, including aged spruce soundboards, to achieve exceptional quality. Additionally, these pianos feature advanced technology, such as the Millennium III keyboard action, which contains extended wooden keys and state-of-the-art ABS Carbon action parts. These features enable the pianist to convey a deeper and richer range of emotions throughout their performance.
To learn more, visit: Shigeru Kawai Models – Premium Pianos of Japan
