The 2024 Gurwitz International Piano Competition was held in San Antonio, Texas, USA, which took place from January 26 to February 4. The official piano chosen for the event was the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano. What is the Gurwitz International Piano Competition? The Gurwitz International Piano Competition is a prestigious piano competition held annually in San Antonio, Texas. It was established in 1982 by the International Music Foundation, to provide a platform for young pianists from around the world to showcase their talents and compete at a high level. The competition typically features several rounds of performances, with participants judged by a panel of renowned pianists and musicians. Prizes often include cash awards, performance opportunities, and scholarships to prestigious music institutions. Over the years, the Gurwitz International Piano Competition has gained recognition as one of the leading piano competitions globally, attracting talented young pianists and garnering attention from music enthusiasts and professionals alike. It serves as a significant event in the classical music world, providing a platform for emerging artists to launch their careers and fostering appreciation for piano music among audiences worldwide. The 2024 GIPC is sponsored by Kawai and the Shigeru Kawai piano company. Official website: https://musicalbridges.org/gurwitz/
The 2024 Gurwitz International Piano Competition: Final Results
| Gold Prize and Junior Jury Award | Yungyung Guo | China |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Prize and Audience Favorite Award | Tatiana Dorokhova | Russia |
| Bronze Prize and Best Performance of a Work by a Spanish or Latin Composer | Young Sun Choi | South Korea |
Yungyung Guo from China claimed the Gold Prize and Junior Jury Award, showcasing exceptional skill and artistry. The Silver Prize and Audience Favorite Award went to Tatiana Dorokhova from Russia, captivating the audience with her masterful performance. Young Sun Choi from South Korea clinched the Bronze Prize, along with the Best Performance of a Work by a Spanish or Latin Composer, adding a touch of cultural flair to the competition’s results.
Insights from Prize Winners
Yungyung Guo
“Shigeru Kawai produces a very good sound, and one of the reasons I like it is because the instrument naturally supports me as I play.” Yungyung Guo
Young Sun Choi
“I love how Kawai’s technicians worked tirelessly throughout the competition, and the piano itself was of very high quality. I feel comfortable and just right without making any extra effort.” Young Sun Choi
Tatiana Dorokhova
“I love the sound of Shigeru Kawai, especially the sense of color, powerful sound, and the wide dynamic range. Throughout the competition, it harmonized with the acoustics of each venue.” Tatiana Dorokhova
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert Grand Overview
Introduced in 2001, the SK-EX concert grand piano stands as the flagship model within the Shigeru Kawai lineup. Crafted by hand in limited quantities, each piano undergoes a unique ‘prototyping’ creation process. To attain the exceptional range of expression essential for a concert piano, these instruments incorporate meticulously chosen materials, with premium aged spruce soundboards taking center stage. Implementing the advanced Millennium III keyboard action, which boasts extended wooden keys and innovative ABS Carbon action parts, Shigeru Kawai ensures superior speed and responsiveness compared to traditional wooden action parts. This design empowers pianists to convey a broader spectrum of emotions and feelings during their performances.
Images courtesy of © Robert Michaelson
