The “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists not only represented a remarkable collaboration between various organisations, but also a gesture of respect towards a longstanding tradition. The original International Krainev Competition for Young Pianists was founded in 1992 by the distinguished pianist Vladimir Krainev (1944-2011) in Kharkiv, Ukraine. For over three decades, this prestigious competition attracted talented young pianists from all over the world, many of whom now dazzle audiences on the world’s grandest stages as internationally recognized artists.
Thanks to the support of the European Union Music Competitions for Youth (EMCY), the Kantonsschule Uster and the Swiss association “Jugend beflügelt”, the 15th edition took place in Zurich at the request of the organisers in Kharkiv.
However, 2024 marked a special turn of events. In acknowledgment of its legacy and in consideration of current geopolitical shifts, the competition held in Zurich under the renewed name “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists, while preserving its tradition. This reflects a bridge between the past and present and emphasises the connection between two cities and the universal significance of music.
The competition welcomes young pianists from all over the world, provided they agree with the values outlined in the EMCY statement.
Kharkiv State Music Lyceum
Supported by EMCY
The competition will be held in two categories “Young Master” and “Debut”.
I. Category “Young Master”
(three rounds competition, the final round with orchestral accompaniment).
The category “Young Master” competition is subdivided into 2 age groups.
II. Category “Debut”
(two solo rounds competition)
The category “Debut” competition is subdivided into 3 age groups.
Usual cycle of the Competition – every two years.
Currently, due to the ongoing devastating war, it’s impossible to host a piano competition in Kharkiv.
All stage performances are open to the public.
The sequence in which the participants perform during the solo round of the competition is established based on the ages of the performers, arranged from the youngest to the oldest.
The order of the performers of the final round with the orchestra of the YOUNG MASTER category is determined by the organizers together with the conductor and artistic director of the orchestra.
Upon request by the competition organizer, the competition laureates as well as diploma holders are obligated to participate in the closing concerts of the event without financial remuneration or coverage of their expenses.
The competition organizers bear no responsibility for property damage, accidents, or loss. Competitors and their accompanying individuals are solely responsible for securing their own insurance, which should include medical coverage.
By registering, the candidates and their legal guardians confirm that they have read and accept the terms and conditions of participation.
Furthermore, the Competition Organisers also have the right to publish images of participants, as well as photographs taken during the competition in any media associated with the competition.
The Competition extends beyond mere rivalry and underscores a broader objective. Concerts are arranged for those who do not reach the orchestral finals, fostering cultural connections through music and lasting bonds. Participants should depart with cherished memories, uplifted spirits, and invaluable musical experiences. jhwfkjff
The application must include a video recording for the qualifying round, as described in the repertoire section. Participants are allowed to record individual tracks separately; however, each piece must be recorded in its entirety without any editing or cutting.
The online Application Form must be accompanied by:
a) A scanned copy of the applicant’s personal ID document.
b) Short biography of the applicant.
c) Proposed competition repertoire.
d) High-quality, recent portrait picture for publication.
e) Link(s) to the video recording.
f) Acknowledgment of endorsement of the values outlined in the EMCY statement.
The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities, provided they agree with the values in the EMCY statement.
I. Category “Young Master”
Three-round competition. Please refer to the repertoire requirements for each round of the competition in the respective section: Repertoire
The first round will be selective based on the videos submitted.
Approximately 15 contestants in each age group will be invited to perform live.
The second round of the competition is a solo live performance.
Approximately six participants within each age group are anticipated to advance to the final round.
The third round of the competition is a performance with the Orchestra.
II. Category “Debut”
Two-round competition. Please refer to the repertoire requirements for each round of the competition in the respective section: Repertoire
The first round will be selective based on the videos submitted.
Approximately 15 contestants in each age group will be invited to perform live.
The second round of the competition is a solo live performance.
TBA 2026
All works must be performed from memory.
In the First and Second Rounds pianists must perform solo piano works only.
The live performance in Round II may include works from the video recording of the Qualifying Round.
Round I – online
Contestants must submit a 10-15 minute video recording of a solo programme, including at least one étude. The remaining repertoire may be selected freely by the performer following the specified time constraint.
Round II – live performance
The choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor within the time allowed for each age group.
The live performance in Round II may include works from the video recording of the Qualifying Round.
To compete for the special prize honoring the best Ukrainian composer’s piano piece performance, participants must choose a composition by a Ukrainian composer.
Explore suggestions (these are provided as examples, but competitors are not limited to them) at this link: Selection of Ukrainian Compositions
For sheet music inquiries, email at info@ipmc.lt.
Note: S. Prokofiev and N. Kapustin, though born in Ukraine, do not qualify as Ukrainian composers for this prize.
The performances in Round II must have the following durations:
Age group A – from 10 to 20 minutes;
Age group B – from 15 to 25 minutes.
Round III – live performance with the Orchestra
The orchestra presents renditions of piano concerto accompaniment by a string ensemble and limited inclusion of wind instruments.
Group A
Participants in age group A must perform either the first movement or both the second and third movements from one of the following piano and orchestra concertos:
S.Bach: BWV 1052 D minor
Haydn: Hob. XVIII/11 D major
A.Mozart: KV 414 A major (No. 12)
Group B
Participants in age group B must perform either the first movement or both the second and third movements from one of the following piano and orchestra concertos:
Grieg: a-moll op. 16
Chopin: No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
Chopin: No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
Round I – online
Contestants must submit an 8-12 minute video recording of a solo programme. The repertoire may be selected freely by the performer following the specified time constraint.
Round II – live performance
The programme should include compositions (or parts of compositions) from at least two different stylistic époques.
The live performance in Round II may include works from the video recording of the Qualifying Round.
Competition performance duration for each age group of the Debut category:
Age group C – from 8 to 15 minutes.
Age group D – from 12 to 20 minutes.
Age group E – from 15 to 25 minutes.
To compete for the special prize honoring the best Ukrainian composer’s piano piece performance, participants must choose a composition by a Ukrainian composer.
Explore suggestions (these are provided as examples, but competitors are not limited to them) at this link: Selection of Ukrainian Compositions
For sheet music inquiries, email at info@ipmc.lt.
Note: S. Prokofiev and N. Kapustin, though born in Ukraine, do not qualify as Ukrainian composers for this prize.
Will be announced by organisers.
TBA 2026
The performances will be evaluated by an international jury of 7 renowned musicians.
The names of the jury members will be announced no later than 1 November 2023.
Jury decisions are final and may not be challenged or amended.
The solo performances of the participants on stage are assessed separately by a student jury, which also independently handles the awarding of their prizes.
Jury members shall not rank / vote for competitors who are related to them or who have been studying with them regularly in the 36 months preceding the competition, or have had more than one lesson at master-classes in the 12 months preceding the competition.
The Jury is authorized to interrupt the performances exceeding the time limit.
