The original title of the competition is
“International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists”
The “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists not only represents a remarkable collaboration between various organizations 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 will take place in Zurich at the request of the organisers in Kharkiv.
However, 2024 will mark a special turn of events. In acknowledgment of its legacy and in consideration of current geopolitical shifts, the competition will be 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 emphasizes the connection between two cities and the universal significance of music.
The honorary patronage of the renowned Maestro Rudolf Buchbinder adds further distinction and prestige to the competition. His role as an honorary patron not only emphasizes the cultural and musical importance of the competition but goes beyond mere recognition, showcasing his deep commitment and passion for supporting the next generation of musicians. His dedication is a sign of solidarity and a promise to the future stars of classical music.
The solo rounds will be held from the 6th to the 8th of February 2024 at the Kantonsschule Uster, with the final rounds on the 9th and 10th of February in the grand Concert Hall 3 of the Zurich University of the Arts. Pianists will have the exclusive opportunity to perform on a top-class Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano. The finalists will be accompanied by the renowned Kyiv Camerata Orchestra.
The competition welcomes young pianists from all over the world, provided they agree with the values outlined in the EMCY statement.
All competitors have the chance, through the network of the Kantonsschule Uster, to be hosted by local families. However, it’s noted that participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.
The competition’s organizers assist musicians from Ukraine with their travel preparations.
After the online Round I, approximately 15 young pianists from each age group will receive an invitation to participate in Switzerland. Here, they will undertake a program encompassing both concert performances and competition rounds. These participants will compete for a range of prizes including monetary rewards, performance opportunities, recording prospects, and career advancement support. Furthermore, various special prizes will be awarded, including for the most outstanding interpretation of a Ukrainian composition.
Swiss association “Jugend beflügelt”
Kantonsschule Uster
Kharkiv State Music Lyceum
Supported by EMCY
Justas Dvarionas (Lithuania) – Jury Chairman
Akiko Ebi (Japan)
Irena Gulzarova (Switzerland / Uzbekistan)
Douglas Humpherys (USA)
Yurii Kot (Ukraine)
Ewa Kupiec (Germany / Poland)
Piers Lane (Australia / United Kingdom)
Justas Dvarionas (Lithuania) – Jury Chairman
Irina Georgieva (Switzerland / Bulgaria)
Irena Gulzarova (Switzerland / Uzbekistan)
Halyna Karielova (Ukraine)
Yurii Kot (Ukraine)
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:
Group A – competitors born on or after February 6, 2007
Group B – competitors born on or after February 6, 2003
II. Category “Debut”
(two solo rounds competition)
The category “Debut” competition is subdivided into 3 age groups:
Group C – competitors born on or after February 6, 2013
Group D – competitors born on or after February 6, 2011
Group E – competitors born on or after February 6, 2009
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.
As a result, the competition will take place in Switzerland.
From the 5th to the 10th of February 2024, Zurich will transform into a hub of piano music with the “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists.
Application Period:
Registration open on: October 15, 2023.
Application deadline: December 20, 2023
Public announcement of selected participants: January 5, 2024.
Visa Application for those selected for Round II and requiring a Swiss/Schengen visa: please contact the competition secretariat by January 10, 2024 the latest.
Arrival: Participants invited to take part in Round II of the competition must inform the competition secretariat of their exact date and time of arrival by 1 February 2024.
Young Master Category:
Competition opening and rehearsals: February 5, 2024.
On-stage performances (Young Master Round II): February 6 and 7, 2024.
Orchestra rehearsals (Young Master Round III): February 8, 2024.
Final Round with Orchestra (Young Master Round III): February 9 and 10, 2024.
Debut Category:
Debut category participants perform on stage: February 8, 2024
(depending on the results of the first online round and the participants’ programs, it is to be considered that the debut group performances could start on the 7th of February).
Results announcement (Debut Category): Evening of February 8, 2024.
Performances at educational institutions and cultural venues in the Canton of Zurich: February 8 and 9, 2024.
Please be advised that the schedule provided is accurate as of the page programming. However, the specific timing of contestants’ appearances on stage in Switzerland will only be determined after the results of the online Round 1 are disclosed.
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.
The Competition organisers, the association “Jugend beflügelt”, retain the authority to record and commercially distribute performances from the competition, as well as the final concerts, using any current or future format, including but not restricted to audio, video, digital, or other recording methods. This also encompasses potential broadcasts on radio and/or television, as well as the commercial release of such recordings and broadcasts. No compensation will be provided to the competitors for this.
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
Applications to be submitted by December 20, 2023 at ArtistDB
Link to the competition registration page: ArtistDB
The language of registration for the competition is English.
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.
Entrance fee for participants is CHF 100.-
Applicants who hold Ukrainian nationality are granted exemption from the application fee.
The “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists will be held in Zurich from February 5-8, 2024 in the Kantonsschule Uster and Final Round on February 9-10 at the Zurich University of the Arts.
The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities, provided they agree with the values in the EMCY statement and were born on or after February 6, 2003.
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 in Switzerland.
The second round of the competition is a solo live performance in the Hall of the Kantonsschule Uster, Switzerland.
Approximately six participants within each age group are anticipated to advance to the final round.
Dates: February 6-7, 2024.
The third round of the competition is a performance with the Kyiv Camerata Orchestra in the Concert Hall 3 of the Zurich University of the Arts.
Dates: February 9-10, 2024
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 in Switzerland.
The second round of the competition is a solo live performance in the Hall of the Kantonsschule Uster, Switzerland.
Date: February 8, 2024 (depending on the results of the first online round and the participants’ programs, it is to be considered that the debut group performances could start on the 7th of February).
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 in the Hall of the Kantonsschule Uster, Switzerland
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 Kyiv Camerata Orchestra in the Concert Hall 3 of the Zurich University of the Arts.
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 in the Hall of the Kantonsschule Uster, Switzerland
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.
Age group A
First prize CHF 5000.-
Second prize CHF 3000.-
Third prize CHF 2000.-
Final Round Participant’s Diploma CHF 700.-
Age group B
First prize CHF 8000.-
Second prize CHF 5000.-
Third prize CHF 4000.-
Final Round Participant’s Diploma CHF 1000.-
Prize for the best interpretation of a work by a Ukrainian composer in both age groups A and B: CHF 1000.- in each age group.
Age group C
First prize CHF 600.-
Second prize CHF 300.-
Third prize CHF 200.-
Final Round Participant’s Diploma
Age group D
First prize CHF 800.-
Second prize CHF 400.-
Third prize CHF 300.-
Final Round Participant’s Diploma
Age group E
First prize CHF 1000.-
Second prize CHF 600.-
Third prize CHF 500.-
Final Round Participant’s Diploma
Prizes of CHF 500.- each will be awarded for the best interpretation of a work by a Ukrainian composer in age groups C, D, and E.
Based on the participants’ achieved results and within the confines of the predetermined prize fund, the jury holds the discretion to:
– To withhold prizes;
– To have performers share prizes;
– Award special prizes.
Furthermore, exceptional performances may merit special prizes.
The organisers of the competition will endeavour to offer the outstanding pianists the opportunity to give concerts during the 2024-2025 season.
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.
"Kharkiv Meets Zurich" International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists
