Cleveland International Piano Competition 2024: Finalists and Winners
Step into the world of classical virtuosity with our recap of the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition!
Meet the prodigious talents who captivated audiences and clinched top honors in one of the music world’s most prestigious events.
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The Cleveland International Piano Competition concluded its 2024 edition with spectacular performances and memorable moments. This year’s competition saw a range of emerging and established talents vie for top honors, culminating in a series of thrilling final performances. Here, we highlight the prize winners, who each brought their unique artistry and virtuosity to the stage.
First Prize: Zijian Wei
Age: 25
Country: China
Zijian Wei clinched the prestigious Mixon First Prize, taking home $75,000, along with opportunities for a Carnegie Hall debut recital, a performance at Tonhalle Zürich, professional management and mentorship, and a recording with Steinway & Sons. Wei’s compelling rendition of Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30, captivated the audience and judges alike, marking him as a standout performer whose career is undoubtedly on a rapid ascent.
Second Prize: Evren Ozel
Age: 25
Country: USA
The American pianist, Evren Ozel, was awarded the $25,000 Knowlton Second Prize. Ozel’s profound and sensitive interpretation of Beethoven’s Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58, displayed his refined musical sensibility and technical prowess. His performance at this competition is another feather in the cap of a burgeoning career that has already seen him receive significant accolades and recognition.
Third Prize: Maxim Lando
Age: 21
Country: USA
Maxim Lando, another young American pianist, took home the third prize of $15,000. Lando’s performance of Brahms’ Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83, was both powerful and nuanced, showcasing his maturity and depth as a musician. With a background of performances at major venues worldwide, Lando’s recognition at this competition underscores his exceptional talent and promising future.
Fourth Prize: Giuseppe Guarrera
Age: 32
Country: Italy
Italian pianist Giuseppe Guarrera won the fourth prize, receiving a $10,000 award. Guarrera performed Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 with a passion that resonated deeply with the audience. His robust international career, highlighted by performances under the baton of renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim and solo recitals at major European concert halls, reflects his significant musical artistry.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Cleveland International Piano Competition not only serves as a platform for these talented musicians to showcase their abilities but also continues to honor the vision and memory of A. Malachi Mixon III. Through its substantial prizes and exposure, the competition fosters the careers of young pianists, propelling them onto the global stage and potentially becoming some of the world’s most talented pianists.
As we look forward to the future performances of Wei, Ozel, Lando, and Guarrera, the music community eagerly anticipates the continued success of these artists as they evolve and enrich the world of classical music. The 2024 competition has indeed been a celebration of musical excellence and an inspiring testament to the power of classical music to transcend boundaries and touch hearts.
