Alexandre Kantorow wins the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition
Kantorow performed Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44 and Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83
Friday 28 June 2019
Alexandre Kantorow has taken home first prize in the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition piano category.
The French pianist was the only one of the seven finalists to play Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44. The remaining six all chose to play Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23.
Second Prize and the Silver Medal were shared between Dmitriy Shishkin of Russia and Mao Fujita of Japan, whilst Third Prize and the Bronze Medal were shared between Alexey Melnikov of Russia, Kenneth Broberg of the USA, and Konstantin Yemelyanov of Russia.
Fourth Prize and the Diploma award went to Tianxu An of China, whose performance was unfortunately scuppered by a huge administrative error.
Russian favourite Alexander Malofeev was controversially eliminated early, bringing into question the motives of the judges.
The competition is one of the world's most famous music competitions. Previous winners have included Van Cliburn, Boris Berezovsky and Daniil Trifonov. Pianist issue 98 cover star Lucas Debargue took home 4th prize at the competition's last finals back in 2015.
Watch highlights of Kantorow's gold-winning performance below
Watch all highlights from each round of the competition here.
25 piano contestants kicked off the competition back on 18 June.
The prize-giving ceremony will take place later today at the Pashkov House in Moscow. The winner of the Grand Prix of the Competition will be announced on June 29 during the gala concert of the laureates, which will be held at the New Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.