CALGARY, CANADA, October 28, 2022—Ukranian pianist Illia Ovcharenko (age 21) has been named Prize Laureate of the 2022 Honens International Piano Competition. He wins one of the world’s largest prizes for piano $100,000 (CAD) and an Artist Development Program valued at a half-million dollars. Finalists Rachel Breen (United States / age 26) and Sasha Kasman Laude (United States / age 27) each received Finalist Prizes of $10,000 (CAD). Additional prizes are awarded to Ádám Balogh for the Best Performance of a Commissioned Work ($2500 CAD), and Angie Zhang for the Best Performance of a Beethoven Violin Sonata ($2500 CAD) and the Audience Choice Award ($2500 CAD).
“The world is in the throes of change and while Honens continues to adapt as it moves forward in its mission, we are pleased to remain consistent and true in our search for the "Complete Artist”, says Neil Edwards, Honens’ President & CEO.
The Competition’s Jury included Michel Béroff (France), Earl Blackburn (United States), Katherine Chi (Canada / United States), Imogen Cooper (United Kingdom), Stewart Goodyear (Canada), Ick-Choo Moon (Korea), and Orli Shaham (Israel / United States).
“Over the past two weeks, our jury and devoted audiences have experienced world-class pianism of the highest possible level,” adds Jon Kimura Parker, Honens’ Artistic Director. “The Honens International Piano Competition has brought artistry, emotion, virtuosity, and creativity to Calgary and to the world. We offer our warmest congratulations to all of the pianists and special congratulations to the 2022 Honens Prize Laureate, Illia Ovcharenko.”
In addition to the $100,000 (CAD) prize, the Honens Prize Laureate is awarded a comprehensive three-year Artist Development Program, which includes debut recitals in some of the world’s leading concert houses, concert opportunities with leading orchestras, professional management, residencies, and recordings.
Archived video recordings of the entire 2022 Honens International Piano Competition can be viewed at honens.com/livestream-2022.