Finalists Announced at Canada's Honens International Piano Competition

Rachel Breen (United States, 26), Sasha Kasman Laude (United States, 27), and Illia Ovcharenko (Ukraine, 21) will compete for the cash prize of $100,00 CAD

At the conclusion of a highly competitive semi-final round lasting five days, the three finalists have now been announced at Canada's Honens International Piano Competition. They are Rachel Breen (United States, 26), Sasha Kasman Laude (United States, 27), and Illia Ovcharenko (Ukraine, 21).

The Calgary-based competition is among the most lucrative in the world, with a cash prize of $100,000 CAD and an Artist Development Program valued at more than half a million dollars up for grabs.

The final round will see the three pianists perform a chamber recital with the Viano String Quartet and bassist Sam Loeck, which is to include one concerto by Mozart. They will also showcase their skill as collaborative pianists when they join mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó for a selection of lieder by Schubert.

On Friday, October 28, each pianist will perform a concerto from after 1791 alongside the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and guest conductor Jeffrey Kahane.

In 2022, the jury is comprised of 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).

"The Jury had a difficult, if not nearly impossible, task before them that they completed with great thoughtfulness, expertise, and consideration," said Jon Kimura Parker, the Artistic Director of the Honens Competition. "We are beyond thrilled with this evening’s Finalist announcement and look forward to naming Honens’ next Prize Laureate."