The Horowitz Competition for Young Pianists Moves to Geneva

The competition is usually held in Ukraine, but due to the current war with Russia, it will be moved to Geneva, Switzerland, in April

The International Horowitz Competition for Young Pianists was founded in 1995, and since 2004, has represented Ukraine as part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC).

Due to the difficulty and ongoing conflicts of the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February, the competition will move to Geneva and be renamed the Horowitz Competition Kyiv-Geneva. 

For the 2023 edition, which will be held between April 13–21, 2023, nine international jury members will be chaired by Ukrainian conductor Kirill Karabits, who will also lead the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in the competition finals at the Geneva Conservatory’s Victoria Hall.

Named for and in memory of Vladimir Horowitz, who was born and educated in Kyiv, Ukraine, the competition is held in three stages across cycles of three years, with the junior under-14s division being held in 2021, the intermediate 14–19 age group in 2022, and the senior group in 2023 for those aged between 16 and 33.

Following an initial online round, about 25 to 30 pianists will be invited to perform in Geneva and compete for prize money, plus performance, recording, and career development opportunities. Special prizes include an award for the best Ukrainian artist and for the best performance of a Ukrainian work. 

Applications are now open for the senior round and will close on January 31, 2023. To apply, click here. More information is available here.

“We believe our mission of striving for artistic excellence, authenticity, fairness and equality to support young artists is meaningless unless we give an example to show our social and cultural responsibility: to bring a devastated arts institution back into view; to support young artists in war-torn Ukraine; and to show that common values and common understanding among young people can build a basis for a better future,” wrote Switzerland’s Federal Office of Culture Director Carine Bachmann.

“It is an honor for Switzerland to receive a competition of such a great reputation, and to welcome so many talented musicians on this occasion,” she continued. “Moreover, bringing the Horowitz Competition to a city renowned for its international role in humanitarian commitment is a strong signal of support for the cultural and musical heritage of Ukraine.”