The competition crosses borders

The 6^th International Competition of Young Pianists, dedicated to the work of Fryderyk Chopin, took place in Narva in the beginning of February. The competition, which was initially created for young musical talents from the countries around the Baltic Sea, has by now considerably reached far beyond the Baltic borders, becoming truly international.

The "Narva Chopiniana - 2006", supported by Narva City Government Ministries of Culture of Estonia and Poland, Embassies of Poland, France, Russia, China in Estonia and numerous private sponsors, has brought together 49 pianists, aged up to 18 years old, from 14 countries.

Young musicians from traditionally participating Baltic Sea states (including Russia) were joined by their colleagues from Norway, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, China and Japan.

According to the regulations, the competition was held within 3 age categories: younger, up to 12 years old (the 1^st Prize awarded to Mikhail Ilyasov from Russia); medium, 13 to 15 years old (the 1^st Prize awarded to Ruslan Strogi from Estonia); older, 16 to 18 years old (the 1^st Prize awarded to Michal Kozlowski from Poland).

The Grand-Prix of the competition was awarded to 14-years-old Sergey Redkin from St.Petersburg, Russia.

Mr. Raivo Palmaru, Minister of Culture of Estonia said: "To reach anything valuable in life, one needs to make big efforts. Only in that case a person can mould and only in that way does a door to a very special world open for him. Participation in Narva Chopin piano competition gives young musicians an excellent chance for it."

The next International Chopin Competition will take place in Narva by the end of January 2008. Registration of participants will start in May 2007.