Competition 2023

THE 1st INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
FOR YOUNG PIANISTS KRONBERG

March 31 - April 2, 2023

Casals Forum
Kronberg/Ts., Germany

An international piano competition in which young pianists make music at the highest level, in which they receive valuable feedback from a top-class jury, in which excellent conditions and outstanding organization inspire them, in which the wonderful atmosphere of the Casals Forum combines professionalism and cordiality, in which fun is not neglected and a supporting program invites you to get to know each other and do things together - that is your International Piano Competition for Young Pianists Kronberg.
that is your International Piano Competition for Young Pianists Kronberg!

Press

"Brilliant start for young pianists".

"But the Kronberg International Piano Competition for Young Pianists showed such professionalism at all levels that even visitors with competition experience were amazed."

"All in all, this staging of the first International Piano Competition for Young Pianists Kronberg was a complete success, as there was something so pleasing about the performances on stage, the wonderful organization and the overall atmosphere that one was edified that a competition can do this as well."

PIANONews

To the article

"I'm fascinated. This is really great skill!"

"Already during the intermission, the audience raves. "Simply unbelievable!"

"I've never heard anything like it. Simply gigantic," it whispers through the ranks."

Taunus Newspaper

To the article

"The 6 to 19-year-olds played with such personal expressiveness, with so much beauty of sound, musical understanding and perfection that even the jury was overwhelmed."

"Both the participants and their families and the audience found the organization of auditions and the warm and personal atmosphere of the competition outstanding."

"The concert program left nothing to be desired in the breadth of its spectrum."

Taunus News

To the article

"An impressive display of hopeful young talent."

"With so many hopeful aspects, one may think of a continuation of the promising competition."

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)

To the article

Participant comments

Soho Park

Rated 5 out of 5

10 years old, United Kingdom

It was a true pleasure for my child to take part in this wonderfully organized competition. We were deeply impressed by how professionally and thoughtfully the entire event was managed - every detail was carefully arranged to make the participants feel comfortable and supported.

What stood out most was that the competition felt more like a festival of music rather than a mere contest. It was a space where talented young pianists could truly share, connect, and grow together through their performances.

The atmosphere encouraged not just excellence, but also joy, inspiration, and a deep love for music.

We are sincerely grateful for this enriching experience.

Jay Choi , Mother of Soho Park

Piano Competition Kronberg is an outstanding competition among the world piano competitions for young musicians. Everything is filled with music which unites the young musicians together. Right from the first moment we entered the Kronberg Academy, we found ourselves in the atmosphere of family, care, comfort and the exceptional organization of every little detail!

We congratulate you, all the jury, your team and the winners. But it was the music that has become the main winner of your competition!

Yulia Bauwens, Mother of Elise

Elise Jasmine Bauewns

Rated 5 out of 5

8 years old, Switzerland

It is our honor to take part in such a top-notched competition. The Kronberg competition offers a welcoming and respectful environment for the young and us parents! Benefited from the detailed arrangement, Alexander had a very smooth and fun experience in both competition and activity participation. He loves all the practicing rooms and he attended the Body Percussion workshop twice! He also already made friends! The competition shows a top level of art professionality and sincere consideration towards young people's music education.

I believe that the nature and people in Kronberg, as well as the amazing concert hall, already made Alexander love music more!

Chloe Jin, Family of Alexander Zhou, USA

Alexander Zhou

Rated 5 out of 5

8 years old, USA

Words cannot possibly express our gratitude and awesome experiences of this competition. This is Joshua's first piano competition outside of US and Canada, I believe we will forever remember this great, memorable event.

We love everything about this competition but to name just name a few:

The practice rooms were excellent, very good sound proofing and wow...all of them were grand pianos.
The option to get feedback directly from the adjudicators was very helpful.
The venue is so beautiful, clean and filled with drinks and snacks for the participants.
Most of all, your presence in the venue helping the participants and families are beyond helpful. The dedication and hard work you invested in this competition are super impressive.

Thank you so much again for giving Joshua the opportunity to be there. Please also share our appreciation with your team. It has been a great learning experience for him.

Family of Joshua Kwan, USA

Joshua Kwan

Rated 5 out of 5

14 years old, USA

We are deeply impressed by the organization of the competition and its level.

Nataliia Beziazychna, Ukraine

Yulianna Beziazychna

Rated 5 out of 5

11 years old, Ukraine

We would like to thank you deeply for the marvellous experience, organization and care you provided during the last few days.

It has been incredibly enriching and amazing. Thank you!!!

Paola, Mother of Chiara Nava Mambretti, Switzerland

Chiara Nava Mambretti

Rated 5 out of 5

18 years old, Switzerland

Last but not least, we would love to pay our highest respect to you, the jury, and the team of Kronberg competition. Kronberg Competition is the most organized and thoughtful competition Raffaello has participated in. We were so impressed!

The young people working there assisted us with big smile and patience. The thoughtful snack and the water, the activities for children, the high-quality of audiences and the whole atmosphere are just wonderful!

Today Raffaello had a master class with Professor Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden (Pianist and jury of Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition Belgium). We shared our experience about Kronberg Competition. We told him that we found it different from other competitions. It is more educational and encouraging. It is not promoting a competition, instead, it is promoting classical music as the highest form of arts. We told Professor Vanden Eynden how Kronberg competition evaluates young pianists.

There are many First Prizes and other Prizes, not limited to one person or one winner. You only need to take care of your own performance! No need to compete with others! The point system is individual. Professor Vanden Eynden said: it is indeed very interesting!

Camille Giannini, Belgium

Rafaello Gianini

Rated 5 out of 5

14 years old, Belgium

In your e-mail "Last information on the competition", you asked us to provide feedback after the competition. We don't want to wait that long and would like to share our positive impressions with you now.

The first thing we noticed was how well and smoothly the event was organized. Starting with the preliminary round, where a video had to be submitted, right through to the final, where there is also a great supporting program. We don't think it's easy to do justice to every pianist, especially when it comes to recording times. At this point, I would like to praise the entire organizing team, who provided the participants with detailed information in good time. This is certainly also due to the good management, which is why we would like to thank you in particular.

It was impressive to see your commitment and passion for this competition. You always took the time to answer emails quickly and promptly, even if they were trivial. We have a lot of respect for that!

Cuiwen Situ, mother of Jan Wimmer

Jan Wimmer

Rated 5 out of 5

13 years old, Germany

Ruri Koyama

Rated 5 out of 5

9 years old, Japan

I am truly grateful for the wonderful experience we had this time, and my daughter and I are filled with appreciation.

We were deeply moved by the beautiful sound of the magnificent piano and the hall's exceptional acoustics, which harmonized perfectly with the instrument.

Furthermore, it was truly inspiring to see that each participant from around the world was already brimming with confidence and talent as a pianist, making the performances in the competition feel like a concert.

I am truly delighted that we had the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful competition.

Thank you very much for the invitation to perform at the concert on April 6. Ruri herself would love to return to Germany and perform if possible. However, on that very day, a musical featuring one of her dearest friends is taking place. After much contemplation, she has decided to attend her friend's musical. It seems that she had made a promise to do so.

Although it is a wonderful opportunity, we regret to inform you that Ruri will not be able to participate this time.

I received the following message from Ruri:

"I will definitely participate in the next competition in Kronberg. Next time, I will make sure to improve my English so that I can communicate freely with other participants, not just in my limited French. Mrs. Feldmann, thank you very much for allowing me to take part in such an amazing competition. It was a truly enjoyable and fulfilling experience."

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who dedicated their efforts to making this competition possible.

Thank you for all your hard work.

I sincerely hope that this competition will continue to thrive and develop for many years to come.

If there is anything we can do to support you from Japan, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Mrs. Nozomi Koyama and Ruri, Japan

Yilin Bai

Rated 5 out of 5

11 years old, Germany

We're really grateful for the competition. Yilin had an excellent experience and gained a great deal from it. Your event was well - organized and left a deep and positive impression on us.

Jiani Wang (Mother from Yilin Bai), China

Award winner

Prize = 750€ - 2. Prize = 500€ - 3. Prize = 250€

AGE GROUP I
Ning	Darwin	1st Prize
Beyer	Amélie Mayumi	1st Prize
Zhang	Eileen Hanyu	2nd Prize
Wei	Elise	3rd Prize
AGE GROUP II
Hollmer	Frieda Magdalene	1st Prize
Kita	Karen	1st Prize
Gu	Toni	2nd Prize
Vozňuk	Valentina	2nd Prize
Chmurova	Maria	3rd Prize
AGE GROUP III
Wagner	Sophie Elizabeth	1st Prize
Zhu	Maximilian Hongcheng	2nd Prize
Beyer	Chloé Ayumi	2nd Prize
Bastiaens	Akari	2nd Prize
Zhu	Martin	3rd Prize
Aoki	Sophia Yumi	3rd Prize
Barzinjy	Bale (Shad)	3rd Prize
Zhang	Shukai	3rd Prize

AGE GROUP IV
Kokhanovskii	Deni	1st Prize
Yuan	Linda	2nd Prize
Neumann	Elena	2nd Prize
Himpel	Marie Elisa	2nd Prize
Tamura	Sona	3rd Prize
Wang	Eva	3rd Prize
AGE GROUP V
Shi	Henry	3rd Prize
Akopian	Adam	3rd Prize
AGE GROUP VI
Wang	Tantan	1st Prize
Rauch	Sebastian	3rd Prize
Mandler	Clara	3rd Prize
AGE GROUP VII
Haje	Simon	1st Prize
Brechler	Toby Olias	2nd Prize
Zakharova	Sofia	3rd Prize

Special prices

Extraordinary prize money for the winners of the first, second and third prizes of over €14,000. Plus 10 valuable special prizes worth a total of €9,000.

1. IKAM EXCEPTIONAL TALENT AWARD

Winner: Toby Olias Brechler

For special talents aged 16 and over worth € 1,200. The special prize includes an 8-9 day participation in the master classes of the International Piano Academy Murrhardt including overnight stay. Sponsored by balancement, Alexandra Messerschmidt.

2. MK TALENT AWARD

Winner: Linda Yuan

For outstanding talent up to the age of 16. A master class or consultation with Prof. Matthias Kirschnereit incl. overnight stay worth €600. Sponsored by mainova.

3. CS TALENT AWARD

Winner: Henri Shi

For an outstanding talent up to the age of 16, worth €600 including accommodation. A master class with Prof. Claudia Schellenberger with a total of 5 individual lessons in 2023, sponsored by mainova.

4. PRIZE A: YARO TALENT AWARD

Winner: Sofia Zakharova

For outstanding talent from 16 to 19 years of age. The special prize includes a consultation at Yaro, the International Center for Early Musical Education in Rostock, worth €800. The nature and exact scope of the prize will be specified on the spot. Sponsored by Rotary Club Kronberg.

5. PRIZE B: YARO TALENT AWARD

Winner: Tantan Wang

For another outstanding talent aged 16 to 19. The special prize includes a consultation at Yaro, the International Center for Early Musical Education in Rostock, worth €800. The nature and exact scope of the prize will be specified on the spot. Sponsored by Rotary Club Kronberg.

6. BEST INTERNATIONAL PIANIST

Winner: Deni Kokhanovski

Worth €1,500. Sponsored by the orthodontist Dr. Thomas Banach (Königstein Ts.).

7. BEST INTERPRETATION OF A ROMANTIC WORK

Winner: Chiara Lamani

Worth 500 €. Donated by Rotary Club Kronberg.

8. BEST INTERPRETATION OF WORK BY A FEMALE

Winner: Christian-Peter Hiemstra

Worth 500 €. Donated by Rotary Club Kronberg.

9. PUBLIC AWARD

Winner: Tantan Wang

Worth €1,000. Sponsored by Chom Capital.

10. BÄRENREITER MUSIC VOUCHERS

Music vouchers from the renowned Bärenreiter publishing house worth €40 each for those who did not win any prizes. Value: €1,200 in total.

Masterclasses

Feedback from our special award winners

Tantan Wang

16 years old, Germany

In June, thanks to the Yaro Talent Award I had the opportunity to go to YARO in Rostock.

The rather long drive was worth it - the conservatory is really a beautiful place!

My stay was well organized and the lessons with Ms. Grigoryan were not only exciting but also a lot of fun. I am glad to have had this opportunity and would like to thank her ganz much!

Thank you very much again for the great unforgettable contest and also the Yaro Talent Award Prize!

It was great in Rostock, great classes, great place!

Sofia Zakharova

17 years old, Germany

I really enjoyed both the master class at YARO and the location (including the hotel)!

Ms. Grigoryan is very professional and competent and at the same time extremely friendly. I actually received practical advice from her, which I am now happy to implement in the work we worked through together in the master class. I also liked the fact that we immediately found a common language, which made the lessons interesting and exciting!

In conclusion, I would like to say that I would love to participate in the master class again! Thank you for this great opportunity to spend great days in the beautiful seaside city of Rostock and to participate in this wonderful masterclass in Rostock!

Henry Shi

13 years old, Switzerland

Dear Professor Schellenberger,

I would like to thank you very much for the wonderful master class that my son Henry attended on Friday at the Mainz Conservatory. I am impressed by your professionalism, kindness and cordiality, which made a great impression on Henry.

Her lessons were very effective and Henry not only improved his piano technique, but also gained a lot of musical knowledge.

It was particularly impressive that he could play the Op.90 piece by Beethoven and the pieces from Fugitive Visions by Prokofiev one step higher.

Thank you again for your excellent work and for supporting Henry so wonderfully in his musical development. We are grateful for the time you have dedicated to us.

Sincerely yours,

Min Shi

Linda Yuan

12 years old, Germany

Many thanks for the MK-Prize, which enabled me to attend the master class in Füssen with Professor Kirschnereit.

The city of Füssen is very beautiful. The master class was well organized and I liked it super. Professor Kirschnereit explained everything well, gave me many good tips and he was always nice. The course helped me a lot.

auditions

Visit our YouTube channel to listen to and watch the live performances of our award winners at the adjudication games in the Carl Bechstein Hall of the Casals Forum!

See the complete playlist >>

Selected list

6 videos

Amélie Mayumi Beyer, 7, Germany - Auditions 31.03-02.04.2023, 1st Prize AG I