THE 1st INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
FOR YOUNG PIANISTS KRONBERG
March 31 - April 2, 2023
Casals Forum
Kronberg/Ts., Germany
Impressions
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
"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
"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
"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)
Participant comments
Soho Park
10 Jahre alt, Vereinigtes Königreich
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 organisation of each 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
8 Jahre alt, Schweiz
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
8 Jahre alt, USA
Words cannot possibly expressed 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
14 Jahre alt, USA
We are deeply impressed by the organization of the competition and its level.
Nataliia Beziazychna, Ukraine
Yulianna Beziazychna
11 Jahre alt, 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
18 Jahre alt, Schweiz
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. 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 classic 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
14 Jahre alt, Belgien
In Ihrer E-Mail „Letzten Informationen zum Wettbewerb“ wünschen Sie, dass wir nach dem Wettbewerb ein Feedback geben. So lange wollen wir nicht mehr warten und schon jetzt unsere positiven Eindrücke mit Ihnen teilen.
Als erstes ist uns aufgefallen, wie gut und reibungslos der Ablauf organisiert ist. Angefangen von der Vorrunde, bei dem ein Video einzureichen war bis jetzt zum Finale, bei dem es noch ein tolles Rahmenprogramm gibt. Wir stellen es uns nicht leicht vor, jedem Pianisten gerecht zu werden, vor allem was die Einspielzeiten angeht. An dieser Stelle ein großes Lob an das gesamte Organisationsteam, die der Teilnehmern rechtzeitig mit ausführlichen Informationen versorgt haben. Das liegt sicherlich auch an der guten Leitung, weswegen wir uns insbesondere bei Ihnen bedanken wollen.
Es war beeindruckend zu erleben mit welchem Engagement und Leidenschaft Sie sich für diesen Wettbewerb einsetzen. Sie haben sich immer Zeit genommen um E-Mails, auch wenn sie banal waren, schnell und zeitnah zu beantworten. Wir haben einen großen Respekt davor!
Cuiwen Situ, Mutter von Jan Wimmer
Jan Wimmer
13 years old, Germany
Ruri Koyama
9 Jahre alt, 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
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!
Selected list
7:43
5:20
11:26
15:00
26:31
19:38
WINNERS CONCERT
Playlist
4:43
2:04
1:59
3:01
5:32
6:53
4:42
5:20
7:37
4:54
7:54
11:03
8:11
Supporting program
Community, exchange, time to get to know each other - our competition also offers this with many exciting and free activities away from auditions. At the Opel-Zoo Kronberg, the Rhein-Main-Therme Hofheim, the Kunstwerkstatt Königstein, the Junge Burg Kronberg and the Freiluftklavier our young pianists and their families had a lot of fun despite the bad weather.
#freiluftklavier #opelzoo #kunstwerkstattkoenigstein #jungeburgkronberg #rheinmaintherme