Bulgarien Pianist wins 1. International Carl Bechstein Piano Competition-Ruhr

The thrilling Finals of the 1st International Carl Bechstein Piano Competition took place in prestigious the Alfried-Krupp Saal of the Essen Philharmonics and were watched by an enthusiastic public. Out of the 250 applicants from 55 countries no less than 47 very talented pianists were admitted to the first stage - whereas only 16 were foreseen to enter stage two. According to the members of the international jury and their experience from other world-renowned competition, the participants showed up an extraordinarily high musical and technical level.
This cometition offers a unique concept which was very much appreciated by the Jury. A selection from the works of Bach and Beethoven were mandatory, additionally those composers with close relation to the Bechstein sound were in the limelight of the repertoire. Among the broad spectrum of possibilities the candidates were to prove their own profile by choosing an interesting programme.

The Semifinals contained a public rehearsal of chambermusic – a Mozart Piano Concerto played with string quintet. This task was to be a real musical and collegial challenge for those candidates specialized on Solo appearance.
After 10 days, 22 year old Bulgarian Pianist Evgeny Bozhanov won the first price, an equivalent to 15.000 Euros containind the fees for some very interesting engagements. The Artistic Director Boris Bloch who cast no vote himself underlined this award to be the sum of the candidate’s achievements in all the different musical disciplines during the four stages.
Amir Tebenikhin from Kasachstan won the second price. Additionally the jury awarded him a spezial price fort he best appearance with orchestra.
Pierre Mancinelli, a French pianist born in South Africa, won the third price.
A special award for „extraordinary musical personality“ was awarded to Hungarian Peter Josza. 2.000 Euro plus concert engagements were donated by the Bechstein-Samick Alliance fort his.
Besides the money all winners gain important concert engagements with Festivals and in prestigious concert halls.