Two Americans and one Ukrainian will vie for the title
After a lengthy deliberation lasted well past midnight in Calgary, Canada, the three finalists of this year's Honens International Piano Competition have been chosen.
Rachel Breen (United States / age 26), Sasha Kasman Laude (United States / age 27), and Illia Ovcharenko (Ukraine / age 21), will vie for the title of 2022 Honens Prize Laureate and a prize package that is among the world’s largest—$100,000 (CAD) and an Artistic Development Programme valued at a half-million dollars.
“The Jury had a difficult, if not nearly impossible, task before them that they completed with great thoughtfulness, expertise, and consideration,” says Jon Kimura Parker, Honens’ Artistic Director. “We are beyond thrilled with this evening’s Finalist announcement and look forward to naming Honens’ next Prize Laureate.”
The final rounds of the 2022 Competition take place on Thursday 27 Friday 28 October. On the first night of Finals, the three finalists each perform a chamber music recital that includes a Mozart concerto with The Viano String Quartet and Sam Loeck (bass), and a selection of Schubert lieder with mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó. On the second night of Finals, each finalist performs a concerto (composed after 1791) with Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and guest conductor Jeffrey Kahane.
Both final rounds will stream live at honens.com/livestream-2022 beginning at 19:30 MDT. For further details and ticketing information, please visit honens.com.
Main image (from left to right): Rachel Breen, Sasha Kasman Laude, Illia Ovcharenko
