Just in: Canadian, 18, wins Rubinstein in Tel Aviv

Just in: Canadian, 18, wins Rubinstein in Tel Aviv

News

norman lebrecht

April 02, 2023

The 17th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv has been won by Kevin Chen from Calgary.

He received the prize from fellow-Canadian Janina Fialkowska, herself the first winner of the contest in Rubinstein’s lifetime.

Janina writes: ‘It was Geneva five months ago and now here at the Rubinstein Competition in Israel, as a member of the jury, I am proudly awarding my fellow Canadian Kevin Chen another first prize. Bravo Kevin and bravo Marilyn Engle, his one and only teacher at the University of Calgary.’

Kevin writes: ‘It’s been a hectic and wonderfully eventful three weeks. Even being here in Tel Aviv for this competition is a privilege, and to have done well and been received well by the public, both in person and online, is like a dream come true. In the upcoming while, I might not get around to responding to each thread of kindness, so for now I will express my gratitude here: I feel so fortunate, honoured, blessed, excited… Thank you to all of my supporters for following and for your overwhelming faith and encouragement!!

Comments

  • United we stand says:

    Shame on all for participating in a competition supported by a country that is bombing the innocent civilians of Palestine and causing genocide!

    If you want to support Ukraine you have to support Palestine too.

    • Margaret Koscielny says:

      I thoroughly support Ukraine, but this competition is about spiritual matters, and at this time is a most welcome comment about the value of human beings of all kinds! Especially, the musicians who make life bearable.

      • United we stand says:

        So music is supposed to make things better for the thousands being bombed every day, with no electricity or water? What an incredibly privileged and insensitive thing to spurt. Shame on you!

    • Palestinian native says:

      Your poor brain is overmasturbated. Quit with it as soon as possible to avoid more degradation.

      • United we stand says:

        If you’re really a Palestinian native, you’d join us in protests in all their winners concerts and make sure these three selfish so-called ‘winners’ are boycotted for their indirect support of Palestinian genocide.

        Unless you’re a troll…which I suspect you are. In which case, get the f*ck outta here!

    • Helen Kamioner says:

      how does one reply to such mendacious comment

    • Helen Kamioner says:

      “Dear competitors, each and every one of you are an inspiration to us. You inspire us with your talent but also with your determination and discipline – the mighty path you have chosen. Above all, you inspire us by pointing to something that is greater than each of us but common to all of us together: the realms of beauty and grace – the true power of our humanity.”

      Isaac Herzog

    • James says:

      Oh put a sock in it. Israel is not bombing Palestinians, and if they’re genocidal (which they aren’t) they’re very bad at it as the Palestinian population is steadily growing (and good luck to them).

  • Sue Sonata Form says:

    Congratulations Kevin Chen. The Canadians are obviously doing great things for pianists.

  • Golda Vainberg says:

    Kevin Chen studied with several teachers in Calgary. With all the respect to his current teacher,
    he also studied with the Polish/ Canadian pianist Krzysztof Jablonski, a laureate of the Chopin Competition and top prize winner of the Rubinstein Competition.

  • MMcGrath says:

    Wow, it doesn’t take but a few words for people to dive into hateful dialogue, shrill opinion, fake outrage, and, above all, zero humour.
    And there are ironies to be chuckled about in this announcement, some of which are touched on below. But let’s lighten up!

  • Scarbo says:

    Fialkowska did not win the first competition. It was won by Emmanuel Ax.

    • High-Note says:

      Fialkowska tied for 3rd place with Seta Tanyel. Her artistry found special favor with Rubinstein – who felt that, with his influence, her ship would eventually sail on its own, and indeed it has, for fifty years now.

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