100k prize for Russian exile

100k prize for Russian exile

Orchestras

norman lebrecht

February 27, 2024

The Netherlands-based pianist Andrey Gugnin has been declared winner of the Classic Piano competition located in Dubai.

Gugnin, 36, receives 100,000 Euros and a ten-concert tour with the Oxford Phillharmonic and Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.

Four months ago, he won the 12th International German Piano Award.

Comments

  • Karl Keller says:

    Teacher on the jury. Stanislav Ioudenitch. Piano mafia. He also had another student in the final.

    • Sue Sonata Form says:

      How green was my sally?

    • Hans says:

      Both long former students. Maybe do 2 minutes of research before yapping next time.

      • I must confess says:

        I know Norman frequently mentions he likes transparency in competitions, and as do we all, but the 2nd prize winner of this competition is a student of the infamous Pavel Gililov who was on the jury of this competition. As is the 3rd prize winner. And the 9th prize winner is a former student of him.

  • In the know says:

    Who gave the prize? What was the procedure of selection, who were the jury? Or perhaps it was decided between chums?

    Is there anyone at this point not understanding that these are all vehicles for laundering money for those individuals who are stuck with their funds under various sanctions.

  • horbus rohebian says:

    Rules should stipulate that any competitor has not studied with a member of the jury for a prescribed period of time before the competition. Not sure if Dubai fell foul of this requirement?

  • Ap says:

    Teacher on the jury or not, Gugnin is a beautiful (and independently thinking) pianist.

  • Musician says:

    Gugnin has won many competitions including the Sydney International as well.
    He’s an exceptionally virtuosic pianist with a huge charisma and deeply convincing interpretations.
    Watch out for him.
    Very much deserving the attention.

  • kaa says:

    I am puzzled. Why does a 36 y old pianist entering competitions. Shouldn’t competitions be for much younger pianists who need the exposure?

  • IP says:

    I am sure I have some of his recordings, he’s very good.

  • Simpson says:

    Congratulations! He is a wonderful musician, life in exile is never easy for anyone. Very happy for him.

  • Observing2 says:

    Gugnin’s PR team (probably just him hiding behind a pseudonym) on here to defend, but realistically, if Gugnin were a great pianist, he would’ve made it by now. At 36, the fact that he’s still having to compete means that he hasn’t. And I highly doubt winning this will follow with a Decca contract.

    Gugnin is the same generation as Trifonov. They’ve both had ample choice to prove themselves. One of them has done far better than the other. And deservingly so.
    [redacted: malicious abuse]

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