The XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition

About the competition

The International Tchaikovsky Competition, first held more than 50 years ago, is not only a valuable asset of Russian musical culture but is also one of the major events in the international music community.
The International Tchaikovsky Competition is held once every four years.

The first Competition, in 1958, included two specialties – Piano and Violin. Beginning with the second Competition, in 1962, the Cello specialty was added, and the Voice specialty (where separate prizes were provided for the Best Male and Female Vocal Performance) was introduced during the third Competition in 1966.

In 2011, the Competition was first held in two cities, Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The jubilee XV International Tchaikovsky Competition was timed to the 175^th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian composer.

In 2018, the International Tchaikovsky Competition reached its 60^th anniversary. Throughout its history, the Competition has given international fame to outstanding representatives of the performing arts of the modern era.

More about the competition

This competition is of supreme importance. Its profound impact is challenging, if not altogether impossible, to overestimate. Here, we have awarded laureates from Russia and the United States, Russia and South Korea, Russia and the United Kingdom, Russia and France. Russia opens its arms to the most brilliant young musicians. It demonstrates the extraordinary, I would venture to say, invincible power of music. Hence, it is impossible to tailor music to any particular process. Our audience and jury members are international. And all of them are fervent admirers of the works of Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev. This mutual admiration brings us together; we do not seek ways to differentiate ourselves from others. On the contrary, we always coexist in one shared, inseparable space.

Valery Gergiev

Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition

I am extending my most profound appreciation to Valery Abisalovich's team and to each participant who chose the memory of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky over the trials they encountered on their journey to Moscow and St. Petersburg. This award will be your constant companion, a symbol of your achievement that will resonate at every performance, on every stage, for you are now laureates of the Tchaikovsky competition. I salute your perseverance, your courage, and your triumph. With us, these two memorable weeks were witnessed by an astounding 50 million people from 102 countries, all tuning in online! This, indeed, is the pinnacle of our journey, a victory that we share together.

Olga Lubimova

Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation