About

Conditions of the XVII International Tchaikovsky 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.

An artistic competition is a traditional starting point for gifted young musicians as it gives them a chance to encounter the admiration of the general public, gain recognition from the global professional community, and start a brilliant international career. In Russia the Competition is considered a landmark of national musical culture. Each of its editions is one of the key events in the social and cultural life of the country.

Biography of  Tchaikovsky

The main purpose of the musical competition is revealing new talent.

Past editions have spawned such renowned musicians as pianists Van Cliburn, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Eliso Virsaladze, Mikhail Pletnev, Grigory Sokolov, Boris Berezovsky, Denis Matsuev, Daniil Trifonov; violinists Gidon Kremer, Victoria Mullova, Vladimir Spivakov, Viktor Tretiakov, Pavel Milyukov; cellists Mario Brunello, David Geringas, Nathaniel Rosen, Natalia Gutman, Antonio Meneses and singers Vladimir Atlantov, Elena Obraztsova, Yulia Matochkina, Evgeny Nesterenko, Paata Burchuladze and Deborah Voigt.

The competition was held in Moscow and St. Petersburg from June 17 to June 29, 2019.

A winner of the Tchaikovsky Competition holds one of the most respected titles there is. I warmly congratulate all of the victors and wish you ongoing success. There is simply no doubt that you will achieve it. Your skill and talent will open the doors to leading concert halls and theatres. In this you will be helped along by the revival of one of the Competition’s traditions, which is arranging concert tours for its winners.

Vladimir Putin (2019) President of Russia

We shall do everything in our power to assure that these wonderful young musicians, who are already full-fledged artists, will have a chance over the next three or four years to perform in Russia—not only in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but also in Russia’s regions—as well as in Europe, North America, Asia, and in a great many concert halls, theatres, and festivals. This is our commitment, we have promised it, and we will definitely make it happen.

Valery Gergiev (2019) Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre. Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee

The audience for the Competition has grown unbelievably. And this is a fantastic result. The broadcasts have raised its profile, increased awareness of the Competition throughout the world of music, and will draw future competitors to it.

Alexei Shalashov (2019) General Director of the Moscow State Filarmonia Member of the Organizing Committee

As any athlete looks forward to the Olympics, any musician looks forward to this unique contest, the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

Denis Matsuev (2019) Member of the Organizing Committee, Chair of Jury (piano)

I was inspired by the playing of all the contestants, especially in the final performances with an orchestra when the musician must showcase his individuality. There is no time then to discuss details the way you might with your pianist. There is just a single rehearsal where you have to work out how to take things with the orchestra in hand and give the most effective performance possible.

Jan Vogler (2019) Jury member (cello)

I congratulate not only those who made the finals, but also all the participants. The standard was exceptional.

Mischa Maisky (2019) Jury member (cello)

Every one of the finalists will be a major musician.

Michel Béroff (2019) Jury member (piano)

The professional level of the competitors was extraordinarily high. I am very pleased with the results of the Competition.

Martin Engström (2019) Chair of Jury (Violin)