The 19th Ettlingen International Piano Competition, held from August 4 to 11, 2024, was a mesmerizing celebration of youthful talent and artistic excellence. Nestled in the charming town of Ettlingen, Germany, this prestigious event has long been recognized as one of the most significant piano competitions for young artists globally. Since its establishment in 1988, the competition has grown in stature, attracting the finest young pianists from around the world, and this year was no exception.
With 443 applicants from 43 nations, the competition began with a rigorous preselection process, narrowing the field to 88 exceptional participants. Divided into two categories—Category A for pianists born after August 3, 2008, and Category B for those born after August 3, 2001—the competitors were given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the historic Asam-Hall of Ettlingen Castle. The setting, steeped in history, provided a perfect backdrop for performances that were as much about artistry as they were about technical mastery.
The competition week was a true gathering of the global piano community, bringing together young musicians, their families, and teachers, along with a distinguished jury panel and enthusiastic music lovers. The jury, chaired by the renowned Wolfgang Manz and including esteemed figures like Dang Thai Son and Christopher Elton, had the formidable task of evaluating performances that were consistently brilliant.
The culmination of the week’s events was the Prizewinner’s Concert at the Ettlingen Town-Hall on August 11, where 10 main prizes and special prizes totaling around 20,000 Euros were awarded. In Category A, the first prize was deservedly won by Tianyao Lyu from China, with equally impressive performances by other young talents like Muqi Zhang and Yangting Wang. Category B saw Korea’s Jeongwoo Lee take the top honors, with Austria’s Filip Trifu securing both the second prize and the prestigious Haydn Prize, a testament to his extraordinary musicality.
Special commendations and sponsorship prizes further highlighted the depth of talent present, with young prodigies like Dillon Sze-Pui Chan from Australia and Shunran Xu from China receiving well-earned recognition. These awards not only celebrate individual achievement but also encourage the continued growth and development of these young artists.
What truly sets the Ettlingen International Piano Competition apart is the unique atmosphere of warmth and support that permeates the event. The involvement of local residents and volunteers adds a personal touch, making participants and visitors alike feel welcomed and cherished. This sense of community, combined with the high level of competition, makes Ettlingen a special place where young pianists can connect, learn, and inspire each other.
As the 19th edition of the competition draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary performances and unforgettable experiences. The anticipation is already building for the 20th Ettlingen International Piano Competition in 2026, where once again, the world’s most promising young pianists will gather in this picturesque town to compete, connect, and create music that transcends borders. The 2024 competition has not only lived up to its esteemed reputation but has also set a new standard for excellence in the world of classical music.
