On 26 April, TASS Russian News Agency hosted a press conference dedicated to the opening of the 2nd Grand Piano Competition for Young Pianists. The event brought together Vladimir Medinskiy, Russian Minister of Culture; Denis Matsuev, Artistic Director of the Competition; Alexander Sladkovsky, People’s Artist of Russia; Valery Piassetski, Honoured Artist of Russia and jury member of the Competition; and Alexander Malofeev, Grand Prix winner at the 1st edition of the Grand Piano Competition.

Denis Matsuev: “We are glad to continue the event launched two years ago. The fifteen contestants selected for the live auditions in Moscow have already achieved a great deal.”

Vladimir Medinsky: “We are glad indeed to see a dedicated team, a high-profile Honorary Board, and an enthusiastic Organising Committee that has been promoting the Competition to highest international ranks since its very onset. One can but envy those Muscovites who have secured their seats at the Competition’s venue and will be able to hear young talented pianists appear with a professional orchestra. I wish every success to the Grand Piano Competition, which I believe has a prominent future.”

Valery Piassetski: “I heard some recordings that made me feel at the concert of a professional and extremely experienced guest artist unless I was looking at the screen. A new generation is coming, bringing along their unprecedented mastery and capacities.”