For the fourth time this summer, we will meet in Moscow to follow our Grand Piano competition and festival for young pianists. Throughout the existence of Grand Piano, dozens of wonderful, talented young pianists from all over the world have succeeded to appear in Moscow's leading venues, alongside famous orchestras and conductors, despite their young age, and to begin their professional careers as concert musicians. Many award winners of the Competition have already become renowned performers and brilliant mature musicians. They now clinch awards at prestigious adult competitions, such as the Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov Competitions. Many of them have made their debuts on the world's most famous stages. Today, they are world-renowned musicians, glorifying their national piano schools wherever they perform.

I am especially pleased that the Grand Piano has gone beyond a mere competition to become a forum for creativity, friendship, and exchanges among its young participants. It is an established club of like-minded people, pervaded with music and art. We are looking forward to seeing new contestants this year and anticipating new discoveries and the sheer delight of co-creation.