A member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) since 2004, the International Competition for Young Pianists in Memory of Vladimir Horowitz has been severely impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. We have thus taken the initiative to host this competition here in Geneva, as a gesture of support for a great cultural institution, as well as an attempt to bridge differences and bring people together through music.
The World Federation will thus present the Horowitz Competition under the name Horowitz Competition Kyiv-Geneva, from 13-21 April 2023 in Geneva. We believe our mission of striving for artistic excellence, authenticity, fairness and equality to support young artists is meaningless unless we give an example to show our social and cultural responsibility: to bring a devastated arts institution back into view; to support young artists in war-torn Ukraine; and to show that common values and common understanding among young people can build a basis for a better future.
For this event, an international Jury consisting of 9 renowned international music professionals has been assembled. It will be chaired by the Ukrainian conductor Kirill Karabits, who will also lead the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in the competition finals at Victoria Hall.
WFIMC is grateful for the generous support of the City and the Canton of Geneva; the City of Kyiv, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the VERE MUSIC FUND, the Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne, as well as for the kind assistance of the Concours de Genève, the Ferruccio Busoni intl. Piano Competition in Bolzano, the Fryderyk Chopin intl. Piano Competition of Warsaw, the Franz Liszt Competition of Utrecht, and the Van Cliburn Competition in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Federal Office of Culture welcomes the commitment of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) to present the 2023 Horowitz Competition in the city of Geneva. It is an honor for Switzerland to receive a competition of such a great reputation, and to welcome so many talented musicians on this occasion. Moreover, bringing the Horowitz Competition to a city renowned for its international role in humanitarian commitment is a strong signal of support for the cultural and musical heritage of Ukraine.
Carine Bachmann
Director, Federal Office of Culture, Bern
