Music: Russian-Armenian pianist Eva Gevorgyan wins second prize of 2019 Cliburn Junior

Panorama, Armenia

15-year-old Russian-Armenian pianist Eva Gevorgyan won the $10,000 second prize of the 2019 Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition held in Dallas, Texas, from 31 May to June 8.

The young pianist also received the Press Award (an additional prize of $500), Panorama.am learned from the official website of the competition.

Shuan Hern Lee, 16, of Australia won the $15,000 first prize, while South Korea’s JiWon Yang, 17, won the $5,000 third prize.

In the final round held on Saturday afternoon, each of the finalists performed full concertos with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Ruth Reinhardt. A total of 23 pianists aged 13-17 took part in the competition.

Eva is studying at the music school under the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. She has been playing the piano since 3 years of age. Eva has been taking part in international music competitions and festivals since she was 15 years old, winning all of them.

According to the experts, Eva does not simply play; she strives to convey the music to the audience in its full depth and beauty.    

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS