Michiaki Ueno wins Geneva Cello Competition 2021
Florence Lockheart
Monday, November 1, 2021
The 25 year old Japanese cellist was also awarded the Young Audience Prize as well as Concerts de Jussy Prize.
In last week’s finals of the 75th Geneva International Music Competition Cello section first prize was won by 25-year-old Japanese Michiaki Ueno. Second prize was awarded to Bryan Cheng of Canada and Jaemin Han of South Korea won the competition’s third prize. Running from 23 to 28 October 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland, the competition’s final round was held last Thursday and was broadcast live on RTS-Espace 2 and online.
Acccompanied by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the three candidates each performed one of the following concertos: Schumann’s Concerto in A min. op. 129, Elgar’s Concerto, Lutosławski’s Concerto, Chostakovich Concerto N° 2 op. 126 or Tout un monde lointain by Dutilleux.
As well as the competition’s first prize Ueno was also awarded the Young Audience Prize as well as Concerts de Jussy Prize. Second Prize Winner Bryan Cheng also took home both the Audience Prize and Students Prize. All three finalists were jointly awarded Rose-Marie Huguenin Special Prize, which offers them an international concert tour. Samuel Niederhauser won the Guy Fallot Prize and Min Ji Kim the Hélène Gallay Prize for their performances during the Semi-Final Round.
In addition to its official prizes, the Geneva International Music Competition offers its winners a career development programme which includes two years of concert management, as well as CD recordings, international concert tours and professional workshops. This programme provides vital support and advice to help boost winners’ careers.
You can find out more about the Geneva International Music Competition at their website.