In the semi-finals, which begin on Wednesday and last until June 1, the contestants will compete in two phases: a 60-minute solo recital of self-selected repertoire, and a Mozart concerto, selected from a list of 10, performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
Six pianists are to vie for awards in the finals, which will take place from June 3 to 7. In addition to a cash prize of 100,000 US dollars, First Prize winner receives a gold medal, international concert tour management, and live album recording.
Alexewicz, 25, is a graduate of the Academy of Music in Wrocław, south-western Poland. He is currently honing his skills at the Zurich University of the Arts (Hochschule der Künste Zürich) in Switzerland.
Last year, he won the Concerto Competition at the Piano Texas Festival, performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to performing at leading Polish music institutions, he has appeared in Berlin, Brasília, São Paulo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo.
In October, he will compete in the 19th International Chopin Competition in Warsaw.
Founded in 1962, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious musical contests. It is named in honour of the American pianist Van Cliburn (1934–2013), winner of the first Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958.
(mk/mp)