By Freya Parr

Published: Friday, 11 March 2022 at 12:00 am


Two major piano competition have withdrawn invitations to Russian pianists, owing to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Honens International Piano Competition in Canada and the Dublin International Piano Competition in Ireland invite young pianists from around the world to compete for prizes and performance and recording opportunities – but this year, neither will be open to Russian pianists.

The Honens International Piano Competition in Canada has announced that it has revoked the invitations of six Russian pianists.

‘Honens abhors and condemns any form of violence and is deeply disturbed by the Russian government’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine,’ the statement reads. ‘Honens acknowledges that there is no perfect outcome in this case and regrets that it is the six young pianists who will bear the brunt of a decision based on the brutal actions of the Russian government.’

The decision is cited as being ‘necessary’ in order for the competition to ‘make a strong statement in response to this catastrophic and unconscionable humanitarian crisis’.

Please see the statement below from the Honens Board of Directors regarding Russian competitors in the 2022 Honens International Piano Competition. pic.twitter.com/2vIWDrH8Q7

— Honens (@honens) March 8, 2022