With the Cleveland International Piano Competition tuning up for its opening ceremony July 24, we caught up with 2013 winner and Ukrainian native, Stanislav Khristenko, who headlines this year’s kickoff performance where he’ll perform George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and more.
How did it feel to win?
After all that playing, and under such pressure, it was excitement that it was done. It was a long wait. In the final round, the experience of [playing] with the Cleveland Orchestra was amazing. So that was already an achievement for me. I was very happy and am still digesting what happened — even now.
How did you secure this year’s opening ceremony spot?
It is tradition for the winner. At that point, I will still be the current winner. So, for the opening ceremony, I will be presenting how my playing changed.
Why should people attend the competition?
There is a combination of two things, the competitive part, which people always enjoy. But at the same time, people discover great music by top young pianists. This combination can bring lots of people to the audience.
3 Questions with 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition Winner Stanislav Khristenko
We chat with the Ukrainian piano virtuoso ahead of his July 24 performance to open this year’s competition.
