Ilya Shmukler, Artist Diploma candidate in the piano studio of Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Stanislav Ioudenitch at Park International Center for Music (ICM), was awarded the Gold Medal at the highly prestigious Géza Anda International Piano Competition in Zurich on Saturday. For his complete bio and further details, please visit Park ICM.

After starting with a record setting number of candidates, Shmukler was one of three pianists remaining. Originally from Moscow, Ilya Shmukler was a finalist in the Van Cliburn competition in Fort Worth, TX, in June 2022, and made his Carnegie Hall debut on December 13, 2022. When asked about yet another of his students’ reaching extraordinary heights, Ioudenitch replied, “I recognize the talents of these young artists and I try to help them to dig out their potential. Maybe that’s the essence.”

Géza Anda was a Swiss-Hungarian pianist and celebrated interpreter of classical and romantic repertoire, particularly noted for his performances and recordings of Mozart. In his heyday, he was regarded as an amazing artist, possessed of a beautiful, natural, and flawless technique that gave his concerts a unique quality. Three years after his death, the first Concours Géza Anda was founded by his widow.

Among the countless competitions, the Concours Géza Anda is a unique and extraordinary institution in international comparison. This is not only due to the high-ranking jury, which is staffed with outstanding representatives of the music world. It is also due to the Géza Anda Foundation committing itself to accompany the winners as mentors for three years and, among other things, providing performance opportunities.

Shmukler performed last in the finals that were held in Zurich this past Saturday, June 8^th. He performed Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 to rave reviews. A celebratory concert will be held in Kansas City later this year. More information to follow. Watch the entire final round here