Roman Fediurko wins the 2026 Takamatsu Competition

The 2026 edition once again drew outstanding young pianists from around the globe, all sharing the stage. After multiple rounds of performances, the jury awarded First Prize to Fediurko, Second Prize to Jeonghwan Kim (25) of Berlin, and Third Prize to London-based pianist Elisabeth Tsai (26). Notably, both the first- and second-prize performances were given on the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano.

A distinguished international jury—Susumu Aoyagi, Vincenzo Balzani, Pascal Devoyon, Akiko Ebi, Shinichiro Ikebe, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Daejin Kim, Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, Antti Siirala, Danwen Wei and Sofya Gulyak—presided over the competition, assessing candidates on artistry, technique and musical individuality. The final round featured concertos with the Seto Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Junichi Hirokami, offering finalists the chance to demonstrate their command of large-scale orchestral repertoire on a major international stage.

Fediurko’s victory in Takamatsu adds to an already remarkable list of achievements. His performances, noted for their blend of profound musicality, exceptional technique and breathtaking delicacy, have earned him First Prizes at the Robert Schumann Young Pianists Competition (Düsseldorf, 2023), and the Vladimir Horowitz Competition Kyiv-Geneva (2023). He has appeared in notable venues such as Salle Cortot (Paris), the Beethoven-Haus (Bonn), Kunsthaus Zürich, Victoria Hall (Geneva), and major halls across Europe and Asia, performing with renowned orchestras including the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, Kölner Kammerorchester, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Born in Kyiv, he now continues advanced studies with Professor Milana Chernyavska at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.

Beyond its individual laureates, the Takamatsu International Piano Competition remains committed to its founding motto, “Shared Dreams, Shared Emotions.” Winners are offered recital and concerto opportunities in Japan and abroad, helping them launch and sustain international careers while fostering cultural exchange through music. 

Awards
First Prize : Roman Fediurko(21), Graz
Second Prize : Jeonghwan Kim (25), Berlin
Third Prize: Elisabeth Tsai (26), London

Jury
Susumu Aoyagi, Vincenzo Balzani, Pascal Devoyon, Akiko Ebi, Shinichiro Ikebe, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Daejin Kim, Katarzyna Popowa=Zydron, Antti Siirala, Danwen Wei, Sofya Gulyak

Artists
Seto Philharmonic Orchestra/ Junichi Hirokami (Conductor)

©WFIMC 2026/FR