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9th International Piano Competition “City of Vigo”: Shigeru Kawai SK-EX chosen as official piano for prestigious competition
(From left) Mr. Luis Clemente (Bilbao Trading Partnership S. L.), Ruogu Wen, Estefan Vergara Latcekiw, Rina Harada and Mr. Masaru Hamasaki (Kawai Europa GmbH)
The 9th International Piano Competition “City of Vigo” took place in Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain, from April 18 to 22, with the selection of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano as the official instrument for the event.
This is the third time that Kawai has collaborated with its official distributors in Spain, Bilbao Trading Partnership S. L.
A piano technician apprentice for Kawai’s most esteemed piano technician, MPA (Master Piano Artisan), Yota Kimura from Kawai Japan, also played a pivotal role at the International Piano Competition "City of Vigo". He diligently worked on not only crafting the sound, but also contestant support through active communication.
The 9th International Piano Competition “City of Vigo”: Final Results
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1st Prize "Shigeru Kawai" Prize “Martín Códax” |
Estefan Vergara Latcekiw | Brazil |
| 2nd Prize “Dos Acordes” | Rina Harada | Japan |
| 3rd Prize “Juan Montes” | Ruogu Wen | China |
| Prize “Rosa Sabater” | Alberto Albengózar Colonge | Spain |
| Prize “Piotr Anderszewski” | Peng Lin | South Korea |
| Prize “Crisóstomo Arriaga” | Nadav Ein Gal | Israel |
| Prize “Andrés Gaos” | Oscar Wong | Australia/Japan |
| Prize “Marcial del Adalid” | Francesco Maria Navelli | Italy |
Comments from prize winners
■ 1st Prize winner - Estefan Vergara Latcekiw:
- How did you feel about winning the prize?
Winning the Vigo Competition has been a really meaningful moment of my musical journey. The level of artistry and organization at the event was exceptional, and I felt truly honored to share my music in such a beautiful and inspiring setting. It was a privilege to be part of a competition that values musical depth, expression, and excellence at the highest level.
- What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
Performing on the SK-EX concert grand piano was an extraordinary experience. From the very first moment, I felt an immediate connection with the instrument. Its incredible range of colors, responsiveness, and clarity allowed me to express even the subtlest nuances of my interpretation. I truly felt that I could do absolutely anything with this piano—it responded to my imagination with sensitivity and power. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform and win the Vigo Competition on such a remarkable instrument.
■ 2nd Prize winner - Rina Harada:
- How did you feel about winning the prize?
I am very honoured and delighted to have been awarded second prize at the Vigo Competition. Although I had an unexpected accident, it was an unforgettable experience to be healed by the city of Vigo with its great view and the sounds of nature, and to get new sensations on stage during the performance. I would like to thank everyone who supported me from the bottom of my heart.
- What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
I have played the Shigeru Kawai grand piano several times in Japan, and I had the impression that it was an instrument that sang with a bright, shimmering tone. The SK-EX full concert grand piano I played this time not only sang beautifully, but was also able to freely express its weight and depth, and I was amazed at the instrument's many expressive possibilities. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Kawai's piano technicians who made sure it was in excellent condition.
■ 3rd Prize winner - Ruogu Wen:
- How did you feel about winning the prize?
I personally believe that the Vigo Competition is one of the most prestigious and equitable piano competitions I’ve ever been a part of. Everyone in the competition was friendly and supportive, and I personally had a blast performing—especially during the semifinal round. It made me feel very special to share amazing music with an amazing audience—something I had dreamed of for many years.
- What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
I personally believe it’s an outstanding instrument for expressive performances. To be honest, it was one of the finest Shigeru Kawai grand pianos I’ve ever played, thanks to the unique tone and sound I was able to draw from it.
About the International Piano Competition “City of Vigo”
The International Piano Competition City of Vigo is a piano competition held annually in the city of Vigo (Pontevedra, Spain). This competition was founded by Mr. Pablo Galdo, the actual artistic director, and its first edition took place in the year 2017. In this competition, there is no minimum or maximum age limit. Additionally, participants have the freedom to choose their repertoire. To select candidates, a preselection was always done. The organization of the competition is carried out by the Classical Music Association of Galicia.
Official website: https://www.vigopianocompetition.com/
About the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano
Unveiled in 2001 as the flagship instrument of the Shigeru Kawai line, the SK-EX concert grand piano is hand-crafted in limited numbers following a unique ‘prototyping’ creation process. In order to achieve the supreme range of expression required in a concert piano, each instrument utilizes a variety of carefully selected materials, with premium aged spruce soundboards. Shigeru Kawai instruments adopt the advanced Millennium III keyboard action, featuring extended wooden keys and advanced ABS Carbon action parts, providing superior speed and responsiveness than conventional wooden action parts, allowing pianists to express a greater range of feeling and emotion in their performance.
Official website: https://www.shigerukawai.jp/en/
