Brussels – Belgian pianist Valère Burnon has secured a coveted spot among the twelve finalists of the internationally acclaimed Queen Elisabeth Competition, an elite contest that spotlights emerging talents in classical music. The announcement was made official by the competition’s organisers on their Facebook page over the weekend.
This year’s competition centers on piano, selecting twelve finalists from 24 semi-finalists, including Belgian native Valère Burnon.
The twelve finalists consist of seven men and five women, hailing from various countries, reflecting the competition’s global reach. Notably, four of the finalists are from Japan, underscoring the nation’s strong presence in the world of classical piano.
The full list of finalists includes American Rachel Breen, French musicians Arthur Hinnewinkel, Mirabelle Kajenjeri, and Nathalia Milstein, Japanese pianists Wataru Hisasue, Masaya Kamei, Shiori Kuwahara, and Yuki Yoshimi, Dutch pianist Nikola Meeuwsen, Chinese Jiaxin Min, Russian Sergey Tanin, and Belgium’s own Valère Burnon.
Following their selection, the finalists will move into residency at the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo. This residency is designed to provide an immersive environment where the musicians can prepare intensively for the final stage of the competition.
A highlight of this preparation is the study and performance of a commissioned piece titled Music for the Heart, specially composed for this occasion by Belgian composer Kris Defoort. The composition is expected to challenge and inspire the finalists, blending contemporary influences with classical virtuosity.
The final round of the competition is scheduled to take place from May 26 to May 31 at the renowned Palais des Beaux-Arts (BOZAR) in Brussels. During this period, the finalists will perform before a distinguished jury and an audience of classical music aficionados.
The competition has historically served as a launching pad for many of the world’s leading classical musicians, making this an eagerly anticipated event on the international cultural calendar.
The results will be announced shortly after the final performance on the evening of May 31, with winners expected to receive significant recognition, performance opportunities, and career-advancing prizes.
The Queen Elisabeth Competition, founded in 1937 and named after Belgium’s Queen Elisabeth, is celebrated for its rigorous standards and its dedication to supporting promising musicians at the start of their careers.
It rotates disciplines annually, including violin, voice, piano, and composition, making each edition unique and eagerly awaited by the classical music community worldwide.
For Valère Burnon, reaching the finals marks a major milestone and a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. The competition provides him with a vital platform to showcase his artistry on an international stage, potentially opening doors to a flourishing career.
As the classical music world watches closely, the upcoming final week in Brussels promises to be a thrilling showcase of some of the brightest young pianists from across the globe, each vying to claim the prestigious Queen Elisabeth title.
