Triumph of Uzbekistan’s school of classical music

From 18 to 28 April 2009 the 7th International piano competition was held at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Among 100 pianists from 16 countries a young uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov has won the Grand Prix. 

This competition was founded in 1991 by famous pianist Mrs Sulamita Aronovsky and is organized amongst young pianists every 3 years under the patronage of HRH Prince Charles of Wales. Its jury is formed by internationally recognized figures of art music from UK, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain, Australia, Bulgaria and South Korea.

Competition was held in 3 rounds – in the first round 100 pianists from 16 countries took part, in the second – 24, and to final round along with Behzod Abduraimov passed Andrejs Osokins (Latvia) and Alessandro Taverna (Italy).

B.Abduraimov, who was the youngest participant of the competition (17 years old), studied at the Musical-academic lyceum named after Uspenskiy in Tashkent. His first teacher on piano was distinguished musician of Uzbekistan professor Tamara Popovich.

Currently Behzod is studying at the Park University of Music (USA). He is the winner of the competition “Le Muse” in Agropoli, Italy (2003), the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (2008), the Lennox Young Artist Competition (2008), the Corpus Christi International Competition, USA (2008) and “Soglom avlod uchun” fund contest. He has “Kelajak ovozi-2005” and “Nihol-2008” diplomas.

On the final day of competition, the Royal Festival Hall, which has 2000 seats, was full of classical music-lovers. After the performance of two other finalists, B.Abduraimov accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra has virtuously played one of the most complex compositions of Prokofiev – concert №3 for piano with orchestra. Audience greeted the Uzbek musician with tremendous ovation.

The jury announced talented Uzbek performer as the winner of this international piano competition and presented him the top award. The second place was given to A.Taverna, the third – to A.Osokins.

According to guests’ opinion, “triumph of B.Abduraimov not only guarantees him a world-wide pianist career, but also is an indicator of strong piano school of Uzbekistan”. It was noted that such genius pianists are born once in 100 years.

Behzod Abduraimov said: “This competition was a serious test for me. I am proud to represent Uzbekistan. Flag of our country proudly soaring in front of us gave me additional power”.

Mr Michael Rimmer, one of the tutors of Behzod, was deeply impressed by his victory and said in an interview that “He is an extraordinary talented person, who has a great future. Substantial constituent of today’s triumph was his diligence and hard-working will. As it is well known, prominent American inventor Thomas Edison once said: “Genius is one percent of inspiration and ninety-nine percent of perspiration”. Something granted by God will worth nothing unless you will work at self-improvement. Behzod has discipline and determination in pursuing his goals.

When he played in the first round, the audience was amazed at how brilliant he was and most of them predicted that he had every prospect to win the competition. I hope in the future connoisseurs of classic music in London will be witnesses of many victories of pianists from Uzbekistan”, - said Mr Rimmer.

Behzod Abduraimov

Behzod playing Prokofiev’s concert № 3 for piano		Jury of 7th London International piano competition - 2009

         Behzod receiving congratulations                                                      Behzod with Ambassador Akbarov and guests

Prepared jointly with IA “Jahon”

London, 15 July 2009