8th International Piano Competition “City of Vigo”: Shigeru Kawai SK-EX chosen as official piano for prestigious competition

The 8th International Piano Competition “City of Vigo” took place in Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain, from July 23 to 27, with the selection of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano as the official instrument for the event.

This is the second time that Kawai has collaborated with its official distributors in Spain, Bilbao Trading Partnership S. L, and it is the first time the first prize has been named after Shigeru Kawai. The SK-EX used this time was shipped to Spain last year. Incidentally, this piano was also used in the 22nd José Iturbi International Piano Competition held last year and in the 1st Malaga City International Piano Competition this year.

One of Kawai’s most esteemed piano technician, MPA (Master Piano Artisan) Kiyotoshi Yokoyama from Kawai Japan, also played a pivotal role at the Vigo International Piano Competition. He and a piano technician apprentice from Japan, Shota Haginoya, diligently worked on not only crafting the sound, but also contestant support through active communication.

The 8th International Piano Competition “City of Vigo”: Final Results

Comments from 1st prize winner – David Khrikuli

– How did you feel about winning the prize?
I am honoured to receive the first prize and the audience’s prize. Thanks to all the jury members, and the audience for the support. I have been following the competition for a while now and it was a wish to participate.

– What are your impressions of the SK-EX full concert grand piano?
I have full control over dynamics on Kawai pianos every time I play on them. I was able to express pianissimo at all possible levels.

-Is there anything you are conscious of or do to increase your motivation, such as taking care of your mental health during the actual competition?
My motivation is based on discipline. It doesn’t matter if it’s a competition or a concert. My job is to deliver the composer’s meaning, be honest, and put my whole soul into it. I always play pieces that I deeply enjoy playing. It’s my main principle. And of course on top of that, I love my profession, so it all gives me an unlimited source of motivation.

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/