For the first time in its prestigious history, the world renowned International Tchaikovsky Competition will include a brass category.

The competition first took place in 1958 with specialities for violin and piano, and has been held every four years since with further instrumentation added.

It is regarded as one of the world's foremost soloist competitions, but until now brass had not been included.

Remarkable

It provides a remarkable opportunity for young soloists to embark upon high profile international careers. former winners and finalists include pianists Van Cliburn and Vladimir Ashkenazy, cellists, Mario Brunello and Antonio Meneses and singers Vladimir Atlantov and Deborah Voigt.

Participants must be aged over 16 (with an age limit of 32), with the brass category following a strict application process, limited to 48 brass players from around the world. Instruments to be included are trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba.

Bousfield

The Chairman of the jury is conductor Valery Gergiev, whilst the first prize is rumoured to be $30,000. The Chairman of the Brass Category is trombone virtuoso Ian Bousfield who exclusively told 4BR that the addition of brass is being seen as a remarkable move.

"To have a brass category included for the first time, and to be asked to Chair its jury is a great honour for me and an enormous opportunity for the most talented young brass players in the world."

The Chairman of the jury is conductor Valery Gergiev, whilst the first prize is rumoured to be $30,0004BR

Find out more

The XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition will be held in Moscow and St. Petersburg in the second half of June, 2019, with the closing date for entries is 5th April.

To find out more go to: https://tchaikovskycompetition.com/en/