Award-winning Hungarian pianist Csaba Gál reflects on his Debussy interpretations, video performance preparation, and artistic identity after receiving multiple prizes at the Claude Debussy International Music Competition 2025.

A Polish-American pianist rooted in scholarship and performance, Anna Kijanowska reflects on her award-winning artistic journey, the revitalisation of the mazurka tradition, and the intersection of research, interpretation, and innovation that defines her work today.

Award-winning Greek-Canadian composer Constantine Caravassilis reflects on sound, memory, ritual, and the multi-year creative journey behind his Diamond Prize–winning album From Sappho’s Lyre.

The José Valentino Trio, Diamond Prize and Excellent Creativity Special Prize winners at the 2025 Georges Bizet International Music Competition, share the artistic vision behind their award-winning work Set Free. In this in-depth interview, Dr. José Valentino Ruiz discusses cross-cultural musical integration, creative philosophy, collaboration, and the meaning of artistic freedom in contemporary music.

Award-winning composer Barrett Kalellis discusses the inspiration, creative process, and performance of his Grand Prize–winning work The Hill of Vision, a captivating vocal composition based on the poetry of James Stephens.

Armenian pianist Lyudmila Hovsepyan and soprano Heghine Sarukhanyan shine as Grand Prize winners at the Schubert International Music Competition 2025 Season 3. In this interview, the duo reflects on their artistic partnership, the inspiration behind their repertoire, and the collaborative journey that shaped their award-winning performance.

A chamber ensemble from Boston University — Ting-Hua Wu, Andrew Lin, Taisiya Sokolova, Cheng-Yeh Tsou, and Chao Du — earned the Platinum Prize at the Georges Bizet International Music Competition 2025 Season 4 for their compelling performance of Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet. Clarinetist Ting-Hua Wu shares the ensemble’s story, preparation, and artistic journey behind this celebrated interpretation.

A profound look into Jieun Lee’s Grand Prize–winning oratorio Martyres, exploring its historical roots, spiritual themes, and her artistic vision.

A deeply personal journey into memory, emotion, and the soul — Master Prize laureate Areg Buniatyan shares the story behind Inspired by Love, revealing how life’s quiet, meaningful moments shaped his award-winning guitar composition.

An in-depth conversation with composer Brooke deRosa on crafting Off With Their Heads, her Diamond Prize–recognized work blending drama, coloratura, and Wonderland imagination.

A conversation with Platinum Prize winner Jean-Christophe Rosaz on The Forest Speaks to Me, exploring his inspiration, creative process, and artistic journey.

A conversation with Canto lirico vocalist Jiakai Li, winner of the Platinum Prize and Outstanding Interpretation Special Award at the 2025 Season 3 Schubert International Music Competition, as he shares the artistry, technique, and passion behind his award-winning performance.

Takashi Saito, recipient of the Grand Prize and Best Reinecke Performance Special Award at the 2025 Carl Reinecke International Music Competition, shares the artistic vision, personal reflections, and recording process behind his acclaimed performance of Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major.

Finland-based Duo Euphonic Blend, featuring Aksel Salmioranta on euphonium and Nuppu Salmioranta on tuba, won the Diamond Prize at the 2025 BERLIOZ International Music Competition. In this exclusive interview, they share their musical journey, creative process, and the story behind Miniature Rhapsody in the Style of Shostakovich.

American conductor Felipe Tristán shares his artistic journey, insights on conducting Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet with Ballet de Monterrey, and reflections on music, collaboration, and the role of a conductor in today’s digital era.

Japanese pianist Shota Maeda, winner of the Platinum Prize and Saint-Saëns Special Award for Exceptional Technique at the 2025 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition, shares his inspiring journey of resilience, rediscovery, and artistry after overcoming focal hand dystonia.

Chinese pianist Peng Zhou, currently based in Reno, Nevada, has won the Grand Prize in the Baroque B (Over 17) category at the 2025 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition for her performance of Bach’s Toccata in C minor, BWV 911. In this exclusive interview, she shares her artistic journey, interpretative insights, and reflections on being a modern pianist in the digital era.

Composer Mehmet Güneş Açikgöz from Turkey was awarded Best Composer of the Season at the International Music Leadership Award 2025 Season 3 for his orchestral work Capriccio of Creation. In this exclusive interview, he shares the inspiration, creative process, and emotional journey behind his award-winning composition, as well as his reflections on contemporary composition and the challenges facing composers today.

Young composer Lenja Plajnšek from Slovenia won the Gold Prize and Creative Innovation Special Award at the Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition, 2025 Season 3, for her Concerto for Chromatic Accordion and Orchestra. In this exclusive interview, she shares her creative process, musical journey, and insights into contemporary composition.

Explore the musical journey of Hayk Hekekyan, a talented oboist from Armenia studying at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, as he shares insights on his performances, mentors, and family influences in international competitions.