Winner's Speech | Alexey Bilozor | Erik Satie International Music Competition 2025
- WOMCO
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Alexey Bilozor, a young pianist from Ukraine/Ireland, has been awarded the Silver Prize and the Excellent Creativity Special Prize for his piano composition War and Peace in the Youth (Age 11–13) category at the Erik Satie International Music Competition 2025 Season 4.
As part of celebrating this achievement, Alexey shared the deeper meaning behind his award-winning composition — a work shaped by personal history, resilience, and a message of hope for those affected by war.
“Hello, my name is Alexey Bilozor. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the jury of Erik Satie competition for selecting my piece War and Peace. When I fled to Ireland in 2022 because of the war in Ukraine, the people of Ireland and the Fermoy community welcome me with warm and open hearts. I will never forget their kindness during such a difficult time. In 2025, thanks to the support of the Fermoy community, I was able to hold my first piano concert and purchase my first piano, something that would be not have been possible without them. Special thanks to the Fermoy Community Center for providing me with a practice room when I had no piano and to Alian Frances for offering me a French education which helped me grow as both musician and a person. I'm deeply grateful to my piano teacher Aiden Dugan and his guidance and to art director Hyezon who has introduced me to the love and of art and encouraged me through my journey. My composition, War and Peace, is dedicated to all those who have suffered from the war in Ukraine and around the world. Those who lost loved ones, homes and the life they once knew. It's painful for anyone to endure such a loss or to leave the country they love. But with each step forward, we become stronger. I hope to compose my first orchestra piece soon and I will continue living life that God has given me and all of us with hope, strength and love."
The Erik Satie International Music Competition is a global online event open to musicians of all ages and backgrounds. With categories spanning instrumental performance, voice, composition, conducting, and chamber music, the competition offers an inclusive platform for artistic expression. Participants submit video or audio recordings for international evaluation, gaining recognition and visibility on a worldwide stage. More info: www.satiecompetition.com