Heida Hermanns International Music Competition: Final Round

Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Westport
19 Newtown Turnpike,
203-222-7070

The 2024 Heida Hermanns International Music Competition, hosted by MoCA CT, is for talented pianists ages 18-35 worldwide to compete. We aim to showcase exceptional piano performances and promote music entrepreneurship in musicians. The competition includes an online preliminary round and an in-person final round where participants demonstrate their technical prowess, interpretive skills, and musical expression. It’s a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and connect with the global music community.

The winner receives a cash prize of $10,000; second prize is $5,000, and third prize is $2,500. This year’s prizes are generously sponsored by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen. In addition to a cash prize, the Winner will receive an invitation to perform a solo recital at MoCA CT the following year. Finalists will be provided with transportation accommodations and lodging with a host family for the final round.

Prior winners include celebrated pianists who have gone on to perform in the world’s most important halls, such as Spencer Myer, Frederic Chiu, Josh Wright, Timur Mustikimov, and Yue Chu.

2024 Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition
November 22-23, 2024

Tickets for the In-Person Final Round

Livestream the Final Round

Celebrating Lowell Liebermann's 'Nocturne No. 12' at the 2024 Heida Hermanns Competition

At once unabashedly romantic and modern, American composer Lowell Liebermann is internationally recognized as an artist of uncommon profundity and popularity. Time Magazine proclaimed: “Now brazen and glittering, now radiantly visionary…the work of a composer unafraid of grand gestures and openhearted lyricism.”

The 2024 Heida Hermanns International Music Competition will feature Lowell Liebermann's commissioned piece, "Nocturne No. 12," marking the first time the Heida Competition has commissioned a work. This decision highlights our commitment to fostering creativity and showcasing contemporary talent. Liebermann’s distinctive style, characterized by rich harmonies and evocative melodies, resonates deeply with audiences, making his work both accessible and thought-provoking. “Nocturne No. 12” will be performed by all finalists, enriching our program and celebrating diverse musical voices. This inclusion not only underscores our dedication to innovation but also offers a fresh perspective on modern composition. We are most grateful to the Maurer Foundation for their graceous support of this endeavor.

Schedule:

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Mini Recital and Book Talk by Inna Faliks
Join Heida Final Round Judge Inna Faliks for an intimate recital and insightful discussion about her new memoir, Weight in the Fingertips. Gain personal insights into her journey from Soviet Ukraine to the world stage, and how her experiences have shaped her illustrious career.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and Cocktails
Enjoy delightful food and drinks while engaging in conversations with fellow guests, the jury, and the finalists. It's a perfect opportunity to share your passion for music with other like-minded people.

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Judges' Performance and Awards Announcement
Be captivated by exclusive performances from our prestigious jury members:
Frederic Chiu
Miki Aoki
Julia Siciliano
Alexei Tartakovsky

Click here to Final Round Schedule