A Prestigious International Jury for the Concours 2027

The International Jury comprises leading figures of the piano whose backgrounds, expertise, and influences complement one another in the world of classical music. It will have the challenging task of evaluating the performances of the 25 competitors throughout the Concours.

At the conclusion of the First Round, the International Jury will select the 12 semifinalists, then the 6 finalists, and finally, the laureates of the Concours 2027.

The six finalists will first perform with the Viano Quartet for the Chamber Music Round, before taking the stage of the Maison symphonique for the Final with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, led by Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras.

Angela Cheng
Acclaimed for her brilliant technique, beautiful tone, and exceptional musical sensitivity, Canadian pianist Angela Cheng will serve as President of the Jury for the Concours 2027. A sought-after soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician, she has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States, in London, Israel, and Brazil, and has played in some of the world’s most prestigious venues.

Janina Fialkowska
A true icon of the piano, the international career of famed Canadian pianist Janina Fialkowska, born in Montréal, took off when the legendary Arthur Rubinstein became her mentor. Praised for her musical integrity, her natural and refreshing approach, and her unique tone at the piano, she has delighted audiences and critics alike for over 50 years.

Sofya Gulyak
In 2009, Sofya Gulyak was awarded First Prize and the Gold Medal at the Leeds International Piano Competition, the first woman in the competition’s history to receive this distinction. Since then, she has performed extensively throughout the world, where she has been praised for her tremendous precision and exceptional colouration.

Olga Kern
Olga Kern’s 2001 Gold Medal win at the Van Cliburn launched her international reputation. Since then, she has captivated audiences around the globe with her vivid stage presence, dazzling technique, and passionate musicality. In addition to her busy performing career, she is deeply committed to supporting and fostering the next generation of musicians.

Roberto Plano
Described as the ​“Pavarotti of the piano” for his lyricism, Roberto Plano pursues a very active career as a soloist and chamber musician in Europe and North America. He has performed on the world’s greatest stages with renowned conductors, while his recordings have received rave reviews.

Charles Richard-Hamelin
Silver medalist and winner of the Krystian Zimerman Prize at the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition, and laureate of the Concours musical international de Montréal in 2014, Charles Richard-Hamelin stands out today as one of the most important pianists of his generation.

Antti Siirala
Antti Siirala’s rich palette of sound colours, his nuanced and songful phrasing, as well as his expressive intelligence make him a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He has won numerous major competitions, including the Leeds International Piano Competition in 2003.

Danwen Wei
A Steinway Artist and considered one of the most outstanding artists of his generation, Danwen Wei is one of the last students of the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz. A highly sought-after pedagogue, he has also guest conducted dozens of orchestras worldwide.