Performers from 11 countries competed in Saturday’s finals which took place in the Armenian capital of Yerevan.
Stochel performed the 3rd movement of Concerto Classico by Polish composer Mikołaj Majkusiak. In addition to the top prize, he received an invitation to perform with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra during the 2026–2027 concert season.
Jury chairman, Armenian cellist Narek Hachnazarian said Stochel gave a top-calibre performance. “It was a brilliant interpretation, marked by a natural sense of rhythm”, he said, adding: “I’m sure he’s facing a wonderful career”.
Latvian percussionist Sonja Misiņa placed second and Armenian flutist Elen Virabyan third.
Born in 2007, Stochel began to study music in Kolbuszowa, southeastern Poland. He is currently continuing his education at the Artur Malawski Music School in Przemyśl under the guidance of Dariusz Baszak. He is a prizewinner of numerous competitions, including the International Accordion Competition in Vilnius in 2021.
The Eurovision Young Musicians contest has been held since 1982. Poland won the event in 1992, 2000 and 2016. Stochel is the first accordionist to win the contest.
In 2027, the event is to be hosted in the coastal city of Liepāja in Latvia.
(mk/mo)