In addition to the accolade and a cash award of EUR 20,000, the Polish pianist scooped the Audience Prize and the Orchestra’s Prize.
In the finals of the competition, Świgut performed Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under American conductor Lawrence Foster.
Fuko Ishii of Japan came away with the First Prize, while the Third Prize went to China’s Zifan Ye.
The International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition is one of the world’s leading contests for young pianists. It celebrates the legacy of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907).
Aleksandra Świgut, 30, is a graduate of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.
She also studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London.
In 2018, Świgut won second prize at the 1st International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments in Warsaw.
She has appeared at numerous prestigious events, including the Chopin and his Europe Festival in Warsaw, and the events in Nohant, Paris, and Duszniki-Zdrój.
Aleksandra Świgut is a member of the faculty of her alma mater.
(mk/pm)