Simon Karakulidi, 25

Born in 1997 in Siberia, pianist Simon Karakulidi has lived in the United States since 2016. This summer, Simon moved to Germany to learn more about the European musical tradition from Professor Oliver Kern. An aspiring polymath, with interests ranging from poetry to philosophy, he received his Master's degree from the Yale School of Music. Simon is enthusiastic about American classical music, and is currently engaged in learning the complete piano works of David Lang and Nico Muhly. He is also passionate about commissioning new music.

Simon is a prize-winner of more than 20 International Piano Competitions. In February 2023, Simon won the first prize at Piano Campus competition in Cergy-Pontoise, France. In addition to the top prize, he received 5 special prizes.

Among his past teachers are Stanislav Ioudenitch, Wei-Yi Yang, and Diego Prigollini.

Stage 1: Recital

All competitors will perform a solo recital with the maximum duration of 30 minutes

J S Bach: Sinfonia No. 5 BWV 787

F Schubert: Drei Klavierstücke D. 946

I. Allegro assai II. Allegretto III. Allegro

F Liszt: Transcendental Étude “Chasse Neige” S. 139 No. 12

Stage 2: Recital

All competitors will perform a solo recital with the maximum duration of 30 minutes

C Franck: Prélude, Choral et Fugue

S Prokofiev: 4 Études Op. 2

Stage 3: Recital (semifinal)

Up to ten competitors will perform a solo recital with the maximum duration of 60 minutes

C Monteverdi/T Andre: Zefiro Torna

D Önaç: Five Études

I. Monody Dance II. Melancholia

L v Beethoven: Sonata in B flat major “Hammerklavier” Op. 106

I. Allegro II. Scherzo - Assai Vivace III. Adagio sostenuto IV. Largo - Allegro Risoluto

Stage 4: Concerto (final)

Three competitors will perform a concerto with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra

S Prokofiev:

Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op. 16