Yamaha News Release
Yamaha Corporation
June 30, 2025
9th Sendai International Music Competition Piano Division Final
Pianists Using Yamaha Concert Grand Piano CFX Win Second, Third, and Fourth Place
The 9th Sendai International Music Competition Piano Division, held in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture from June 14 (Sat) to 29 (Sun), 2025, saw pianists using the Yamaha Concert Grand Piano CFX achieve top honors. Alexandre Koryakin (Russia) secured second place, Kaoru Amano (Japan) took third place, and Julian Gast (Germany) was awarded fourth place.
Photo Credit: Sendai International Music Competition Executive Committee
The Sendai International Music Competition, held every three years since its inception in 2001, is renowned as a gateway for emerging young pianists worldwide. It features piano and violin categories.
The piano division of this year's competition took place at Hitachi Systems Hall Sendai (Sendai City Youth Cultural Center) from June 14 to 29. Thirty-two performers participated, with six finalists advancing through preliminary and semi-final rounds. Three of these finalists performed on the Yamaha CFX. Alexandre Koryakin (Russia) won second place, Kaoru Amano (Japan) secured third place, and Julian Gast (Germany) achieved fourth place.
Yamaha has participated as an official piano manufacturer since the competition's inaugural event in 2001. This year, Yamaha was one of three official piano brands, with the Yamaha CFX being chosen by three out of twelve semi-finalists and three out of six finalists.
Yamaha remains committed to supporting young global talent by providing high-quality instruments and tuning services at international competitions. The company also strives to improve its products by incorporating feedback from performing artists.
9th Sendai International Music Competition Piano Division Results
- 1st Place: Elizaveta Ukrainskaia
- 2nd Place: Alexandre Koryakin (Yamaha CFX Used)
- 3rd Place: Kaoru Amano (Yamaha CFX Used)
- 4th Place: Julian Gast (Yamaha CFX Used)
- 5th Place: Rion Shima
- 6th Place: Jan Nikolic
Additionally, Elizaveta Ukrainskaia received the Audience Award on the first day of the final round, Alexandre Koryakin on the second day, and Kaoru Amano on the third day.
Award Recipient Comments on Yamaha CFX
Alexandre Koryakin (2nd Place)
“The Yamaha CFX has a noble tone, allowing for complete control, which made the performance thoroughly enjoyable.”
Kaoru Amano (3rd Place)
“The instrument allowed me to express a wide range of nuances, from delicate to powerful tones, perfectly suiting Akihiro Yashiro's compositions.”
Julian Gast (4th Place)
“I was able to achieve everything I wanted both technically and musically with this instrument. It was a truly wonderful experience.”
About the Sendai International Music Competition
The Sendai International Music Competition was established in 2001 to commemorate Sendai City's 400th anniversary and is held every three years. Its objective is to foster the development of global music culture and promote international cultural exchange by nurturing talented young musicians.
Sendai International Music Competition Official Website: https://simc.jp/
About the Yamaha Concert Grand Piano "CFX"
The Concert Grand Piano "CFX" represents the pinnacle of Yamaha's century-long piano manufacturing expertise. Designed with the concept of "resonating with me," it offers a powerful sound that fills the concert hall, along with nuanced tonal colors and depth to express the performer's intentions. First introduced in 2010, the CFX has undergone continuous improvements, with a next-generation model released in 2022. The CFX is favored in major international competitions and concert halls worldwide, earning the support of numerous pianists.
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