First Prize for Panfilov

RNCM postgraduate pianist Alexander Panfilov has won First Prize in the 2013 Arcangelo Speranzo International Piano Competition, held in Taranto, Italy, last month. The 23-year-old Russian, who is studying for an MMus in Solo Performance with Graham Scott, won 4000 euros and a total of 13 engagements in Italy, including Alessandria, Bari, Camogli, Crotone, Empoli, Fiesole, Genova, Lecce, Lucca, Montecatini, Pavia, Prato and Taranto

‘I’m really pleased to have won First Prize,’ said Alexander, who is set to compete in the Beethoven International Piano Competition in Vienna later this month. ‘It’s the result of the hard work I do every day at the RNCM and I’m very happy that this was appreciated by the jury.’

Now in its 51st year, the Arcangelo Speranzo was first held in 1962 as a regional competition before gaining international status to attract pianists from all over the world. This year, over 40 competed in the first round, with just 12 being chosen for the second and three for the final.

Alexander said: ‘At the beginning it seemed really hard to get to the final because only 12 were chosen for the second round out of 41 pianists who each performed a 90 minute recital. I was lucky to pass all the tests successfully and to get great comments from the jury, which included musicians such as Bruno Canino.

‘It was also a great experience to play in the ancient and beautiful city of Taranto, and I’m looking forward to performing in other regions of Italy in the future.’

4 June 2013