The Third Biannual George Gershwin International Music Competition October 26 through November 5

Young artists from 20 countries around the world on Piano, Voice, String Instruments, and Winds/Brass will compete in the third biannual George Gershwin International Music Competition. The competition, recognizes exceptional young artists in four categories: Piano, Voice, String Instruments, and Winds/Brass, October 26-31, with Finals held November 2-5 in three NYC venues. Founded in 2013 by American pianist and composer Michael Bulychev-Okser, the George Gershwin International Music Competition takes place every two years in New York City and is open to talented musicians of all nations.   In 2017, musicians from 20 countries and 25 U.S. states will perform works by George Gershwin as well as selections by Chopin, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rossini and others. Instruments include piano, violin, cello, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

George Gershwin International Music Competition aims to discover talent, reward brilliance, and celebrate musical artistry. The Competition is named after George Gershwin, whose music drew inspiration from European classical music, American popular music, and jazz to form a unique style that would come to define American music. Two weeks, full of exquisite performances, master classes by the world’s renowned musicians, and enlightening community outreach programs, culminate with the competition Award Ceremony, when the winners will be presented with exceptional opportunities, launching international concert careers. Prizes include $25,000 in monetary awards, 2 years of career management, a CD recording, and more. Past winners include: ShengHua Hu (China), 2015 III Prize Winner, Violin – has just been appointed Principal 2nd Violin at the Metropolitan Opera; Matvey Sherling (Russia), 2015 First Prize Winner, Winds/Brass – has appeared as soloist at Lincoln Center with the Moscow Virtuosi Orchestra; and Daniella Barrios (USA), 2015 First Prize Winner, Voice – currently performing with Jose Carreras.

Entrants this year start at age 12 and will travel to New York from the Republic of Georgia, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Bolivia, Norway, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Armenia, and the U.S.

The distinguished panel of judges includes: Robert Sherman, famed radio host; Albert Markov, acclaimed violinist, Manhattan School of Music Professor; Olga Makarina, Metropolitan Opera soprano; Richard Glazier, concert pianist/musicologist who played for Ira Gershwin. Host of PBS Series on Gershwin; David Gvinianidze, baritone, President of the World Talent Fund; Gerrald Robbins, laureate of the Van Cliburn Competition, Professor at Brooklyn College and Rafael Salvatus Ramiro, saxophone player, recipient of the Philippino Golden Balangay “Man of the Year” Award

The schedule is as follows:

Rounds: October 26, 27, 29, 30 at The Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street

(October 26 – 6 to 9 PM – Opening Ceremony, Drawing of Lots and Concert

October 27 – 6 to 9 PM – Winds & Brass Competition

October 28 – 10 AM to 2 PM – Piano Young Artists Competition Finals – at Kings Bay Library, Brooklyn

October 29 – 2 to 7 PM – Piano Competition, ages 18+, Part I

October 30 – 10 to 3 PM – Piano Competition – ages 18+ – Part II)

Round: October 31at the National Opera Center, 330 7th Avenue (bet. 28 & 29 Streets)

(October 31 – 11 am to 3 PM – Voice semi-finals)

FINALS: November 2-5 at Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Avenue (entrance on 25th Street)

(Thursday November 2 – 11 AM to 2:30 PM – Strings Finals

Friday November 3 – 4 PM to 7:30 PM – Winds/Brass Finals

Saturday November 4 – 11 AM to 7:30 PM – Piano Finals

Sunday November 5 – 4 PM for Step & Repeat/Red Carpet Event – 5 – Awards Presentation and Concert)

Tickets: $25; $15 for seniors & students: $10 for ages 12 and under. For reservations: www.web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/34978. For information: 917.535.9362 or www.gershwincompetition.org

Michael Bulychev-Okseris an internationally acclaimed American pianist, composer and producer.   Listed in “Who’s Who in Music”, Mr. Bulychev-Okser has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, La Salle Pleyel (France), Wigmore Hall (London), Rachmaninov Hall (Russia), Suur Saal (Estonia), and Centermex Theater (Mexico).

Orchestra appearances include Manhattan Philharmonic, Vienna International Chamber, Rutgers Symphony, and Parnassos Symphony.

The artist is a frequent guest at prestigious festivals and competitions in Spain, Italy, USA, Serbia, Israel, Georgia and Mexico.   He is also the organizer of two international music events: the Gershwin International Music Competition, held biannually in New York, and Alion Baltic International Music Festival in Estonia.

Michael Bulychev-Okser is a Professor at New York University since 2003.