The finalists for the 13th National Leevi Madetoja Piano Competition have been selected
The performers for the concerto final of the 13th National Leevi Madetoja Piano Competition, to be held at Madetoja Hall on Friday, January 24, have been selected. A record-breaking 83 participants took part in the competition, and five pianists aged 17–30 will perform in the concerto final.
The concerto final will take place at Madetoja Hall as part of the Oulu Symphony’s concert on Friday, January 24, at 6:00 PM, conducted by Esa Heikkilä. The entire competition concludes on Saturday, January 25, with the completion of the under-13 age category.
The competition jury consists of experienced piano artists and educators. The jury is chaired by Jukka Juvonen, with Laura Mikkola, Ulla Roiko-Jokela, and Mika Rännäli as members. The competition director is Vanessa Cunha, a pianist and new senior lecturer at Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
The jury is very pleased with the level of this year’s competition.
“The record number of participants reflects the importance and significance of the competition for a young pianist’s career,” states jury chair Jukka Juvonen.
“The Oulu Symphony is one of the cornerstones of Oulu’s music scene. The orchestra’s involvement in the Leevi Madetoja Piano Competition’s concerto final is a great honor for the competition. The interaction between the conductor, the pianists, and the entire orchestra creates a dynamic atmosphere and adds an extra layer of excitement to the performance. We are looking forward to this incredible concert. The evening will undoubtedly be unforgettable for the competitors, the audience, and the orchestra alike,” says competition director Vanessa Cunha.
“I feel privileged to have been part of organizing such a magnificent and meaningful competition. It is of immense importance to a young, aspiring pianist deeply dedicated to piano playing and eager to grow and develop as a musician,” she continues.
The piano competition is organized by Oulu University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Oulu Conservatory, the Oulu Symphony, Centria University of Applied Sciences, and POTKU – Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Taiteen ja Kulttuurin Tuki ry. We warmly welcome the audience to enjoy the concerto final, which will showcase top-tier piano artistry performed by some of Finland’s most talented young pianists.
Additional information:
Competition Director:
Vanessa Cunha, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Vanessa.cunha@oamk.fi, +358 50 434 8954
Competition Producer:
Milla Korja, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Milla.korja@oamk.fi, +358 40 141 5217
13th Leevi Madetoja Piano Competition
The following competitors will perform in the concerto final:
Age group: 17–30 years
After the second round, the following competitors advanced to the concerto final:
- Vilina Rainisto, Music Institute Juvenalia
- Atte Kohtala, Savonlinna Music and Dance Institute
- Jesse Mäki, Music Institute Juvenalia
- Ella Oksava, Helsinki Conservatory
- Maximilian Fagerlund, Helsinki Conservatory