The International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians is the junior section of the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition, and it is the largest[1] competition for junior performers up to 17 years of age. The competition was established in 1992 on the initiative of the Association of Tchaikovsky Competition Stars[2] and is held in the sections of piano, violin, and cello.
The first, second, and third prize winners receive special recommendation from the Association of Tchaikovsky Competition Stars to advance to the senior section without the preliminary procedure. Many laureates of the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians eventually became winners of the senior Tchaikovsky competition and other prestigious international musical contests.
Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr., the winner of the first International Tchaikovsky Competition, was the President and the Honorary Chairman of the first Tchaikovsky Competition for young musicians. The position of the Art Director of the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians was held in different years by pianist Lev Vlasenko, violinist Viktor Tretyakov, cellist Vladislav Chernushenko and many other distinguished Russian and world’s cultural figures.[3]
The competition takes place in different countries each time, maximizing the opportunity to participate in the competition for talented young musicians of various geographic areas. It provides the opportunity to be exposed to sophisticated audiences, reputable musicians of the jury panel, and other young fellow musicians from around the world. On top of the monetary awards, the laureates are engaged in concert tours arranged by the organizing committee at the conclusion of the competition.