Pianist Daniil Trifonov Wins Rubinstein International Competition

(CLEVELAND, OHIO - 05-31-11) Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov has been announced as the gold medalist of the 13th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition in Tel Aviv. The twenty year-old student, who studies with Sergei Babayan at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), was also awarded the prize for "Best Performer of Chamber Music," "Pnina Salzman Prize for the Best Performer of a Chopin piece" and the "Audience Favorite Prize."

"Having a rare diamond like Daniil Trifonov in my studio is a huge responsibility and happiness. Just like for a parent realizing that his child is more than very special," said Babayan of his student. "I wouldn't want to use too strong words, but I think there are very few musicians like Daniil in the world. He is the music for me."

The Arthur Rubinstein Award is presented to young master pianists whose talents reveal outstanding musicianship as well as the ability to render versatile, artistically convincing interpretations of works, ranging from the pre-classical to the contemporary. Trifonov competed against 37 contestants for a substantial cash prize and the gold medal.

"The day when the results were announced I could say was one of the very happy ones of my life," Babayan said. "It is a very special moment to feel that the international jury of the highest caliber appreciated and liked our work with Daniil. Also it is very special that it is related to Israel and to Arthur Rubinstein's name."

Trifonov recently won the Bronze Medal and Special Award for Best Mazurkas Performance at the XVI International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. This performance resulted in a series of invitations to perform in Germany, Poland, Italy, Switzerland and Israel, followed by tours in Japan and the U.S.

Already an accomplished performer, competition winner and composer, Trifonov received a degree from the Gnessin State Musical College in Moscow before being admitted to CIM in 2009. He is from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

To read more about Trifonov, visit www.daniiltrifonov.com.