Japanese pianist Shota Maeda, winner of the Platinum Prize and Saint-Saëns Special Award for Exceptional Technique at the 2025 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition, shares his inspiring journey of resilience, rediscovery, and artistry after overcoming focal hand dystonia.

South Korean composer Jieun Lee shares the inspiration behind her award-winning opera Kalea Butalsoro, which earned the Grand Prize in Opera and Platinum Prize in Original Composition at the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition 2025. Through this heartfelt message, she reflects on music, nature, and humanity’s search for harmony.

Chinese pianist Peng Zhou, currently based in Reno, Nevada, has won the Grand Prize in the Baroque B (Over 17) category at the 2025 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition for her performance of Bach’s Toccata in C minor, BWV 911. In this exclusive interview, she shares her artistic journey, interpretative insights, and reflections on being a modern pianist in the digital era.

Celebrate the achievements of young vocalist Milana Gontsova, WOMCO multi-competition winner, who earned Gold and Silver Prizes in Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, and London Young Musician competitions.

Young violinist Isabelle Elston from the United States wins Absolute First Prize and Vivaldi Unique Personality Special Prize in the Junior (Age 8–10) Category at the 2025 Season 3 Vivaldi International Music Competition, sharing her heartfelt gratitude to her mentors and family.

Hüseyin Ege Çakar, a talented young trumpet player from Turkey, won the Platinum Prize in the Age 12–13 category at the 2025 Season 3 World Classical Music Awards for his performance of Danse Napolitaine from Swan Lake. In this exclusive interview, Hüseyin shares his preparation, musical journey, and reflections on performing the iconic piece. His story is an inspiration for young musicians, teachers, and classical music enthusiasts alike.

Composer Mehmet Güneş Açikgöz from Turkey was awarded Best Composer of the Season at the International Music Leadership Award 2025 Season 3 for his orchestral work Capriccio of Creation. In this exclusive interview, he shares the inspiration, creative process, and emotional journey behind his award-winning composition, as well as his reflections on contemporary composition and the challenges facing composers today.

Young American pianist and composer Landon Kroon wins Absolute First Prize in the Chamber Music category at the 2025 Vivaldi International Music Competition for his original work Concertino in C. Read about his inspiration, creative process, and musical journey.

Young composer Lenja Plajnšek from Slovenia won the Gold Prize and Creative Innovation Special Award at the Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition, 2025 Season 3, for her Concerto for Chromatic Accordion and Orchestra. In this exclusive interview, she shares her creative process, musical journey, and insights into contemporary composition.

Explore the musical journey of Hayk Hekekyan, a talented oboist from Armenia studying at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, as he shares insights on his performances, mentors, and family influences in international competitions.

Basak Tatar Ozdemir, a soprano from Turkey, has won the Platinum Prize in the Opera category at the 2025 Season 3 World Grand Prix International Music Contest. She shares her reflections on this achievement, her dedication to opera, and the power of music to convey emotion worldwide.

Explore the artistic journey of Hyunjae Yoo, Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition, as she shares her approach to modern piano, performance videos, and the emotional depth of music in today’s digital age.

Shanghai Jinshan Youth Wind Orchestra, a talented ensemble of young musicians, has won First Prize in the Young Artist (Age 14–17) category at the Vivaldi International Music Competition 2025, showcasing their passion, dedication, and teamwork.

Award-winning Italian composer Corrado Cristaldi has won Best Musician of the Season at the Clementi International Music Competition 2025 for his solo flute work Pasacalle minima, a contemporary reimagining of the Baroque passacaglia.

Explore José Andrés Álvarez’s award-winning composition “Óleo de la refracción de la luz bajo el agua”, a mesmerizing blend of electroacoustic innovation and spectralist sound art.

Award-winning violinist Peiwen Su shares her artistic philosophy, journey in music, and vision for the future of classical performance and education. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on individuality, purpose, and the enduring soul of music.

Young Malaysian vocalist Taylor Louise Fong from Sarawak wins Absolute First Prize at the 2025 Vivaldi International Music Competition, showcasing her talent on the world stage.

Italian composer and conductor Manfred Giampietro discusses his award-winning symphonic fantasia Hopes for Peace, sharing insights on its inspiration, creative process, and collaboration with the Pisa University Orchestra.

Pantawan Saeheng from Thailand wins the Platinum Prize and Distinguished Interpretation Special Award at the World Grand Prix International Music Contest 2025, Season 3 for her outstanding Guzheng performance, sharing her award certificate, medal, and winner CD along with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

Anastasiia Ledovskaia (LEMY), First Prize winner of the UK International Music Competition 2025, shares the inspiration and creative process behind her song Boy. From the initial guitar composition to a fully produced track and music video directed by Daniel Kim, she discusses composing, recording, and filming challenges, as well as her journey as an evolving musician.