Derek Hartmann triumphs at the Beethoven competition in Vienna 2025!

Derek Hartmann triumphs at the Beethoven competition in Vienna 2025!

The 17th International Beethoven Piano competition in Vienna in 2025 found its winner: Derek Hartmann, a 28-year-old pianist from the USA, prevailed in the final, which took place on May 24 in the renowned Golden Hall of the Vienna Music Association. Hartmann, who presented the piano concert No. 4, was awarded the first prize of 30,000 euros and a Bösendorfer concert wing model 214 VC. This has made him the winner of one of the most renowned piano competitions worldwide, organized by the MDW University of Music and Performing Art Vienna for over 60 years. [ots.at] reports that the other award winners Jonas Stark and Martin Nöbauer (Ex Aquo) were awarded the second prize and 12,000 euros as well as Tianyou Li, who received the third prize and 6,000 euros, which Rita Medjimorec Memorial Prize.

Martin Nöbauer also received the Klemens Kramert special price. The jury of the competition was made up of famous pianists, including Jan Jiracek von Arnim (chairman), Hieyon Choi and Ingrid Fliter. Hartmann is not only talented, but also highly graduated, he is a doctoral student at the Yale School of Music and has successfully completed all the necessary academic requirements. He was able to acquire his knowledge and skills from well -known teachers such as Boris Slutsky and James Giles at Northwestern University and the Yale School of Music.

active career and commitment

The achievement of the first prize is not the only success in Hartmann's career. In 2024 he won the first prize at the Chicago International Music Competition, where he also received special prices for the best interpretation of a classic sonata and a Russian work. He also took third place at the Washington International Piano Competition and reached the final and semi-final rounds in several international competitions, including the International Schumann Piano Competition and the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Competition. In addition, he teaches as a lecturer for piano at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University.

Hartmann successfully combines his teaching work with an active concert career. He appeared in important places such as John F. Kennedy Center, the Kravis Center and the Ruïnekk in the Netherlands. As a chamber musician, he is part of the Contemporart Chamber Music Festival in Romania and worked with various ensembles. His passion for music education is also evident in his extensive work with young musicians in the USA, where he passes on his knowledge and experience to promote the next generation of pianists.

an outstanding competitive environment

The international Beethoven piano competition is considered a meaningful springboard for aspiring pianists, which has produced many renowned award winners in the past. The former winners include sizes such as Mitsuko Uchida, Stefan Vladar and Jasminka Stancul. The competition is therefore exemplary for the high level of art and commitment within the music scene and supports artists on their way to international recognition.

Derek Hartmann's victory is not only a personal triumph, but also another example of the importance of competitions such as this, which not only promote talents, but also make a valuable contribution to the global music landscape. [Beethoven-comp.at] provides further information on the participants and competitive details, while [professionals.klassik.com] provides a comprehensive overview of the competitive scene in the piano area.