Saisonprogramm 2024/25

We admit it: he is one of our favorite pianists and has already thrilled audiences in Chur twice before—and now, on his initiative, this extraordinary concert event is coming to life. Illia together with Vadym Kholodenko at two grand pianos! That we are able to present this right here in Chur is simply incredible.

His dream began at the age of six: after hearing a Tchaikovsky concert, Ukrainian-born Illia Ovcharenko knew without a doubt that he wanted to become a pianist. Today, he is among the most celebrated rising stars of the classical world. Having already made waves in over 20 international competitions, his greatest triumph was winning the prestigious Honens International Piano Competition in Canada, which seeks to uncover the 'complete artist.'

Following studies in Kyiv and Tel Aviv, Ovcharenko currently lives in Hanover, where he studies with piano legend Arie Vardi. For him, the piano is not merely an instrument, but a true friend and a mouthpiece for the soul. On stage, he truly thrives in the Romantic repertoire.

The list of venues he has performed at reads like a luxury travel guide: Carnegie Hall, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam have long been part of his schedule. He is also making waves in the recording studio: his album Whispers & Thunder was named among the best classical albums by Gramophone magazine, with critics praising his playing as an 'iron fist in a mink glove.' And when this Roger Federer fan isn't at the piano keyboard, he happens to unwind by doing origami.