Pianist Igor Levit has received the 2018 Gilmore Artist Award. The quadrennial award, which is organised by the Irving S Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind.
The award is made to a pianist who has already shown superb musicianship, and who can go on to have a successful international career. 30-year-old Levit, who was born in Russia but has German citizenship, will receive USD300,000 to support his career goals over the next four years.
“Igor Levit is not only a superb pianist but also a deeply thoughtful and insightful artist, and he made a deep impression on all of us who followed his performances over the last three years,” said festival director Daniel R Gustin. “He exemplifies the pianist that the Gilmore was formed to support.”
Levit will give a special concert in New York City on 4 January co-presented by radio station WQXR and the Gilmore. The event will include interviews with both Levit and Gustin, as well as Pierre Van der Westhuizen, who will succeed Gustin as festival director later this year.
Past award recipients include Leif Ove Andsnes, Rafał Blechacz, Ingrid Fliter, David Owen Norris, Ralf Gothóni and Piotr Anderszewski.