On Saturday 12 April 2025, Conservatorium Maastricht hosted the 23rd edition of the Music Award Maastricht, themed A Celebration of Piano Music Inspired by Nature. The event brought together four outstanding finalists — all students of Conservatorium Maastricht — for an evening of musical storytelling through nature-inspired repertoire.
Following a powerful and inspiring competition, the €5,000 grand prize was awarded to Bulgarian pianist and composer Hassan Ignatov, whose expressive performance, technical brilliance, and captivating presence impressed the expert jury. Ignatov, known for performances at Carnegie Hall and on Dutch TV’s Podium Klassiek, studies under Professor Joop Celis.
The finalists were:
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Ève Kerloc’h – French-Spanish pianist specialising in chamber music, with experience as répétiteur and assistant conductor. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Piano Accompaniment with Jeroen Riemsdijk.
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Vassilis Gavvaris – Greek pianist with a broad artistic background and performances in venues such as Megaron Athens and Stockholm. He won the Audience Prize of €1,000 and is a Master’s student of Katia Veekmans.
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Ibrahim Ignatov – Award-winning Bulgarian pianist and composer who represented Bulgaria at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. He is also a student of Jeroen Riemsdijk.
The professional jury, chaired by acclaimed pianist Ralph van Raat, included Frank Peters and Anna Fedorova and assessed the finalists on artistic expression, technical mastery, and stage presence.
The Music Award Maastricht is a joint initiative of Rotary Club Maastricht and Conservatorium Maastricht, made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors who champion emerging talent.
👉 Learn more about the finalists and jury:
www.conservatoriummaastricht.nl/23th-music-award-maastricht-12-april-2025