At age of six, Illia Ovcharenko sat spellbound in a concert hall in Chernihiv, Ukraine. The powerful strains of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto filled the room, capturing his heart. That day, he turned to his mother with a clear and unwavering declaration: he wanted to be a pianist. Fast forward fifteen years, and it was that very concerto that took him to win the 2022 Honens International Piano Competition, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Now, Ovcharenko is set to come back to the stage with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing his journey full circle.
A Dream Realized: Winning the Honens International Piano Competition
Reflecting on his victory, Ovcharenko recalls the surreal experience of standing on stage as the 2022 Honens laureate. "It was definitely a dream come true moment," he shares, "something you cannot believe until it happens." The immediate aftermath of his win was a whirlwind tour across Canada, serving as a prelude to the transformative journey that lay ahead. "Honens really launched my career," he continues, describing how frequent performances bolstered his confidence and erased any nervousness he felt performing. " (After winning the Honens) I started performing on stage every month, sometimes every week, and some week every day. Nervousness disappeared and it turned into just pure excitement, of enjoying every moment on stage."
Ovcharenko’s ambitions also extend beyond personal achievement after winning the Honens. He is dedicated to promoting lesser-known Ukrainian composers, both from the Romantic and modern eras. "My path is dedicated to also promoting unknown Ukrainian composers," he explains. This mission has become a guiding force in his career, as he strives to bring these overlooked works to a wider audience. At his Carnegie Hall concert in February 2023, Ovcharenko showcased works by two Ukrainian composers, Levko Revutsky and his student Valentin Silvestrov. He has also performed pieces by Sergei Bortkiewicz.
Evolving Interpretations: A Deeper Connection to Tchaikovsky
Since his victory, Ovcharenko’s relationship with Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto has deepened and evolved. "Two years passed, so it’s completely a different concerto now," he notes. Returning to the same stage and orchestra, he anticipates a new, enriched performance. "It's very interesting for me to experience the same stage and the same orchestra, but with a different feeling—enjoying the excitement without worrying about winning or thinking about other competitors."
A Heartfelt Performance for Calgary
As Ovcharenko prepares for his upcoming performance in Calgary, he reflects on what he hopes to convey to the audience. "Every performance is very special and unique," he says. His goal is to communicate his emotions through the music, creating an intimate and immersive experience for the audience. "Classical music brings lots of joy, happiness, and even sadness, everything. I want everyone to come and feel the music as if I’m speaking through the keyboard and telling a story of the piece.”
For Aspiring Pianists
“For young pianists aiming to compete in the Honens, my first advice is to apply and believe in yourself," he asserts. Confidence and self-belief are crucial, as is the enriching experience of participating in the competition. " If you believe in yourself, and that you might win the competition of such a high standard as the Honens, it means you have enough confidence to go on stage, and you’re on the right path.” The next Honens competition will take place in 2025, and applications are now open, closing on October 30 of this year.
Returning to Calgary: A Special Homecoming
Returning to Calgary, where he achieved a significant career milestone, feels like a homecoming for Ovcharenko. "Calgary is one of my favourite cities," he confides. He is looking forward to reconnecting with the audience and performing once again with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. "I know it’ll be a very friendly atmosphere," he says. "My heart and soul will always go to each one of you when I’m performing on stage. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you, even though I can’t talk to each of you after the concert."
As Illia Ovcharenko prepares to take the stage, the audience can look forward to a captivating performance that not only showcases his technical prowess but also his deep emotional connection to the music. His journey from a young boy in Chernihiv to an acclaimed pianist is a testament to the power of dreams, dedication, and the transformative impact of music.
It promises to be an evening filled with passion, emotion, and exceptional artistry.
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Illia Ovcharenko performs Tchaikovsky will take place on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 at Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons. The program also features the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and soloists, under the baton of Music Director Rune Bergmann, in Anton Bruckner’s magnificent Te Deum, which the composer regarded as his greatest work and the ultimate expression of faith. For more information and tickets, visit https://calgaryphil.com/events/illia-ovcharenko-performs-tchaikovsky-2024-05-31-730-pm/.
If you can't attend the concert, you can listen to Ovcharenko's "Live at Honens 2022." It's available for streaming on various platforms, including Apple Music: Live at Honens 2022 - Album by Illia Ovcharenko.
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