International Piano
“But Ovcharenko is a tremendous pianist, who would shine at any of the world’s most prestigious competitions.”
Ludwig Van
“…the most important part of the afternoon program was probably Ovcharenko’s astonishing Liszt Sonata in B minor. Lushly detailed and violently thrilling, it left us holding our breath and riveted …”
La Scena
“On the basis of what I heard in the Finals I concert 2 nights ago there was no doubt in my mind who should win this competition: 21-year-old Illia Ovcharenko.”
International Piano
“His Tchaikovsky Concerto No 1 was among the finest I have heard in the last 20 years – a list that includes the likes of Nikolai Lugansky, Evengy Kissin, Yuja Wang, and Daniil Trifonov.”
The Calgary Herald
“Ovcharenko proved to be a remarkably stylish Mozartian: the runs sparkled, the sound was clear and crisp, and there was a rhythmic liveliness that informed every movement of the concerto…the audience was simply overwhelmed.”
International Piano
“Illia Ovcharenko’s solo performances were technically flawless and impeccably musical. He captured the wild emotional swings of Schumann’s Kreisleriana, vaulted effortlessly over the hurdles in Ginastera’s Sonata No. 1 and concluded with a stupendous performance of Liszt’s Sonata in B minor. I’m confident this 21-year-old Ukrainian will have a big career.”
