From 26 July to 3 August 2025 I was lucky enough to live one of the most intense and moving experiences of my career so far: winning First Prize and the Audience Award at the 5th Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition (SKIPC) in Tokyo, Japan.
This prestigious competition, considered one of the most demanding on the international circuit, brought together top pianists from all over the world aged up to 35. At 17, I was the youngest finalist of this edition, which made the challenge even greater.
The road to the final
The competition included preliminary video rounds, followed by a first stage and semifinals held live in Tokyo. Each stage was a technical and emotional challenge, but also a unique opportunity to share music with a jury and an audience as passionate as they were demanding.
In the grand final I performed Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, at Sakura Hall, Shibuya Cultural Center Owada. It was a magical moment: feeling the connection with the Japanese audience, and with Schumann’s music itself, which means so much to me.
A prize that looks to the future
Receiving not only First Prize but also the Audience Award was an indescribable honour. For me, these awards are a huge boost to keep growing as a musician and to keep sharing my vision of the piano around the world.
This success comes in a very special year, in which I was also a finalist for the Princess of Girona Awards (Arts) 2025, performed in Katowice (Poland) and took part in the International Keyboard Institute & Festival (IKIF) in New York.
Thank you…
To my family, to my teachers — especially Martín García García — and to everyone who supports me, near or far. To Japan, for welcoming me so warmly. And to music, for continuing to be the endless journey that inspires me every day.
📸 Photo and video gallery from Tokyo: link to the press kit
🔗 Follow me for more news and concerts:
Instagram → instagram.com/GuillePianista
YouTube → youtube.com/@GuillermoHernandezBarrocal
