Zijian Wei wins first prize in 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Zijian Wei took home first prize in the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition on Saturday. The 25-year-old from China bested Evren Ozel (second prize) and Maxim Lando (third prize) of the United States and Italy’s Giuseppe Guarrera (fourth prize). The decision came after each pianist performed with the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Music Center.

“Competing as a finalist in the CIPC is an extraordinary feat,” said Piano Cleveland president Yaron Kohlberg in a press release. “Sharing the stage with the Cleveland Orchestra is a career-maker for many pianists.”

The two-part finale began with salon performances last week followed by the concerto round over the weekend. Wei’s victory comes with a $75,000 cash prize, a recording contract with Steinway & Sons and concert bookings around the globe, including debut recitals at Carnegie Hall in New York and Tonhalle in Zürich, Switzerland.

“The CIPC Finals can put someone on the map,” Kohlberg added, “But the Mixon First Prize takes you all over the world.”

He should know. Kolberg won second prize in the 2007 competition. World-renowned pianists such as Sergei Babayan and Angela Hewitt have also medaled at CPIC before. The event began in 1975.