The 17th Grieg International Piano Competition

*This is a republishing of an article that was posted in English in 2022.

On September 3, 2022, I won first place at the 17th International Grieg Piano Competition in the beautiful Norwegian city of Bergen. It was the most unforgettable experience since the 2nd Brahms Competition in Detmold, Germany in 2019. I sacrificed sleep for a week and

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the staff who worked at the competition. During the COVID-19 period from 2020, I felt very frustrated that the time and youth I had to challenge the international piano competition was wasted away. However, being able to go to Bergen this time, listen to the wonderful and warm audience, and perform with the professional Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the famous conductor Lawrence Foster reminded me of the interactions I have with real people, and I was deeply moved.

I am truly grateful for this wonderful award, and I will continue to make every effort to express beautiful music. I would especially like to perform Grieg's music. Thank you so much. I love Norway!

Ishii Fuuko

On 3rd of September in 2022 in Norway, in beautiful city in Bergen, I got the 1st Prize at the 17th Grieg International Competition. It is definitely one of the most unforgettable experience since my Brahms Competitions in 2019. I thank you to the Grieg competition organization and all the staffs who were working during the competition literally without sleeping. During Corona time it was not possible to take part in any competitions and only my precious youth time was going and it was generally difficult.....But this time I could go to Bergen and could play in front of the wonderful audience, I felt the real atmosphere of the people, and it was amazing.

I sincerely appreciate to this great prize and I will keeping doing my effort to realize the beauty of the music. Especially Grieg's music.

Fuko Ishii

The venue in Troldhaugen where the first to third preliminary rounds were held. It is adjacent to Grieg's house. The red house you can see in the back is Grieg's composing hut. Concerts are held there all the time, not just during the competition period.

With one of the judges, the great pianist Lilya Zirberstein.

With Lawrencwe Foster, who has the cutest personality and brought out amazing sound from the orchestra.

Competition organizer Christian Grovlen (right) and Knut Kiekesaether, who will be organizing the Lofoten International Chamber Music Festival in July 2024.

A wonderful view of the lake from in front of Grieg's house. It's actually a very rainy town, so it's rare to see such sunny weather!

https://www.griegcompetition.com/