Masterclass with Pianist Illia Ovcharenko

Program Information

Join us as an audience member for a free public piano masterclass led by acclaimed Ukrainian pianist Illia Ovcharenko, winner of the prestigious Honens International Piano Competition. One of today’s most celebrated young pianists, Ovcharenko has earned prizes at more than 20 international competitions and has appeared as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Calgary Philharmonic and other major ensembles. His recital appearances include Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Konzerthaus Berlin, Koerner Hall in Toronto and Salle Cortot in Paris. His recent album "Whispers & Thunder" was named one of Gramophone’s best classical albums of 2025.

In this interactive session, students from the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and through the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association perform and receive personalized coaching from Ovcharenko before a live audience. It’s an opportunity for music lovers and fellow piano students to observe the creative process up close as developing artists refine their technique, interpretation and musical expression under the guidance of an internationally acclaimed pianist who has spoken of his own ambition to combine teaching with an international performing career.

Artist Biography

Illia Ovcharenko, piano

When he was 6 years old and living in Chernihiv, Ukraine, Illia Ovcharenko’s mother took him to hear a performance of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. After the concert, Illia told his mother he wanted to be a pianist when he grew up.

Today, Illia Ovcharenko is one of the world’s most celebrated young pianists. Most recently, he won the Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary, Canada, a competition that seeks to identify the “Complete Artist,” someone who demonstrates technical mastery, perseverance against adversity, and an understanding of musical text that is both intellectual and emotional. Besides winning the Honens International Piano Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious events of its kind, Ovcharenko has received prizes at more than 20 competitions throughout the world. These include, in the last four years, top prizes at the Kissinger Sommer “KlavierOlymp” in Bad Kissingen, the Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano, the New York International Piano Competition, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, the “Prix du Piano” in Bern, as well as the “Michelangeli Prize” from the Eppan Piano Academy.

There wasn’t a lot of music in Illia’s household when he was growing up. His mother is a computer engineer, and his father is an athlete and coach. But there was an old upright piano in the corner of the living room, and Illia started plunking away as soon as he was able to reach the keys. He took singing lessons at 6 years old, began formal piano studies at 9, and gave his first concert at 12 on the stage of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine.

His parents weren’t sure music was a terrific career path, but they encouraged his success. At 13, Illia went to study in Kyiv at a special high school for gifted musicians and later moved to Tel Aviv. He currently lives in Hannover, Germany, where he is finishing a master’s program with his longtime mentor, Arie Vardi. At the same time, Illia is a longtime scholarship recipient of the International Music Academy in Liechtenstein.

For Illia, the piano is a real friend, sometimes filling him with joy and sometimes serving as a painkiller. The piano reveals who he is, both to himself and to an audience.

He thrives on live performance, feeling as if two souls, his and the composer’s, are united on stage. He is most at home playing Romantic repertoire.

Off the stage, Illia loves athletics, with Roger Federer among his idols, and practices origami.

In the future, Illia hopes to combine teaching with an international touring career.

He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Israel Philharmonic, Edmonton Symphony, San Antonio Philharmonic, Orchestre national d’Île-de-France, Orchestra of La Monnaie, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein, I Pomeriggi Musicali and Calgary Philharmonic. He has appeared in recital at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Konzerthaus Berlin, Wigmore Hall in London, Salle Bourgie in Montreal, Koerner Hall in Toronto and Salle Cortot in Paris.

Highlights of Ovcharenko’s 2025-26 season include performances at Wigmore Hall in London, Philharmonie de Paris, Klavierfestival “Le Piano Symphonique” in Lucerne, Switzerland, with the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice, Poland, at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Konzerthaus Berlin, with Symphony Nova Scotia, and at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival. He will also perform on tour with the Orchestre national d’Île-de-France and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. The season will also see the release of his debut concerto recording on the Pentatone label.

His latest recital album, “Whispers & Thunder,” was released on the Steinway label and was named “One of the Best Classical Albums of 2025” by Gramophone magazine. International Piano acclaimed it as “splendidly executed and smartly programmed,” with Ovcharenko’s playing described as “iron hands cloaked in mink gloves.” His previous solo album, “Litany,” was released on DiscAuvers. Classique c’est cool praised Ovcharenko’s “very intelligently constructed program” and the pianist’s “perfectly mastered technique.” The album also received high praise in Diapason and Pianiste magazines.

“I’m so happy when people hear me play and say I brought something new to their life or let them forget about their current troubles,” he says. “Playing the piano is usually a much better way of communicating since there is something intimate involved in this process.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase a ticket?
No. This masterclass is free and open to the public. However, registration is required in advance. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the masterclass begins so you have time to find a seat and get settled.

Can I arrive late?
Yes, but please enter quietly and choose a seat with as little disruption as possible to the pianist, students, and audience.

What happens during a masterclass?
Piano students from the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association will perform for pianist Enrico Pace, who will then work directly with each student on interpretation, technique, and musical expression. Audience members are invited to observe the entire process.

Do I need to be a musician to attend?
Not at all. The masterclass is open to everyone. You do not need any musical training or knowledge to enjoy the session.

How long is the masterclass?
The masterclass will run for approximately two hours.

Are children welcome?
Yes. Young musicians and students are especially welcome. We ask parents and caregivers to consider whether their child will be comfortable sitting quietly while students are performing and receiving instruction.

What should I know about masterclass etiquette?
We ask audience members to help maintain a quiet and supportive environment for the participating students. Please silence your phone, avoid talking while students are performing or receiving instruction, and wait for an appropriate pause before entering or leaving.

Should I applaud?
Yes. Applause is welcome after a student finishes performing. Enrico Pace or the masterclass host will help make the natural breaks clear.

Can I use my phone during the masterclass?
Please silence your phone before the masterclass begins. We ask that phones and bright screens not be used during performances or instruction.

Can I take photos or videos?
Photos are welcome before or after the masterclass. Unless otherwise announced, photography, audio recording, and video recording are not permitted while students are performing or receiving instruction.

What accessibility features are available?
The Lilian Piercey Concert Hall is wheelchair accessible and includes [ACCESSIBILITY DETAILS]. If you have a specific accessibility question before attending, please contact Cecilia Concerts and we’ll be happy to help. If you have an accessibility-related seating need, please let us know when you arrive.

Is the venue scent-sensitive?
To help make the masterclass comfortable for everyone, we ask guests to avoid wearing strong scents or fragrances.

Is there parking or public transit nearby?
Free parking is available in the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts parking lot and along side streets. The venue is on major bus routes.

What happens if the masterclass is changed, postponed, or cancelled?
Any changes will be posted on the Cecilia Concerts website and social media channels as soon as possible.