Dick O’Riordan’s classical notes: Piano contest inflames heated debate on young Russians

The decision by the Dublin International Piano Competition to exclude Russian participants continues to reverberate in the classical musical world

A controversial decision has been taken to exclude nine young Russian pianists from the Dublin International Piano Competition

Early last month, the Dublin International Piano Competition made a decision that has sent tremors of indignation around the classical music world. The organisers decided to exclude nine young Russian pianists from its competition, which is currently ranked highly in world terms and is one of Ireland’s most prestigious global music events. Its 12th competition takes place on May 17-24 at the NCH.

The DIPC’s guiding light and founder member is our own pianist John ...