Interview with Ilya Shmukler

"Truly inspired play knows no traditions."

Ilya Shmukler is a Russian-American pianist. In 2024, he won the Géza Anda Competition in Zurich (1st prize plus several special prizes). Previously, in 2022, he was a finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician.

Whendid you realize that the piano was more than just an instrument to you?
At the age of 10, I attended a summer academy in the ancient city of Suzdal in Russia, where I took masterclasses with professors from the Moscow Conservatory. It was there that I realized that the piano is not just an instrument, but a way of life.

Was there a turning point in your training that had a particular influence on your current approach to making music?
Meeting my teachers played a crucial role in my life. At 15, I met a piano teacher who opened up a whole world of art to me. At 23, I met another teacher who deepened my understanding of classical music.

What role do intuition and spontaneity play in your interpretation?
They probably play a crucial role, although I am constantly working on the structural design of the music. Intuition and spontaneity are only useful when guided by good taste; otherwise, they risk becoming vulgar.

How would you describe your own artistic “sound”?
At the moment – ​​sincerity and colorful playfulness.

How do you approach a new work – analytically, emotionally, or both?
First, I play the piece through once, then I work on the most technically demanding passages. As soon as the technical and musical details are mastered, I play it through as often as possible.

Are there any composers with whom you feel particularly "at home"?
Everything is difficult for me. But I always enjoy playing Robert Schumann, Debussy, and Ravel.

How do you deal with different traditions of interpretation?
I value traditions when they truly convince me. Truly inspired playing knows no traditions.

How do competition performances differ for you from regular concerts?
The real competition begins after the competition – when you start performing concerts. My goal is to open my soul and convey the composer's vision of the piece to the audience in the simplest way possible. In that sense, it doesn't matter whether it's a competition or a concert.

Is there a concert that stands out in your memory – and why?
When you open your soul and truly convey the composer's idea to the audience, you have the chance to make time stand still. This has happened to me at several performances, including one in Japan in 2019.

How do you deal with stage fright?
Ten seconds before I go on stage, I rehearse the first page of the play in my head down to the last detail. This helps me stay focused and prevents my mind from sending out stress signals.

What are your passions besides music?
I always say I'm a professional YouTube viewer and an amateur pianist. I love watching YouTube. I also enjoy museums, arthouse films, hiking, and swimming.

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.net | March 1, 2026
Image Copyright: Ilya Shmukler

Next concerts

September 20, 2026 - Next Generation II | Ilya Shmukler
October 20, 2026 - Zurich Youth Symphony Orchestra