By Dirk Langeveld

WESTPORT – In a surprise decision on Saturday, judges at the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition opted to name two grand prize winners.

At the culmination of the annual contest at MoCA\CT, the four-judge panel selected both Ye-Eun Hyun and Zhu Wang to receive first place. A third contender, Jiahao Han, received second place.

“I think we all had very strong opinions about the order, and the first two were equals in our minds,” said Head Judge Frederic Chiu, a pianist who won the competition in 1986. He further explained, “The intimate setting really puts a spotlight on them as people — not just how they play but how they present themselves and what program they selected. Their interaction with the audience is truly considered.”

Each of the three pianists in this year’s competition delivered 45-minute performances, which were judged by Chiu along with Eduardus Halim, Marija Stroke, and Timo Andres. Hyun and Wang each received a $20,000 prize, sponsored by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen. 

“It was a complete surprise and I am very honored,” said Hyun. “I very much felt the support of the crowd and the museum. I felt like everybody was with me.”

“Art wins, which is a beautiful thing,” said Wang. “I am truly grateful for the generosity of MoCA\CT in supporting us. Not just me, but all three of us. You really feel it’s like a celebration as much as a competition, which makes it that much more special.”

Han was awarded $10,000, along with $500 for Best Performance of a Commissioned Piece for his interpretation of Timo Andres’s work, Competition.

“I’m really so honored,” he said. “It was beyond any expectation. It acknowledges that I’m good at interpreting a composer’s work, and that’s very important to me.”

Saturday’s event was the 54th time the Heida Hermanns competition has taken place since 1972. Kristen Young, MoCA\CT’s Director of Performing Arts, said the event has had a strong connection with the broader community.

“It is truly energizing watching the community come together to support three breakthrough talents of their generation who are defining the new wave of classical music,” she said.

First prize has only been shared on one other occasion, when pianists Josh Wright and Timur Mustakimov received the top honor.