Russian pianist Pavel Kolesnikov has been named the winner of the 2012 Honens International Piano Competition. As Prize Laureate, the 23-year-old receives the Enbridge Prize, worth $100,000, and also benefits from an artistic and career development programme estimated to be worth half a million dollars.

The Honens Competition prides itself on its ability to discover ‘complete artists – 21st century pianists for 21st century audiences’. Competitors are expected to demonstrate an interest not only in their own repertoire, but in a range of music and other art forms, including literature and visual mediums. Artists must display - ‘through their stage deportment, programme design and interviews with arts journalists - a sensitivity to contemporary culture and a willingness and ability to communicate effectively with audiences of today’.

The main prize of a three-year career development programme reflects the competition’s commitment to developing well-rounded musicians. The prize includes worldwide general management by Honens, recital debuts in major cities, residencies at The Banff Centre, a recording on Hyperion, and mentorship opportunities with Emanuel Ax, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Leon Fleisher, Angela Hewitt, Stephen Hough and Sir Neville Marriner.

‘These last 10 days have been an inspiration for music-lovers,’ said Stephen McHolm, president and artistic director of the competition. ‘I’m more convinced than ever that Honens is a festival of music and not a traditional knock-em down competition. The Jury’s choice of Pavel Kolesnikov - a thoughtful and inquisitive young musician - is a testament to Honens’ commitment to discover musicians with an original voice.’

A student at Moscow State Conservatory and London’s Royal College of Music, Pavel Kolesnikov has performed both as soloist and chamber musician throughout Russia and in Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.  He took part in the Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy in 2005 and 2006, and the Verbier Festival and Academy in Switzerland in 2007 and 2009.