The Novagrant Foundation for Cultural and Educational Development proudly announced the results of its International Music Competition – Edition 2025, dedicated to the legacy of Igor Stravinsky. This prestigious annual event continues to unite the world’s most talented performers and creators, having welcomed musicians from more than 50 countries over the years.
Following its highly acclaimed 2023 edition in China, the 2025 competition brought together an exceptional international jury of leading musicians, professors, and artists from institutions such as the Mariinsky Theatre, the Bolshoi Theatre, the St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, and leading universities in Europe and Asia. Their expertise spanned across performance, composition, conducting, and pedagogy, reaffirming the global scope and high standards of the competition.
A Special Dedication to Stravinsky
This year’s edition paid tribute to one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky. In his honor, the winners will perform in the newly inaugurated Stravinsky Chamber Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, a symbolic venue celebrating innovation and artistic excellence.
Spotlight on the Winner: Corrado Cristaldi (Italy)
Among the many outstanding participants, Corrado Cristaldi (Italy) achieved remarkable recognition in the Composition – Chamber Music category. His works demonstrated originality, imagination, and a refined sense of instrumental color:
- Pasacalle – for solo flute
- Ánemos – for solo flute
- Aljónushka i Ivánushka, 4 short Episodes – for flute and piccolo
The jury awarded Cristaldi the Diploma of Laureate of the 1st Degree, acknowledging both his artistic individuality and contribution to contemporary flute repertoire.
Prestigious Jury Members
The panel included:
- Denis Bystrov – Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, St. Petersburg
- Anton Gakkel – Conductor and cellist, Mariinsky Theatre, Deputy Artistic Director
- Tsvetana Omelchuk – Opera soloist, Mariinsky Theatre & guest soloist at the Bolshoi
- Peter Ovtcharov – Professor, Yonsei University, Seoul
- Dmitry Vorontsov – French horn soloist, Mariinsky Orchestra; Associate Professor, Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory
- Dmitry Yakubovsky – Director of String Department, Musorgsky Conservatory, St. Petersburg
- Maxim Karpets – Composer, musicologist, senior researcher, Russian Institute of Art History
- Sergey Lukin – Composer, soloist of the Russian National Orchestra named after N. Osipov
- Boris Estrin – Chairman of the Board of the St. Petersburg Community of Teachers and Artists
Looking Ahead
The Novagrant Foundation International Music Competition continues to grow as a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic excellence. By fostering new generations of performers and composers, it not only celebrates established traditions but also inspires the creation of new works that enrich the global music scene.
With his recent victory, Corrado Cristaldi joins an international circle of laureates whose artistry resonates far beyond borders, reflecting the competition’s mission: to bring the world together through music.
About Corrado Cristaldi
Corrado Cristaldi (b. 1962, Enna, Italy) is a multifaceted Italian artist renowned for his contributions as a flutist, composer, educator, and satirical illustrator. He obtained his diploma in flute and furthered his musical education through various study courses. Cristaldi has been instrumental in exploring new languages and expressive possibilities for the transverse flute, often collaborating closely with fellow flutists and instrumentalists.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Cristaldi has a rich history as a freelance cartoonist. He worked at the Academy of Fine Arts in Palermo from 1994 to 1999 and at the Conservatory of Music in Palermo from 2000 to 2006. His collaborations extend to institutions like the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Nuremberg and the Ajuntamiento of Jaca-Aragona, participating in various exhibitions and competitions in illustration and design. Cristaldi also contributes to children’s book publishers and local newspapers.
Currently, he serves as a Professor of Transverse Flute at the Lower Secondary School “G. Garibaldi” in Enna, Italy.
