This young pianist, born in 1976, is the tenth woman that wins this competition and the first Estonian who does it. Although Irina Zahharenkova is a young musician, her curriculum vitae shows important prizes and recognitions such as, for instance, the second prize and the special prize at the Internacional M.K. Ciurlionis Competition or different prizes in Tallin, where she started her musical career. Currently Irina Zahharenkova studies at the Jean Sibelius Academy, in Helsinki.

The Jury of the competition, under the chairmanship of Guillermo González, has awarded her with the first prize because of her performance of Chopin's Concierto número 1 en mi menor, Opus 11. This first prize consists on € 18000, a three concerts tour in Andalusia, and a gold medal.

The Estonian pianist has also received another two of the six awards of the competition. She has been awarded with the 'Música Contemporánea' prize (€ 3000) for her performance of Marina, by Eneko Vadillo Pérez; and she has received the 'Trofeo del Público' award, given by the public that attended the final.

The Italian Domenico Codispoti and the Ucranian Mariya Kim have been placed in second and third position, respectively. The Italian has received € 9000 for his performance of Chopin's Concierto número 1 en mi menor, Opus 11 meanwhile the Ucranian has received the third prize (€ 6000) for her performance of Concierto número 2 en fa menor, Opus 21 also composed by Chopin. Domenico Codispoti has also been awarded with the 'Rosa Sabater' Award (€ 4500).

This three pianists have cornered the prizes of this competition, the oldest that of its kind that is organized in Spain. This year 36 pianists from 18 different countries have taken part in this conquest that has been closed, after eight days of competition, with the victory of the Estonian Irina Zahharenkova.

More information at www.dipujaen.com/premiopiano