Poland’s Łukasz Dyczko has been named the winner of the 18th prestigious Eurovision Young Musicians competition, 2016. The biennial competition, organised by the same team behind The Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU, was hosted by broadcasters WDR at Cologne’s Roncalliplatz. After Łukasz performed his consummate rendition of the piece written by André Waignein, he said “I don’t have a plan now I’ve won, it was such a surprise. Being in Cologne was a great experience, it was incredible to me and I’ve made many friends. Thank you all the people who have supported me.”
Jon Ola Sand, the EBU’s Head of Live Events explained that Łukasz was one of 11 participants in the live final, each performing a classical piece of up to six and a half minutes in length. For winning the contest, Łukasz received a prize of 10,000 Euros, as well as the chance to perform alongside the WDR Symphony Orchestra. Second and Third place contestants received 7,000 and 3,000 Euros respectively.
“The Eurovision Young Musicians competition is an excellent platform for public service broadcasters to encourage young talent in classical music, and give the participants an opportunity to be seen on an international stage. Previous winners have enjoyed great success in the classical world and we wish the same for Łukasz” Ola Sand commented.