Board of directors

Justas Dvarionas

President of "Kharkiv Meets Zurich" and Vice President of the European Union of Music Competitions for Youth (EMCY)

Justas Dvarionas, the renowned Lithuanian pianist, represents a deep musical heritage and combines this with outstanding expertise and a significant cultural background.
Beyond the stage, Justas Dvarionas is a dedicated teacher and mentor whose influence extends far beyond the classroom and the concert hall. In his functions as Vice President of the EMCY and Artistic Director of the “Kharkiv meets Zurich” International Piano Competition, he demonstrates his commitment to musical excellence, education and innovation. In addition to his commitments in the music scene, he is Associate Professor at the Music Academy of Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, guest lecturer for piano at the Purcell School in London and teacher at the National M.K. Čiurlionis School of Arts. Through these activities, Justas Dvarionas has shaped countless talents who have received high honors at international piano competitions.
For Justas Dvarionas, education is the key to shaping a positive future. With his vision of musical collaboration and cultural exchange, the “Kharkiv meets Zurich” International Piano Competition ensures that the transformative power of music is expressed in communities around the world.
At a time when the world is threatened by fragmentation, Justas Dvarionas firmly believes in the unifying power of music and its cultural significance. His commitment and inspiration are nourished by his conviction that these elements are of crucial importance for the promotion of peace, mutual understanding, justice and kindness.

Irena Gulzarova Keller

Irena Gulzarova Keller, President of "Youth Inspires" and Vice President of "Kharkiv Meets Zurich"

Irena Gulzarova Keller, a remarkable Swiss pianist with roots in Uzbekistan, has been an outstanding personality in the Swiss cultural landscape for over two decades.
Born in Uzbekistan and fostered in Switzerland, Irena Gulzarova's musical talent developed under the tutelage of Professor Rudolf Buchbinder in Basel.
Irena Gulzarova's passion for music goes beyond her virtuoso performances and extends to her role as an ambassador for young talent.
“It gives me great pleasure to discover new musical paths together with the team of "youth inspires" and to provide young talents with a creative, diverse environment. An environment that reflects my musical philosophy of understanding music as both an art of expression and a social factor. Music should live high, be spread, be part of our everyday lives, awaken our energy and bring us together!”

Patrick Ehrismann

Vice President of “Youth Inspires”

Patrick Ehrismann, the principal of Uster Cantonal School, is an inspiring visionary with a commitment to unfold the full potential of young students. His vision extends far beyond traditional educational boundaries as he recognizes the impact a supportive and enriching environment has on the development of young people. Through his leadership at Uster Cantonal School, Patrick Ehrismann creates an educational environment in which pupils are encouraged to unfold and live out their talents and interests.
“Convinced that making music inspires the development of young people, I am wholeheartedly I am wholeheartedly committed to the musical advancement of young people.”

Patrick Senn

finances of "Youth Inspires"

Patrick Senn, a native of Herrliberg with a successful career in banking, is widely known as a person of trust and a financial expert. In his private life, he has a passionate affection for piano music: his heart beats to the beat of sound.
In his professional environment, Patrick Senn has earned a reputation as an extremely competent advisor. He has won the trust of many people and has proven that he can always be relied on in financial matters.
“I have played the piano with enthusiasm since my early youth and am closely connected to music, especially classical music. Although playing music has been a valuable balance throughout my career in the financial sector, a life as a professional musician remained an unfulfilled dream. It is therefore a particular pleasure for me to actively support the development of young talent.”

Beni Sigrist

actuary of "Youth Inspires"

Beni Sigrist is not just a piano maker; he is a master in the art of creating inspiration.
With an unparalleled ability to listen deeply to the subtle vibrations within a piano and into the harmonic symphony of the world, he has dedicated himself to creating more than just musical instruments: He creates platforms on which young talents can shine.In the world of piano making, Beni Sigrist stands as a true virtuoso. He understands that a piano is not just made up of keys and strings, but is a vessel for the dreams and hopes of countless musicians. His meticulous craftsmanship breathes life and allows them to resonate with the passions of those who play them.In his own words: “I'm delighted to be able to play a creative role in providing young people with a platform where they can express their talent. Being able to experience the radiant, liberated laughter when the performance is a success inspires the young talents ... and me too!”

Tamara Senchenkova

Vice President of Kharkiv State Music Lyceum

Tamara Senchenkova assumes the role of Deputy Director at the Kharkiv State Music Lyceum, where she is responsible for the organisation of educational process. Holding a degree in music-theoretical disciplines from the Kharkiv Institute of Arts, now recognized as Kharkiv National University of Arts, Senchenkova boasts 44 years of devoted service at the Lyceum, excelling as a teacher and methodologist. Additionally, she has served as a Jury Member at numerous national and international competitions.

For nearly two decades, Mrs. Tamara Senchenkova played a pivotal role as the responsible secretary for the Volodymyr Krainev International Competition of Young Pianists — a biennial event hosted at the Lyceum. Since 2021, she has taken on the position of director for the competition. Due to Russian aggression, the competition is for the time being relocated to Switzerland, thanks to the initiative of supportive friends and is now temporarily titled as “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” International Vladimir Krainev Competition for Young Pianists. Tamara extends sincere gratitude on behalf of all Ukrainian musicians and herself to those who tirelessly contributed to ensuring that young talents could showcase their abilities on diverse stages, present competitive programs and concerts, receive applause, and engage with musicians from around the world.
In her own words, she expresses, “I extend my sincere thanks and hope that this altered competition format will enable Ukrainian children to convey the beauty and authenticity of their music to the global audience. I believe that the indomitable desire for freedom and willpower inherent in Ukrainian music will resonate in the hearts of listeners worldwide.”

Halyna Karielova

Head of the general piano department in the Kharkiv State Musical Lyceum

Halyna Karielova studied at the Kharkiv secondary special musical boarding school in the special piano department, under the guidance of L.N. Margarius. She graduated from the Kharkiv Institute of Arts, named after I.P. Kotlyarevsky, majoring in the special piano department with Associate Professor V. I. Lozova. Additionally, she completed her studies in the department of history and theory of foreign music at the Kharkiv National University of Arts, named after I. P. Kotlyarevsky.

Halyna defended her dissertation on the topic "Minor Genres of L. Beethoven’s Piano Works" under the supervision of Doctor of Art History, Professor O.G. Roschenko, at the Department of History and Theory of Music of the I.P. Kotlyarevskyi KhNU University of Science and Technology.

Halyna Karielova has served on the jury of the national competition of young pianists in Kharkiv, preparing numerous laureates and graduates for international and national competitions and festivals. Graduates of Halyna Karielova's class pursue higher education in institutions across European countries and Ukraine. She engages in solo touring activities and collaborates with chamber ensembles.