Cyprus-born pianist Mark Albert Staikovici, 13, has won another major international award, taking the Bronze Award at the 3rd Vienna International Piano Competition 2026, held as part of the Summer Festival at the city’s Ehrbar Saal.
The competition drew international interest, with more than 220 young pianists from 50 countries applying and only 72 selected to compete in Vienna. Staikovici was among them, advancing to the second live round, where he performed technically and musically demanding works at the Ehrbar Saal, a venue closely tied to Europe’s musical history.
The second-round performances were streamed live online, allowing audiences around the world to follow the competition.
Born in Cyprus in 2013, where he still lives, Staikovici also maintains his family’s Romanian roots, combining the two cultural traditions in a way that has shaped his personality and artistic identity. He began piano lessons at age nine under pianist and teacher Zbyněk Maruška. Maruška recognised his musical talent early on and guided his first steps as a performer.
In just a few years, the young pianist has built up a notable list of achievements. His most significant honours include first place at the 14th Cyprus Avant-Garde Young Pianists Competition, representing Cyprus at the 21st International Steinway Festival in Hamburg, and first prizes and awards at international competitions in France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Germany and Cyprus.
Alongside his competition successes, he has already performed at major concert halls and festivals across Europe, including the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg, the Sergei Rachmaninoff Conservatory in Paris, concert venues in Brussels and Italy, and numerous concerts in Cyprus.
Music is not his only pursuit. Staikovici is also an active tennis player under the Cyprus Tennis Federation, and plays competitive chess as a rated player with the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The discipline, persistence and focus required in all three pursuits appear to be common traits in his personality.
Staikovici said his time in Vienna was “an experience I will remember forever.” Playing in the historic Ehrbar Saal alongside talented young pianists from around the world was an honour and a strong motivation to keep working hard, he added, and he said he was grateful to his parents and teacher for their support.
Maruška said the award was the result of several years of systematic, demanding work. Staikovici has “musical sensitivity, discipline and a hunger to keep developing” beyond his technical ability, Maruška noted, and remarked that he matures as a musician and person with every international performance, calling the result a milestone in a career with strong potential.
