Renowned Ethiopian pianist and composer Girma Yifrashewa has been honored with the 7th International Professional Music Award BraVo, one of the world’s most prestigious accolades in classical music. The award ceremony, dedicated to the field of classical art, was held on the historic stage of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia, drawing a global audience and celebrating musical excellence from across continents
The BraVo Awards, recognized as Russia’s largest and most significant international music prize, annually brings together leading figures in music, opera, and ballet. This year’s event featured exceptional artists from Russia, India, Egypt, Serbia, Ethiopia, and beyond, each representing the pinnacle of their respective traditions. Girma Yifrashewa’s selection as an award recipient marks a momentous achievement for both Ethiopia and the African classical music community at large
Girma Yifrashewa is no stranger to international acclaim. A graduate of the Sofia State Conservatory in Bulgaria, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Graduate School of Music and Theater in Germany, Girma has built a career that bridges continents and cultures. His repertoire is as diverse as it is profound, encompassing iconic works by European classical composers, Ethiopian folk melodies, and his own original compositions that blend classical, blues, ethno-jazz, and Abyssinian sacred music
His performances have captivated audiences worldwide, expanding the creative horizons of music lovers from Africa to Europe and beyond. By intertwining Ethiopian musical traditions with classical forms, Girma has carved a unique niche in the global music scene, earning respect for both his technical mastery and his innovative spirit.
In an interview following the award, Girma reflected on the significance of the BraVo Award: “The significance of this award, particularly from Russia, is a great recognition in the classical music field. Classical music isn’t a prominent tradition in Africa, but Russia holds one of the highest positions in the world in this genre. I believe this is an acknowledgement for both my country and myself.”
He emphasized that the award is not just a personal honor, but also a milestone for Ethiopia and for the broader African classical music landscape. “Being selected to represent Ethiopia, alongside artists from two other African countries, is a testament to the growing appreciation of our contributions to the world of classical music,” he said.
The BraVo Award also opens new doors for Girma’s career. “First of all, it is a great opportunity for me to be able to work in other parts of the world,” he noted. “I think collaborating with international artists will open the door for me to do a lot of cultural activity for myself in the future.”
