Russia's Tchaikovsky Competition: Musicians hope to be named champion of Tchaikovsky

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One of the world's most prestigious classical music competitions comes to a close in Russia this weekend. Over the past two weeks, musicians from various disciplines have toughed it out to be named the champion of Tchaikovsky. Julia Chapman went along for a listen.

In the hallowed hall named for Russia's most famous musician, performances by some of his most accomplished successors.

They've been chosen to compete in Russia's Tchaikovsky Competition, following in the footsteps of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the illustrious 19th century composer.

The event is viewed as the Olympics of classical music. Like the Olympics, it's only held every four years, adding to its prestige.

ALEKSEI MELNIKOV PIANIST "It gains a lot of attention, that's the main reason why it's important. Millions of people are watching it online, a lot of people. That's what makes it special. There are a lot of competitions with big prize money and great jury members, but no competition like this regarding the attention of audiences."

228 competitors from 38 countries have the task of impressing the jury. They're striving to be named the best pianist, violinist, cellist or vocalist. The overall winner, chosen from across the categories, receives $100,000.

JULIA CHAPMAN MOSCOW "These performers are fighting to be the world champions of their art. If successful, they won't just go home with significant cash prizes, but also with a guarantee of a storied career to come."

Previous winners have gone on to become renowned worldwide. And they're part of a decades-long tradition. The Tchaikovsky Competition has been running since Soviet times. It was founded in 1958 in an effort to foster peace through the arts. The performers insist that the value of the event has not dwindled over time.

ALEKSEI MELNIKOV PIANIST "The masterpieces we are playing are the best what humankind can do - it's our best legacy. If all the people will die and aliens will come, the best things that we left are our music, our art galleries and our literature."

The proof of that legacy is in the crowds the competition attracts. And with all eyes on these talented performers, it's just a matter of hitting all the right notes. Julia Chapman, CGTN, Moscow.