UPDATE: Well, it's official now in Kalamazoo. 28-year-old polish pianist Rafal Blechaz (pronounced BLEH-hatch) has received the 2014 Gilmore Artist Award.

"I didn't know I was under consideration or being observed, so the news came as a great surprise," he emailed to NPR Music's Tom Huizenga. "I haven't yet decided what I will do with the funds. I have a few ideas, but I need time to allow thoughtful consideration to an award this important and substantial, and how it can be used to support my career."

Every four years, the Gilmore Artist Award is presented to an international pianist of any age or nationality, who receives a one-time award of $300,000. The 2014 award will be announced on Wednesday, January 8, during an awards ceremony that will be webcast live on WQXR.org at 5:30 p.m. EST.

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