The 2024 Evening of Celebration and Prizegiving (ECAP) was a momentous occasion as internationally acclaimed pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk (OA2002) was inducted into the St Andrew's Cathedral School Hall of Honour.

This prestigious award celebrates Old Andreans whose extraordinary achievements have earned them global recognition. Alexander's induction was made even more special by his breathtaking performance of a movement of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Sonata, leaving everyone in the Sydney Town Hall in awe. 

 Alexander Gavrylyuk, affectionately known as Sacha during his time at St Andrew's, was born in the Ukraine in 1984 and began playing the piano at just seven years old. In 1999, at the age of 13, he moved to Sydney and joined us in Year 9 on a music scholarship. Even as a student, Alexander displayed exceptional talent, performing the Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor at ECAP in 1999 and delivering a mesmerising performance of Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre at the 2001 Showcase – an event which he headlined. 

Alexander's career trajectory has been nothing short of stellar. He won the Horowitz International Piano Competition in 1999, followed by the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in 2000, and the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Masters Competition in 2005. His performances have captivated audiences worldwide, including a revelatory rendition of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 at the BBC Proms, which earned rave reviews from The Times and Limelight. 

The Hall of Honour is reserved for those who exemplify the School's ethos and achieve exceptional international acclaim. Past inductees include notable figures such as aviator Charles Kingsford Smith (OA1914) and opera singer Stuart Skelton (OA1986). Alexander now joins this esteemed group for his unparalleled contributions to music. 

As an Artist-in-Residence at London's Wigmore Hall for the 2023/24 season, Alexander continues to inspire with his electrifying performances. St Andrew's Cathedral School is proud to honour his legacy and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of this gifted pianist who first honed his craft within our buildings.