Why was first prize not awarded?

For the twelfth edition in 1990 the jury decided that no competitor deserved first prize, and it was withheld. The highest distinction that year, second prize, went to the American pianist Kevin Kenner.

Key facts

• First prize was not awarded in 1990.
• The top distinction, second prize, went to Kevin Kenner of the United States.
• It was the first time since 1985 that the contest ended without a first-prize winner.
• First prize would not be awarded again until Yundi Li won in 2000.