Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has extended his support to the Leeds International Piano Competition as it begins today, 11 September.
The event, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious music competitions, will see 24 of the finest pianists aged 20-29 from 12 countries compete over the next 11 days in Leeds and Bradford.
The Competition has launched the careers of legendary pianists such as Radu Lupu, Murray Perahia, Mitsuko Uchida, Sir András Schiff, and more recently, Anna Tsybuleva, Eric Lu, and Alim Beisembayev.
In a message for the Competition programme, Sir Keir Starmer shared his personal connection:
“The Leeds combines two of my greatest loves: the city that absolutely formed me when I came here as a student; and the joy and discovery of music that changed my life. Everyone involved in this competition will know what I mean when I talk about that experience of being truly moved by a piece of music – of losing yourself and finding something new in the space that artistry creates. The piano does that like no other instrument. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, in particular, never fails to take me to that state. Although that may also be because my wife chose it as her entrance music for our wedding!”
As an alumnus of the University of Leeds, the Competition’s Principal Partner, Sir Keir reflects on his musical background having learned piano, flute, recorder and violin as a child:
“[Music] gave me the confidence to perform, and taught me so much about culture and creativity. Above all, it made me believe that music was something for me. I want that same belief for everyone. So as Prime Minister I am determined to put creativity at the heart of our school curriculum and ensure that every young person has access to music and all the arts – something I know was a lifelong passion of this competition’s long-time Founder, Chair and Artistic Director, the late Dame Fanny Waterman.”
The Second Rounds of the Competition begin today [11 September], leading to the Final on 20 & 21 September, when the top five contestants will perform a Concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Audiences worldwide can watch the Competition live on the Competition website and YouTube channel, medici.tv and Amadeus.tv. BBC Radio 3 broadcasts highlights from the semi-finals in Classical Live from Monday 16 September and Radio 3 in Concert on Friday 20 September. The Finals will be broadcast on Radio 3 In Concert on 21 September, followed by a BBC Four television programme later this Autumn.
In addition to the Competition, Leeds and Bradford have been transformed by the Piano Trail Festival, a rich array of music, arts and community events. From the Piano Trail in both cities, an installation of the Pianodrome (a 150-seat amphitheatre made from discarded pianos) in Leeds City Museum, Piano Planters, concerts, workshops, free piano lessons, family sessions and more, the Festival is a true celebration of the piano. The Festival runs until 21 September.
Fiona Sinclair, CEO of the Leeds International Piano Competition, added: “Leeds has truly come alive with the sound of pianos over the last few weeks with our innovative Piano Trail Festival, and with the Competition now under way that will only increase. I wish all our competitors the best of luck, and I can’t wait to see them perform over the next eleven days.”
More information and tickets for the Second Rounds, Semi-Finals and Finals can be found on the Leeds International Piano Competition website.
