Avan Yu Named Winner of Sydney Int'l Piano Competition

The winner of the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia 2012 was announced on Saturday 21 July at Sydney Opera House and awarded to Avan Yu (25) from Canada who played Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody accompanied by the Sydney Symphony. Avan was presented with the first prize of $25,000 donated by the Friends of SIPCA and a string of special prizes including an ABC and Naxos recording contract with national and international touring engagements.

Perth Concert Hall has previously hosted the Judge's Winner's Recital in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and is proud to welcome Avan Yu Live and in Recital, next week on Monday 30 July, 7.30pm.

2012 marks the 10th competition which ran from 4 to 21 July and saw 36 young pianists from around the world compete for prizes totalling AU$150,000.

Avan has already performed across four continents, including New York's Carnegie Hall, and has won many other awards at various international piano competitions. Avan was born in Hong Kong and started playing the piano aged 5. He and his family emigrated to Canada when he was 9 and has appeared with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra since he was 14. For the last five years Avan has been studying at Berlin University of the Arts, working towards his Masters Degree in Music. This was his first trip to Australia and Avan expressed that "the competition appealed to him as it included the prospect of more chances to perform in Australia which of course was wonderful."

Specialist Commentator Gerard Willems, Professor of Piano at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music commented that Avan was "the most consistent pianist in this year's competition and was always polished and stylish in his delivery." Artistic Director Professor Warren Thomson said "previous winners had made waves in the music world with orchestral tours and recording involvement."
In addition to first prize win, Avan collected other prizes including: Best Performance of a Mozart, Ravel, Beethoven and 19th or 20th Century Concerto, Best Performance of a Sonata by Haydn, Best Performance of a Chamber Music work and Best overall performance of a work from the Romantic Period. Avan was also awarded the Best Male Pianist award and Encouragement Award for the runner-up of the People's Choice Prize. Avan commences an Australian tour this week.

SIPCA is internationally recognised as one of the world's great piano competitions. The competition was inaugurated in July 1977 and is held every four years. It was admitted as a member of the Federation of International Music Competitions in 1978, and is presented in association with the University of Sydney and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Tickets to the Perth concert are available from BOCS Ticketing 9484 1133, all BOCS outlets or online www.bocsticketing.com.au

*Tickets: Standard $45, Concession $40 (Seniors, Pensioners, Unemployed), Student $25 (Full time students only) *Prices include booking fees. Transaction fees may apply.