.jpg)
Another Canadian is bringing home a prestigious award from an international music competition.
Seventeen-year-old pianist Ryan Wang, hailing from Vancouver, has been crowned the winner of BBC Young Musician 2024.
Wang, who studies on a music scholarship at the prestigious Eton College in Windsor, delivered a stunning performance of Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto during the Grand Final, which was broadcast across BBC TV, iPlayer, BBC Radio 3, and BBC Sounds.
The BBC reports that Wang’s musical journey began at the age of four, and by five, he had already performed his first solo recital at Carnegie Hall. His impressive résumé includes receiving the Artist Diploma from the École Normale de Musique de Paris in May 2024, where he became the youngest-ever winner of the Prix Cortot. Earlier this year, he also secured First Prize and the audience award at the 18th Animato International Chopin Competition.
The Grand Final, held at Bristol Beacon, saw Wang accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the baton of Ben Gernon. His performance left a lasting impression on the judges, including acclaimed trumpeter Alison Balsom, pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench, and multi-instrumentalist and broadcaster Hannah Catherine Jones.
"One of the great historical performances of 'Rach 2'"
“Ryan Wang is a truly remarkable musician,” said Balsom. “He has an extremely rare ability to communicate something other-worldly – and embody the music. We felt we were witnessing one of the great historical performances of Rach 2.”
Wang expressed his gratitude and disbelief at winning the competition: “This journey has been incredible. I still can't believe this is all happening! I have enjoyed sharing my music with you all so much and I am so grateful for all the support I have received.”
The competition also featured exceptional performances from violinist Shlomi Shahaf and pianist Jacky Zhang, both of whom were finalists. According to Suzy Klein, BBC’s Head of Arts and Classical Music TV, “The BBC Young Musician competition has been an opportunity to revel in the breathtaking talent of some of the finest musicians living in the UK.”