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Postgraduate pianist claims top Prize with electrifying Shostakovich concerto.

The 2021 Soloists’ Competition saw pianist Bo Lyu, violinist Camille Buitenhuis and pianist Jinah Shim compete in an outstanding final at Blackheath Halls for the chance to perform with Trinity Laban’s Shapeshifter Orchestra.

This year, the competition was adjudicated by Assistant Director of Music and Head of Programmes David Bahanovich, celebrated Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu and leading violinist Nathaniel Anderson-Frank, who praised the high standard of all three competitors.

After an incredibly close competition, the expert panel crowned Bo Lyu the winner for his engaging and masterful performance of Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor Op 35 accompanied by Yuchong Wu. Watch in full on TL YouTube.

Alexandra Dariescu comments –

“It was a joy being part of this panel and listening to such talented students. I was incredibly impressed by their technical brilliance and musical understanding. With explosive dynamics and precise articulation, Bo impressed through his vision of the concerto, assurance and utter commitment.”

David Bahanovich comments –

“During these extraordinary times, the opportunity to hear live music performed by such outstanding young artists was a genuine treat and one sensed that they cherished the chance to share their music making with others. Each of the three soloists demonstrated exceptional interpretive insight, skill, and flair.

On winning, Bo comments –

“I am very glad to have been chosen as the winner of the 2021 competition. I enjoyed playing Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor. This piece has always inspired me the power of music, and it is lovely to share the music with the audience and jury in this difficult time. I am looking forward to performing this great music with Trinity Laban’s Shapeshifter Orchestra.”

Bo is currently studying his Postgraduate Advanced Diploma at Trinity Laban with Sergio De Simone and Martino Tirimo. His studies are generously supported by the Trinity College London Scholarship, the Leverhulme Trust Scholarship, the GREAT China Scholarship, the Helen Roll Trust Scholarship, Help Musicians UK, the Sterndale Bennett Scholarship, Pisani Scholarship and Derek Butler London trusts and foundation. Bo is also an Artist in Mousikos Classical Company.

Since winning first prize at the Norah Sande Award Piano Competition in 2018, Bo has gone on to claim several Top prizes in numerous competitions including Jaques Samuel Intercollegiate Piano Competition in Wigmore Hall and Windsor International Piano Competition. Recent performances include a Solo recital in the Oundle International Music Festival, Benjamin Britten Young Apollo, Op.16 with the Dartington Festival Orchestra and Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No.2 with St John’s Chamber Orchestra at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead.

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