Shortlist announced for The Leeds International Piano Competition 2018

Organisers of the world famous triennial competition said it was eight more than they originally planned due to the “extraordinarily high quality of applicants.”

The shortlist, which features five British nationals, was announced yesterday ahead of the first rounds which will take place in Berlin, Singapore and New York in April.

It is the first time the competition, known as The Leeds’, has held an international round the winners of which will head to Yorkshire for the finals.

Adam Gatehouse, Co-Artistic Director and juror, said: “We are thrilled that so many extraordinary young pianists applied, particularly considering that the entry requirements are tougher than before, with the introduction of a chamber music element and with candidates having to prepare more repertoire than ever.

“Although The Leeds has such a strong track record in identifying and supporting new talent, we were astonished by the sheer quality of applicants and are delighted that our many developments have yielded so much potential.

“All of the 68 players selected have something special to bring and the selection process has been extremely rigorous and difficult. We greatly look forward to hearing them live in the first ever international First Round in Berlin, Singapore and New York and we are sure that some truly exceptional talents will come to the fore in what promises to be a hugely exciting competition.”

The competition was co-founded by Dame Fanny Waterman and first staged in September 1963. Previous winners include Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu.