Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko has been named the winner of the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that draws some of the best talent from around the globe. Performing at the grand finale in Bradford’s St George’s Hall with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra,
Izik-Dzurko’s captivating interpretation of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 won over the competition’s esteemed jury. Alongside the prestigious title, the 24-year-old pianist received several significant awards, including the Dame Fanny Waterman Gold Medal, a £30,000 cash prize, and a series of performance opportunities that are set to propel his career to new heights.
A standout performance with international recognition
Jaeden Izik-Dzurko’s victory marks a monumental achievement for the young Canadian, whose performance in the competition’s final round left audiences and the jury spellbound. Under the baton of Domingo Hindoyan, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Izik-Dzurko demonstrated his extraordinary musicality, technical prowess, and ability to connect deeply with his audience.
The Leeds International Piano Competition, often referred to as “The Leeds,” is one of the most distinguished contests in the classical music world. The competition has a long history of spotlighting exceptional talent, and Izik-Dzurko now joins an elite group of past winners whose careers have blossomed following their success at Leeds.
A career-defining prize package
In addition to the £30,000 prize money and the Dame Fanny Waterman Gold Medal, Izik-Dzurko will embark on a series of international recitals and tours, including a coveted debut at Wigmore Hall in London. He will also perform in concerto engagements with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, with more concerts scheduled through the Steinway Prize Winner Concerts Network and the Global Music Network. These opportunities will take him to stages across the UK, Europe, and beyond, ensuring widespread exposure to international audiences.
Adding to his immediate commitments, Izik-Dzurko is set to reprise his winning performance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music on 22 September 2024, cementing his triumph with a powerful encore.
Jury praises exceptional artistry
The competition’s jury, led by celebrated British pianist Dame Imogen Cooper, commended the remarkable standard of musicianship throughout the event. Speaking on behalf of the jury, Cooper expressed her admiration for all 24 participants, highlighting the exceptional artistry they brought to each stage of the competition.
“Our goal was not just to identify the finest pianist, but the most complete musician,” Cooper explained. “With Jaeden, we found an artist of extraordinary depth, technical brilliance, and compelling musical storytelling.”
The jury’s international panel also included esteemed figures such as Adam Gatehouse, Eleanor Alberga, Ingrid Fliter, and Pavel Kolesnikov, ensuring that the competition maintained its reputation for rigorous standards.
Recognition for fellow competitors
The competition also honoured a diverse array of talents from around the world. Junyan Chen of China won Second Prize and the Marion Thorpe Silver Medal, earning a £18,000 cash award along with concert engagements at Wigmore Hall and with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Chen also took home the inaugural Alexandra Dariescu Award for her performance of a work by a female composer, earning an additional £3,000 and opportunities for further performances in Romania and the UK.
Third place went to Khanh Nhi Luong of Vietnam, who was awarded the Lady Roslyn Lyons Bronze Medal and a £12,000 cash prize. Like Chen, she will have the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues, including the University of Leeds concert series.
Other prize winners included Kai-Min Chang of Taiwan, who secured Fourth Prize, and Julian Trevelyan of the United Kingdom, who took Fifth. Chang was also recognised with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Award for his exceptional communication of contemporary music, and he will receive a commission for a new work to perform with the orchestra.
A celebration of classical music
Beyond the competition stage, the Leeds International Piano Competition serves as a significant platform for classical music promotion. The event was broadcast live worldwide through medici.tv, the Leeds Media Hub, and YouTube, reaching thousands of viewers across continents. BBC Radio 3 also featured the final performances, with highlights of the competition to be broadcast on BBC Four later in the year, allowing a broader audience to witness these extraordinary young talents.
The medici.tv Audience Prize, determined by public vote, was awarded to Japanese semi-finalist Tomoharu Ushida, whose performance will also be featured in a future medici.tv broadcast.
The road ahead for Jaeden Izik-Dzurko
Jaeden Izik-Dzurko’s success at Leeds represents a major milestone in a career that has already seen numerous accolades. He is no stranger to international recognition, having previously won top prizes at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition and the Maria Canals International Music Competition. His passion for contemporary music, particularly works by Canadian composers, is a notable aspect of his artistry.
A graduate of The Juilliard School and the University of British Columbia, Izik-Dzurko continues to refine his craft under the mentorship of some of the world’s leading pianists. His performances are widely praised for their emotional depth and technical mastery, qualities that were abundantly evident throughout the Leeds competition.
As Izik-Dzurko embarks on the next chapter of his musical journey, his win at Leeds is sure to serve as a springboard for further success, opening doors to even greater opportunities on the world’s most prestigious stages.
What’s next
While the 2024 edition of the Leeds International Piano Competition has drawn to a close, the legacy of the event endures. The next competition is scheduled for 2027, promising to once again bring together the brightest young pianists from across the globe.
For those eager to relive the magic of this year’s competition, a live EP featuring selections from Jaeden Izik-Dzurko’s winning performance will be released on Warner Classics on 11 October 2024. A full studio recording will follow, further showcasing the extraordinary talent that captivated the Leeds audience.
With each edition, the Leeds International Piano Competition continues to celebrate and nurture the finest pianistic talent, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of classical music. Jaeden Izik-Dzurko’s victory in 2024 is yet another testament to the competition’s role in shaping the future of classical piano.
A prestigious event with global impact
The Leeds International Piano Competition has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the world of classical music since its founding in 1963. With its strong ties to institutions such as BBC, University of Leeds, and global streaming leader medici.tv, the competition offers a platform for young musicians to shine on the international stage.
As for Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, his triumph marks not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the future of classical music. His career is poised to flourish, thanks to the invaluable exposure and opportunities that come with this prestigious win.
The journey of this exceptional pianist is one to watch, as he continues to inspire audiences with his extraordinary artistry.
