Musical maestros: 2023 Pianist grand finale

Nimble fingers dance across ivory keys

creating melody that fills the air

and touches the soul.

Notes carefully crafted 

and played with passion

transform Wellington grand theatre

into a symphony of paradise

where time stands still 

and only music exists.

The atmosphere was electric as the grand finale of the 2023 Pianist of the Year Competition drew to a close in the Grand Theatre last Friday evening. The audience held their breath as the first notes rang out, captivated by the beauty and power of the music. The competition was planned and organised by the Music Department to present a platform for pupils to showcase their talent and challenge themselves. We were also excited to have invited Xupei Wang and Jisiyu Zhang from the Lang Lang Academy as part of our judging panel.   

The grand finale was a stunning crescendo of talent, as performers from various grade levels graced the stage and captivated the audience with their enchanting melodies. Their exceptional skills and in-depth musical abilities were on full display, leaving teachers, pupils and parents spellbound and immersed in the charm of the music. 

Following a fierce competition, Cheryl, Isabella and Alyssa were worthy winners in their respective groups with Cheryl emerging triumphant overall with her performance of Rondo Capriccioso, Andante Op.14. Her passionate and mesmerising performance took the audience on a musical journey filled with fantasy and romance. 

Read on as we revisit some of the amazing highlights from the evening of the grand finale. 

「Felix Mendelssohn」

Rondo Capriccioso, Andante Op.14

This is a popular classical piano piece by Mendelssohn, composed between 1828 and 1830, but some believe that it was written even earlier. In the 1828 version, the piece was called ‘Etude’ and showcased the composer's skill while providing pianists with the opportunity to refine their technical abilities. Two years later, Mendelssohn revised it and dedicated it to the German pianist Delphine von Schauroth, and renamed the piece ‘Rondo Capriccioso’. 

The piece consists of two sections: the ‘Caprice and the ‘Rondo’. The Caprice part is played in E major at an andante tempo, with a sentimental and expressive melody; meanwhile, the Rondo part is in E minor at a presto tempo, featuring a cheerful and lively melody. 

「Chopin」

Fantasie lmpromptu Op.66 

This is the fourth impromptu by Chopin, published as his posthumous work in 1855 with the title ‘Fantaisie’ and the note ‘composed for Baroness de Rothschild’. 

This piece of music is divided into four sections. The first part is played in C sharp minor at a fast tempo and full of fantasy. The second part is in D flat major offers a smooth and beautiful melody. The third part is a reprise of the first and the ending has a dramatic and fantastic conclusion culminating with a final chord in C sharp major. 

Choonmon Lee

Head of music

• Master's degree in Conducting, The Royal Academy of Music (full scholarship)

• Nominated for "The Best Romantic Period Conductor" by the BBC London Orchestra

• Michael Van Dessel Choral Conducting Scholar Award

• Performed as a pianist with the Peace Proms Orchestra

The school piano competition has the goal of creating a platform for our talented pupils to showcase their musical abilities. The primary motivation was to foster a deeper appreciation for music within our school community and provide a space for pupils to express themselves through the art of piano playing.  

When planning the competition, I aimed to create an inclusive and supportive environment. The selection of judges was a crucial step, and we made sure to choose individuals with a diverse background in music to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the participant's performances.  

Like any event, we faced certain challenges during the organising process. However, our dedicated team worked together to address these challenges and ensure the smooth execution of the competition.  

One of the highlights of the event was witnessing the incredible talent displayed by our pupils. We had some truly memorable performances that showcased not only musical skill but also the passion and dedication these young musicians bring to their craft.  

I believe the competition has had a positive impact on our participants. We've seen growth in their musical abilities, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of community among the pupils. The engagement from parents, teachers, and fellow pupils has been heartening, contributing to the overall success of the event. 

Music and art education have an essential place in the curriculum at Wellington College Hangzhou. The annual Pianist of the Year Competition serves as a significant opportunity for pupils to showcase their talent and improve their skills. It also aligns with our core values of kindness, responsibility, respect, courage and integrity. During the finale, we witnessed the pupils achieving their musical aspirations and displaying boundless potential. We aim to enhance their intrinsic motivation for self-improvement and inspire them to pursue their goals by providing similar competitions and activities in the future. 

The successful conclusion of the annual Pianist of the Year Competition not only highlights our accomplishments in music education but also encourages the ongoing growth of our pupils in the area of the arts. In future, Wellington College Hangzhou will strive to reinforce its commitment to arts education by offering more opportunities for pupils to perform and interact with peers. 

In addition, we will collaborate with other schools and organisations to facilitate music exchanges that promote the growth and awareness of music education. Through partnerships with such renowned institutions as Lang Lang Academy, Wellington College Hangzhou can invite accomplished musicians and experts from both local and international communities to provide coaching, lectures and performances on campus. These initiatives will help broaden our pupils’ horizons, enrich their artistic experiences and deepen their appreciation of the arts.