Year 8 student Tony Yun (Canada) from Dulwich College Beijing was recently awarded first prize in the CCTV 2014 Piano Competition. The prestigious competition is held every three years and attracts a large number of talented participants who travel to Beijing from all over China. Competing in the “15 and under professional” category, Yun was the youngest of the three finalists and played Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor (third movement) as his final round piece. Notably, Yun played the piece with the China Philharmonic Orchestra in front of a live TV audience. Tony answers a few questions about playing piano and his recent win.
When did you get started playing piano?
I started playing piano at four years old. Now I play 3-4 hours during school days and 5-6 hours on weekends and holidays. I will practice more if I am preparing for a concert.
Where you nervous to play in front of so many people?
I felt nervous at the CCTV competition much more than other competitions and performances. I think it is because of the intensity of the competition. The atmosphere of the scene made me feel a little stressed.
How does it feel to be the youngest of the three finalists?
I didn’t think too much about the age. I just wanted to play well.
Do you hope to play piano as a profession or do you consider it more of a hobby?
My dream is to become a concert pianist. I love music and I really enjoy playing on the stage.
Photos: Courtesy of Dulwich College Beijing
