International piano win for Junior

Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (JRBC) student Max Walsh won first prize at the Liszt Piano Society International Piano Competition on Saturday 22 November. 

The Liszt Piano Society International Piano Competition is an annual event with participants showcasing the music of pianist Franz Liszt. Candidates were required to submit live performances of a free choice of works by Liszt to enter.  

At just 18 years of age, Max was the youngest finalist by five years, with the other performers representing The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Academy of Music, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and The Manhattan School of Music, University of Northern Colorado.  

The jury, comprising of renowned Liszt scholar and concert pianists Leslie Howard, Mark Viner, Melvyn Cooper and former competition winner Stefano Severini, praised Max’s performance for its “depth of interpretation and expressive power”. 

As a result of this achievement, Max will now be eligible for engagements through the Keyboard Charitable Trust, an organisation dedicated to supporting young pianists at the start of their professional careers. His first Keyboard Charitable Trust engagement is due to be a recital at Steinway Hall in London, marking an exciting new chapter in his artistic development. 

Visiting Lecturer and JRBC Keyboard Department Coordinator Jan Loeffler commented: “We are incredibly proud of Max, to triumph in such a distinguished field at his age is an exceptional accomplishment. His dedication, creativity and musical insight are truly inspiring, and this award reflects his remarkable talent and the commitment of the Junior Conservatoire to nurturing young artists of the highest potential.  

“Adding an unexpected twist to the day, Max’s journey to the competition included a puncture on the M40, followed by an impromptu rain-soaked walk along the hard shoulder in windy November weather. It proved, perhaps, that nothing could stop him from reaching the stage and giving the performance of his life to date.” 

Max added: “Competing alongside incredible international pianists was an amazing experience, as was the opportunity to perform in front of renowned Liszt specialists, Leslie Howard, Mark Viner, Melvyn Cooper and Stefano Severini. I was over the moon when I was announced as the winner! 

“The venue, St. Mary’s Perivale, made performing Liszt’s more spiritual works even more special. I was incredibly grateful that my family and Jan came to support me, and that the organisers were so welcoming. I have loved working on Liszt’s lesser-known repertoire with Jan for these past few months; my win is certainly indicative of his incredible teaching, as well as the performance opportunities I received from RBC in preparation for the competition." 

Pictured (l-r): Jan Loeffler, Leslie Howard and Max Walsh.