UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 24 MARCH 2022
Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Music (Professional Performance) graduate and pianist Edward Leung won the inaugural Birmingham International Piano Chamber Music Competition (BIPCMC) in 2018, performing with violinist Usha Kapoor.
Together they rose to the top, among 40 competitors from 11 different countries. As part of their prize, they will perform at the Wigmore Hall in London on 27 April.
Edward and Usha also received several concert engagements, a cash prize, mentorship and a debut recording with Resonus Classics. Covid-19 interrupted many of these engagements, but they will make this debut recording over the summer, for release in 2023.
During Edward’s studies at RBC, he played numerous solo and chamber music performances, studying with International Chair in Piano Pascal Nemirovski.
Festival Director and RBC Head of Piano in Chamber Music Daniel Tong said: “Edward and Usha gave stunning performances on their way to winning the 2018 competition. I am so happy that after all our Covid-19 frustrations, they are finally able to make their Wigmore Hall debut. They are worth travelling a long way to see!”
The second edition of the competition, as part of the Birmingham International Piano Chamber Music Festival, will take place at RBC this coming November. As before, all applicants will be heard. Faculty and jury members will perform alongside RBC students and the competing young ensembles, as well as taking part in masterclasses to create a collegiate atmosphere. The grand finale will be livestreamed by Classic FM.
Find more information and booking details for the Wigmore Hall performance here.