Two RIAM Junior students have earned top prizes at the Eighth Scottish International Youth Piano Competition, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.
Louise Byrne, a student of Ray Keary, was awarded First Prize in the Junior Division for pianists aged 12 to 14. Grace Bai, who studies with Hugh Tinney, received Second Prize in the Senior Division for pianists aged 15 to 17.
The final round took place on Friday, 24 July, bringing together young pianists of exceptional potential from around the world. Competitors presented free-choice solo recital programmes before a jury of members of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Keyboard Faculty, chaired by Professor Fali Pavri, Head of Keyboard.
Both Louise and Grace delivered outstanding performances in the Ledger Recital Room, performing on a full-size Bösendorfer concert grand piano. Their playing drew warm praise from members of the jury and placed them among the leading young pianists in their respective age groups.
The competition concluded the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s annual Piano Summer School, in which both students participated throughout the week. The programme offered an intensive experience of conservatoire study, with individual coaching and classes led by members of the RCS faculty.
Congratulations to Louise, Grace and their teachers, Ray Keary and Hugh Tinney, on this wonderful international achievement.