Seventeen-year-old pianist Ryan Wang, hailing from Vancouver, Canada, and a student on a music scholarship at Eton College, Windsor, has emerged as the victor of the prestigious BBC Young Musician 2024 competition.
The Grand Final of the competition was recently aired on various BBC platforms, with the talented saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam serving as the presenter. Ryan’s musical journey began at the tender age of four, and by five, he had already dazzled audiences with his first solo recital at Carnegie Hall. His impressive credentials include receiving his Artist Diploma at the École Normale de Musique de Paris in France, where he became the youngest ever winner of the Prix Cortot.
During the Grand Final, Ryan captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance of Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the baton of conductor Ben Gernon. His rendition left the judging panel, consisting of renowned musicians Alison Balsom, Alexis Ffrench, and Hannah Catherine Jones, in awe of his exceptional talent and emotional depth.
Reflecting on his victory, Ryan Wang expressed his gratitude for the support and praised the competition for providing him with the opportunity to meet exceptional musicians. He eagerly anticipates sharing his musical journey with audiences worldwide and dreams of performing in concert halls around the globe.
The BBC Young Musician competition has a long history of showcasing extraordinary talents, with past winners including acclaimed artists like Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Nicola Benedetti, and Mark Simpson. Ryan Wang now joins the ranks of these illustrious musicians, poised to make a significant mark in the classical music world.
Looking ahead, the BBC Young Jazz Musician competition is set to return in its 10th Anniversary year, highlighting emerging jazz talents in the UK. The competition offers a platform for young jazz musicians to shine and follows the success of past winners like double bassist Ewan Hastie.
As Ryan Wang embarks on his promising musical career, audiences can expect to witness his artistry unfold on both national and international stages. His victory at the BBC Young Musician 2024 competition marks the beginning of a bright and dazzling journey filled with music, passion, and boundless talent.