Young Hong Kong pianist Shum Tseng-tou has won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. In addition to a prize of $100,000 (MYR 423,000), he will also receive a comprehensive and personalized career management service for three years, including concerts, artistic support, and promotional activities.
Shum Tseng-tou also won the 'Audience Award,' voted by over 9,000 audience members, earning an additional $2,500 (MYR 10,500).
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is one of the most prestigious events in the classical music world. Founded in 1962, this edition saw 340 pianists from 45 countries and regions register, with 28 invited to perform live. Finalists each had to play four hours of musical works.
The 29-year-old Shum Tseng-tou was born and raised in Hong Kong. He started playing the piano at the age of three and has won numerous local and international piano awards. He has also performed for royal families or dignitaries of various countries, including former Chinese President Hu Jintao and King Charles III of the United Kingdom.
