Canadian pianist Tony Siqi Yun wins first prize at China International Music Competition

18-year-old Canadian pianist Tony Siqi Yun has been announced as the first ever winner of the China International Music Competition, the new competition created by the China Conservatory of Music and Global Music Education League. He receives a first prize of $150,000, a gold medal and representation with Opus 3 Artists in the United States and Europe and Armstrong Music and Arts in China which, combined, will coordinate three years of international concert tours.

Second prize was awarded to Alexander Malofeev (Russia), whilst third prize went to MacKenzie Melemed (USA).

Tony Siqi Yun takes a bow after his winning performance

After a virtuosic performance of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the jury chaired by Yoheved Kaplinsky announced him the winner at the National Centre for Performing Arts on Monday 20 May.

Pianist editor Erica Worth attended the finals and was thrilled with the results. 'A great sense of relief came over me when President of the China International Music Competition, Wang Liguang, read out Tony's name. Tony is a true poet of the keyboard. Expressive, and with his own distinct voice, yet elegant and poised. A true poet. I look forward to seeing his career blossom.'

Tony Siqi Yun during the Final of the China International Music Competition with the Philadelphia Orchestra

Of his win, the Canadian commented, 'Words cannot express how I feel to have been awarded the Gold Medal of the China International Music Competition. It has been an extraordinary time in Beijing, and I am so grateful to the jury and everyone here who have been such great colleagues.'

Audiences around the world were able to watch the finals live for free on medici.tv and they will remain available to online audiences on replay for one month from today, playable on all devices.