Sir Stephen Hough to Lead Relaunched Leeds Piano Competition

Sir Stephen Hough will lead the relaunched Leeds International Piano Competition as its artistic director, initiating significant reforms to the triennial contest. The competition, which began in 1963, will see its upper age limit increased to 35 for the 2027 event. Competitors will also be granted complete freedom in selecting their repertoire, allowing for a diverse range of musical choices from composers like Couperin to Copland, and Boulez to Busoni. This emphasis on free choice aims to highlight individuality and imagination among the participants. Hough will also chair an international jury composed of esteemed pianists Piotr Anderszewski, Lucas Debargue, Yeol Eum Son, and Kathryn Stott, alongside composer Errollyn Wallen, the Master of the King’s Music. These changes are designed to modernize the competition and foster a more expressive environment for emerging pianists.