Ryan Zhu (piano) – Sylva Gelber

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Pianist Ryan Zhu is a lover of learning. As the recipient of the 2024 Sylva Gelber Music Foundation award and the Walter Prystawski Prize, it is impossible to deny Zhu’s skill. However, Zhu does not allow himself to plateau at his current standard of excellence. He finds inspiration and lessons in every aspect of his musical journey from the advice of his early teachers to the way nervousness can highlight “wonderful nuances” in a piece. This willingness to be open to life’s lessons has allowed Zhu to carve out his musical identity, helped by the many muses and educators surrounding him.

Zhu recently competed in the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition and calls it “one of the best performing experiences of my life.” Recognizing that Leeds is among the most prestigious music competitions in the world, Zhu refers to his experience there as “transformative.” He ranks the competition as his favourite musical experience to date, but admits that this is always changing. “To pursue music is to constantly learn more about oneself, others and music,” says Zhu. “Our perception and abilities are constantly being rewritten.”

Looking toward the future, Zhu hopes to keep expanding performance opportunities—but this isn’t his sole benchmark for success. Citing his love for learning, Zhu feels there is no end to the path, only an ongoing journey of discovery and self-development. “There is something so incredibly enticing about searching for something so elusive and immaterial, yet so vital and close to my heart,” says the young pianist from Vancouver, B.C.