PIANO COMPETITION
LONDON SEASON OF EXCELLENCE
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About
The London Season of Excellence is an international piano competition and festival celebrating musical excellence, creativity, and cultural connection. Endorsed by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and held at Steinway Hall London, the event embraces the spirit of celebration and opportunity through music during the most festive season of the year.
This special event offers young pianists a meaningful opportunity to perform on a world-class stage, share their artistry with the public, and experience music as a source of inspiration and joy. Students from underserved communities are given priority to participate, reflecting the event’s deep commitment to access and inclusivity.
Participation Requirements
Age Divisions
Junior Division: Ages 8–12
Senior Division: Ages 13–18
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Preliminary Round (Video Submission)
Applicants are required to submit a recent video recording (made within the past six months) featuring one freely chosen solo piano work.
Junior Division: up to 5 minutes
Senior Division: up to 10 minutes
Final Round (In-Person)
Selected finalists will be invited to perform at Steinway Hall London under the same repertoire and time guidelines:
Junior Division: up to 5 minutes
Senior Division: up to 10 minutes
Application & Fees
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Application Fee : £50
Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation Presents
London Season of Excellence Piano Competition 2025
Co - Director
Jung Eun Hong
" I'm passionate about creating opportunities for young pianists from around the world to connect, learn, and share their artistry in one of the world's most vibrant musical cities - fostering access for all and celebrating music as a universal language."
Co - Director
Peter James
"This Competition is dedicated to students who may not have access to the same resources, but whose dedication and love for music deserve to be celebrated. It's about giving them a platform to share their talent and dreams."
Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation Presents
Co - Director
Jung Eun Hong
" I'm passionate about creating opportunities for young pianists from around the world to connect, learn, and share their artistry in one of the world's most vibrant musical cities - fostering access for all and celebrating music as a universal language."
"This Competition is dedicated to students who may not have access to the same resources, but whose dedication and love for music deserve to be celebrated. It's about giving them a platform to share their talent and dreams."
Co - Director
Peter James
London Season of Excellence Piano Competition 2025
Khanh Nhi Luong
Adjudicator
pianist
Third Prize Winner at the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024
Vietnamese pianist Khanh Nhi Luong won Third Prize & The Lady Roslyn Lyons Bronze Medal at the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024. Praised for her vivid artistry and commanding stage presence, she continues to gain recognition as a dynamic performer on the international stage. Her debut album will be released by Signum Records, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.
Upcoming solo engagements include appearances in Michigan and North Carolina (USA), Leeds, Vienna, and London (Wigmore Hall). In summer 2025, Khanh Nhi will perform at the Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker festival in Germany as part of the Steinway Prizewinner Concert Series.
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Guest Artist
Mia Pečnik
pianist
Royal College of Music
Recognized as one of Croatia’s most promising young pianists, Mia Pečnik has gained international attention for her expressive artistry and technical mastery. She completed her Master’s degree at HfMT Köln under Prof. Andreas Frölich and is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Royal College of Music in London with Prof. Dmitri Alexeev. Career highlights include being named Young Musician of the Year by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and receiving Croatia’s prestigious “Oscar of Knowledge” award, the country’s highest recognition for exceptional academic and artistic achievements.
Mia has won over 80 first and special prizes at international competitions and has participated in renowned events such as the Telekom Beethoven Competition Bonn and Paderewski Competition, and was a semifinalist at the Liszt Competition Utrecht. In 2025, she became a finalist at the 26th Piano FVG Biennial International Piano Competition, which will feature her in both a solo recital and an orchestral performance in Italy.
Guest Artist
Aidan Siqi Zhao
pianist
Lang Lang Young Scholar
Aidan Siqi Zhao, aged 14, is a highly gifted young musician currently studying in Year 10 at King’s College School, London. He is a dual-instrumentalist, learning both piano and violin as first instruments at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, where he continues to flourish artistically. Aidan previously performed as a member of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to orchestral performance.
Aidan is presently studying piano under the guidance of Professor Ian Jones at the Royal College of Music, receiving mentorship that has helped shape his expressive and mature musical voice. His talent has attracted national attention; in 2021, he was interviewed by BBC News in recognition of his musical achievements.
In February 2024, Aidan was selected as a Young Scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, one of the most prestigious programmes worldwide for emerging young pianists. Through this opportunity, he has received invaluable support in the form of performance engagements, artistic development, and masterclasses with distinguished musicians.
© 2025 by Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation
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Guest Artist
Aidan Siqi Zhao
pianist
Lang Lang Young Scholar
Aidan Siqi Zhao, aged 14, is a highly gifted young musician currently studying in Year 10 at King’s College School, London. He is a dual-instrumentalist, learning both piano and violin as first instruments at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, where he continues to flourish artistically. Aidan previously performed as a member of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to orchestral performance.
Aidan is presently studying piano under the guidance of Professor Ian Jones at the Royal College of Music, receiving mentorship that has helped shape his expressive and mature musical voice. His talent has attracted national attention; in 2021, he was interviewed by BBC News in recognition of his musical achievements.
In February 2024, Aidan was selected as a Young Scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, one of the most prestigious programmes worldwide for emerging young pianists. Through this opportunity, he has received invaluable support in the form of performance engagements, artistic development, and masterclasses with distinguished musicians.