Paul Lewis and Adam Gatehouse, the new joint Artistic Directors of the Leeds International Piano Competition, have outlined their vision for the future of one of the world’s most renowned piano competitions. At the heart of their new plans is a desire to ensure that ‘The Leeds’ builds on its position as among the most coveted prizes in the piano world. This year’s competition sees the creation of an enriched programme of events and activities in Leeds for audiences and participants, including a new chamber music element in the semi-final, as well as international first rounds in Berlin, New York and Singapore, a new global partnership with medici.tv to stream all the rounds worldwide, new partnerships with London’s Wigmore Hall and Southbank Centre for a new Leeds Piano Festival and more.
Paul Lewis spoke about the vital importance of being nurtured and supported in the early stages of his career. “I am determined that with Adam we develop on Dame Fanny’s incredible legacy to grow the Leeds International Piano Competition into a competition that is so much more than the heats and finals,” he said.
Adam Gatehouse agrees. “In a fast changing world, the Leeds International Piano Competition is now engaging in a richer and more fulfilling experience for participants and audiences as its imaginative programme of activities alongside the competition expands and becomes truly international. The Leeds presents exciting opportunities that we hope artists, audiences and supporters will embrace”.
