On Monday 13 January, Ryan Wang placed first in The Sixth Canadian Chopin Piano Competition.
Over three days Ryan competed in the Senior Division for pianists born between 1995 and 2009.
He was among the five finalists chosen to perform in Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada where each played the Polonaise Fantasie and their choice of Chopin piano concerto. Ryan chose Concerto in E minor op. 11.
“It felt surreal,” Ryan said. “I’ve played Chopin all my life and it’s been my dream since I was very young.”
From the beginning of his musical journey at age four, becoming an Etonian Music Scholar at 13, and winning BBC Young Musician last October, Ryan’s talent as a pianist has only grown. Reflecting on his five years at the School, Ryan said: “The whole Music Department has shaped me into the musician I am.”
For four years, Ryan worked closely with Gareth Owen, who until last summer was Head of Piano at Eton and supported Ryan throughout his achievements. “[Mr Owen] is always kind and understanding. Whenever he travels with me, I always feel very reassured. It boosts my confidence.” Reflecting on his broader experience at Eton, Ryan said he is “very grateful that they support me and care about my journey.”
On returning to Eton, Ryan threw himself back into College life where he is currently studying four A Levels: Maths, Economics, Latin, and Music. “If I had gone to a specialist music school it would have been all about music,” he added. “I’ve learned so many things about the world but also about myself here. It’s really helped me grow as a human being; I think that’s the Eton experience.”
Aside from academic pursuits, Ryan is heavily involved in co-curricular activities: playing chamber music, acting as Secretary of Disability Awareness, and as Director of Art for his Boarding House.
He also enjoyed performing at Windsor Castle last September where he worked with Tim Johnson, Precentor & Director Music at Eton College. “He made my job as a soloist very easy. I respect him a lot.”
Ryan’s win means he will compete in the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw this October. When looking towards the future, Ryan said: “You have to go with the flow and life will sort itself out. I just want to keep performing.”
