RCM Junior Department triumphs in Moscow

Friday 5 April 2019

Royal College of Music (RCM) Junior Department pianist Jacky Xiaoyu Zhang has been named joint winner of the III Vladimir Krainev Moscow International Piano Competition alongside Ryan Martin Bradshaw. The prize for first place included the opportunity to participate in a concert with the Moscow City Symphony – Russian Philharmonic, whom he performed with in the final.

Ten-year-old Jacky was the youngest finalist, and delivered an impressive performance of Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto no 2 in G minor op 22 at the Moscow International House of Music. Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard & Associate Director for Partnerships in China, was part of the international jury including RCM alumnus Alexander Romanovsky, the competition’s Artistic Director, and celebrated Russian pianist Vladimir Ovchinnikov.

Professor Vanessa Latarche comments:
‘I am incredibly proud of Jacky. He performed for a 1,000-strong audience with such confidence and charisma. Supporting the musicians of the future is vital for both the RCM and the industry as a whole, so moments like these are truly special.’

During the gala concert he also shared the stage with renowned conductor and violinist Vladimir Spivakov and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia. Jacky is currently learning with Jianing Kong and Dmitri Alexeev in the RCM Junior Department. He is also a talented composer and conductor.

Miranda Francis, Head of Junior Programmes and Area Leader for Aural Training adds:
‘It has been a pleasure to watch Jacky flourish as a musician and performer since he joined the Junior Department in 2015. I can’t wait to see this exciting new talent go from strength to strength.’