Yuja Wang mentors Royal College of Music pianists in BBC masterclass

Monday 16 December 2024

The Royal College of Music (RCM) hosted a compelling masterclass for RCM pianists led by world-renowned pianist Yuja Wang, filmed for the BBC News channel.

The special session at the Royal College of Music filmed for BBC Arts in Motion, gave three Royal College of Music pianists the unique opportunity to learn from Yuja Wang, who is celebrated globally for her charismatic artistry and captivating stage presence.  

Described earlier this year by The Guardian as ‘dazzling, at times beguiling’, Yuja Wang is also known for her spontaneity in performance, famously telling the New York Times ‘I firmly believe every programme should have its own life and be a representation of how I feel at the moment.’  During the masterclass, she shared valuable insights and her experiences with Royal College of Music pianists Thomas Kelly, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason and Diana Cooper, offering guidance to refine their artistry and encouraging them to express their unique musical voices.

RCM pianist Diana Cooper, reflected on her experiences: ‘Taking part in the masterclass with Yuja Wang was a truly exciting and inspiring experience! I am so grateful to the Royal College of Music for the wide and diverse range of wonderful opportunities they offer to students.’

Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music, commented: ‘We were thrilled to be able to welcome Yuja Wang to the College. Her magnetic personality made a huge impact on our students, and we are delighted that the programme will be available for viewing globally.’

BBC Arts in Motion is a series that unites celebrated cultural icons with emerging talent, with other recent episodes including insights from legendary actor Brian Cox and musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic. 

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or find out more about studying Keyboard at the Royal College of Music. 

Photo courtesy of BBC Studios.