The Leeds International Piano Competition has announced a major new chapter with the appointment of British pianist Sir Stephen Hough as Artistic Director and Chair of the Jury for its 2027 competition.
The announcement comes as applications open for the next edition of ‘The Leeds’, one of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions. Sir Stephen, widely regarded as one of the most distinctive musical voices of his generation, is internationally acclaimed as a concert pianist, composer and writer. His appointment is expected to bring fresh artistic vision, imagination and wide-ranging musical insight to ‘The Leeds’ 2027. The competition will culminate in Leeds in September 2027, with the Second Round and Semi-Finals taking place at the Great Hall of the University of Leeds, followed by the Concerto Finals at Leeds Town Hall. International First Rounds will be held in spring 2027.
Sir Stephen has worked closely with the Leeds International Piano Competition to introduce some of the most significant artistic reforms in its recent history, reshaping the role of an international music competition in the 21st century. The changes highlight the Competition’s commitment to discovering exceptional artists, while moving beyond the traditional focus on testing competitors under pressure.
Instead, the refreshed approach aims to give pianists a platform to reveal their individuality, artistry and musical identity to audiences around the world.
Sir Stephen Hough, Artistic Director and Chair of the Jury of The Leeds International Piano Competition said:
“From my childhood I was in awe of The Leeds. For this young pianist it was both exciting and an unattainable goal as the whole nation sat glued to the television – not for the Wimbledon or World Cup finals but to witness the finest piano playing. Now, some 50 years later, I’m honoured to be part of The Leeds’ reimagining.
“What is a Competition for? For me it should not be like being at the Colosseum watching gladiators knock each other out. Rather, I wanted to create a situation where the most talented, imaginative young pianists are given a platform to show us who they are and what music they love. In an age when the concert experience competes with innumerable entertainment and cultural options, we want to discover artists who can captivate the jurors and the audience over the course of an evening – and make us come back for more, for decades.”
Fiona Sinclair, CEO of The Leeds International Piano Competition said:
“Sir Stephen’s appointment and our refreshed thinking for the next Competition signal both our artistic ambition and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions about competition design. Leeds 2027 represents a defining moment for the Competition.
“Working in partnership with Stephen, we have reflected on the role of international competitions today and how they can best serve artists in a changing musical landscape. The result is a Competition designed not simply to test pianists, but to discover distinctive artistic voices — creating space for individuality, imagination and authenticity, while providing meaningful support for artists beyond the Competition itself. This is about shaping a future in which The Leeds continues to set the standard for artistic excellence and remains a platform where artists can build lasting careers.”
By giving competitors complete freedom in their choice of repertoire, the Leeds International Piano Competition aims to allow pianists to play to their strengths and present a more personal and authentic picture of themselves as artists. The approach is designed to offer audiences and jurors a deeper insight into the performer behind the music, while maintaining the high artistic standards for which ‘The Leeds’ is renowned.
Organisers say the change will also open the door to a broader and more diverse range of repertoire, including works that have never previously been performed at the Competition. Sir Stephen has assembled a world-class international jury for the 2027 Competition. The panel includes pianists Piotr Anderszewski, Lucas Debargue, Janina Fialkowska, Alexander Gavrylyuk, Orli Shaham, Yeol Eum Son and former Leeds prize-winner Kathryn Stott, alongside the Master of the King’s Music, composer Errollyn Wallen.
‘The Leeds’ already offers one of the most comprehensive prize packages of any international music competition, including representation and management, recording opportunities, concert tours, coaching and further support through partners such as Askonas Holt, Warner Classics and Steinway & Sons. For 2027, the value of First Prize will rise to £50,000. The Competition is also developing a new Prize-Winners’ Circle Award, designed to provide tailored support according to each artist’s individual needs and stage of career development, identifying where assistance could have the greatest impact.
A broader range of prizes will also create new opportunities for competitors to gain recognition in 2027. These include a new Encore Prize, celebrating imagination, communication and artistic individuality, and a Leeds Piano Trail Prize, awarded for a compelling vision for a community-focused artistic project.
The Leeds Piano Trail Prize reflects the Competition’s commitment to strengthening the connection between the internationally renowned event and its home city. Building on the success of initiatives such as the Leeds Piano Trail, which has brought more than 35 public pianos to locations across the city, as well as a growing programme of community activity, the prize will support a winner to develop and deliver an ambitious community-focused project for World Piano Day 2028.
The award aims to create meaningful engagement between international artists and local audiences, celebrating the piano in imaginative and accessible ways. The new awards add to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society’s prize for Contemporary Music, which has led to two new orchestral commissions by leading British composers Errollyn Wallen and Eleanor Alberga. Organisers say the initiatives are helping to expand the repertoire of British piano music while giving more artists more ways to shine than ever before.
The Leeds International Piano Competition is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious prizes in classical music. Since its founding in 1963, it has been a trailblazer among international music competitions and has played a significant role in shaping the world of classical piano.
Applications for the 2027 Competition will open via The Leeds International Piano Competition website at www.leedspiano.com
