We are delighted to announce that talented pianist Christian Hiemstra (Y8) has reached the final of the elite International Neuchâtel Piano Competition. Christian’s success in the global round earned him a well-deserved place in the professional piano festival final in Switzerland in February, where he will compete with young pianists from all over the world.
Christian’s success follows a highly successful 2022, during which he not only won the Royal College of Music’s annual junior competition but also enjoyed two unique European musical experiences – the first at the summer school for Young Talent at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague in July. His wonderful week culminated in an exhilarating performance of Beethoven’s Piano Trio in G Major.
Christian’s second European adventure took place in the beautiful city of Salzburg at the Universität Mozarteum. Here, under the tutelage of Professor Andreas Weber, he took part in masterclasses each day before performing once again.
Both experiences only furthered Christian’s love of the piano, which he took up at the age of just five. A dedicated young musician (he heads to the Royal College of Music every Saturday as well as practising whenever he can), he has his sights firmly set on studying full-time at the Royal College of Music when his school days are over, with a classical performing career his ultimate goal.
