Winnie Su Wins Sydney Eisteddfod Kawai Piano Scholarship 2022

Winnie Su from Ryde, NSW took out the coveted 2022 Sydney Eisteddfod Kawai Piano Scholarship with an award-winning rendition of Beethoven’s Sonata no. 30 in E major, Op. 109. Winnie was awarded $12,000, comprising a $10,000 scholarship and a $2,000 cash prize sponsored by Kawai Australia.   

Four talented young competed in the final of this prestigious competition, playing one major work in front of adjudicators Brenda Jones, Tony Lee and Jerry Wong, at the Zenith Theatre in Chatswood, Sydney, NSW on Friday August 5, 2022. 

Each year, young pianists aged 17-26 enter this event, held at a level required to develop a professional career. This year’s competition attracted 20 emerging pianists from across Australia. 

Winnie Su discovered the piano at the age of 7 and was awarded her LMusA by the age of 14 as a student of Margaret Hair. She is currently completing her undergraduate at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, under the guidance of Graham Scott. Winnie made her first concerto soloist appearance at 13, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 1, followed by a performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, the following year. 

“Sydney Eisteddfod connected me with many talented, like-minded individuals, some of whom became my dearest friends. In a way, we almost grew up together through our meetings at Sydney Eisteddfod, and it is such a pleasure to experience the fruit of their hard work every time we meet. More than just a supportive environment however, I find the Eisteddfod to be a valuable learning opportunity as I listen to the peers and competitors before and after my turn.  It is an honour to be able to gain valuable feedback and insight from the respectable and experienced adjudicators at Sydney Eisteddfod.  My relationship with the stage and the piano is continually shifting, and I am grateful to Sydney Eisteddfod for providing a platform for young artists like me to explore ourselves”  says Winnie.

The other finalists, Maryann Gou from Auburn, Oscar Wong from Gold Coast QLD, and Joshua Han from Beaumont Hills, each received $500, sponsored by The Estate of the late John Allison AM. Joshua Han, was also invited to compete in the 2022 Fine Music Young Virtuoso State Award Final on Sunday, 9 October 2022, at The Founders Studio, Fine Music Sydney 2MBS.