Yorkshire plays key role on world’s musical map

Almost two million people in the region will hear or play public pianos as part of this year’s Leeds International Piano Competition, which brings a new Piano Trail to Bradford.

Testing the talents of renowned pianists aged 20-29 from all over the world, the triennial competition has put Yorkshire on the musical map, with the support of the University of Leeds, since the contest’s inception in 1963.

As well as being streamed and broadcast to global audiences, the competition – affectionately known as ‘The Leeds’ – will bring the magic of the piano to an estimated 1.8 million people in Yorkshire who will play or hear public pianos on the competition’s famous Piano Trail, which has this year expanded into Bradford.

We’ve been finding the top pianists in classical music with the University of Leeds since the sixties, and this festival of piano is all about the amazing people who play this beautiful instrument.

Fiona Sinclair, CEO of the Leeds International Piano Competition

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “Arts and culture bring people together, bridging borders and language barriers – the Leeds International Piano Competition is a fantastic example of this. Putting Yorkshire on the world’s musical map and maintaining a reputation for excellence for more than 60 years, The Leeds is a cornerstone of culture in our region.

“The University’s collaboration with the competition creates exciting opportunities all year round, including performances by renowned musicians as part of our International Concert Series, and fulfilling placements with the competition’s team of staff taken up by talented students.

“It is fantastic to see the regional reach of this global competition expand into Bradford this year, as our neighbour and partner hosts the competition finals as well as a fantastic additional piano trail, ahead of taking up its City of Culture status in 2025.”

Harmonious collaboration

The School of Music’s prestigious Steinway pianos will take their place on the world stage too, as the competition’s second rounds (11-13 September) and semi-finals (15-17 September) are held in the University’s historic Great Hall.

This year’s contest is being delivered with the support of 10 talented University of Leeds students working as interns, with roles in marketing, finance, production and one specially created research internship to support the competition in reducing its carbon footprint.

Working under the supervision of experts at the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, Leeds MSc Sustainable Cities student Palavi Kalambe undertook a five-month part-time internship. Palavi established a detailed emissions inventory for the competition, implemented a streamlined monitoring process, and developed a set of recommendations for reducing emissions and responsible offsetting strategies.

The competition is also working with the Leeds University Union (LUU) Skate Society, who will be testing out skateable objects made from Grand Pianos on campus.

Fiona Sinclair, CEO of the Leeds International Piano Competition, said: “We’ve been finding the top pianists in classical music with the University of Leeds since the sixties, and this festival of piano is all about the amazing people who play this beautiful instrument. The competition itself is like the Piano Olympics – it’s a thrilling event with high stakes, but the rewards can be life-changing.

“The audience in Leeds is particularly special, and the exceptional support they give our artists is a reason why the best pianists want to compete here. But we’re also making the piano accessible for everyone, and our street pianos find hidden talent in our cities every day. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by.”

Music in the community

The Leeds Piano Trail brings public art and pianos to train stations, hospitals, schools, shopping malls and the University of Leeds campus, with one piano outside the Refectory, one in the foyer of the Parkinson Building and one by Beech Grove Plaza.

Planters made from upcycled pianos and filled with native pollinating plants, vegetables and flowers are also popping up across the city. The University’s Piano Planter, which sits outside the Great Hall, was made in collaboration with the University’s Mini Meadows team, which brings staff and students together to create new green spaces on campus as part of the Climate Plan.

An upcycled grand piano repurposed into a planter for wildflowers, with a sign giving more information about the University's mini meadows team.

Piano planter on campus

With free piano lessons taking place across the trails in Leeds and Bradford, the organisers hope to uncover hidden talent across the region.

Also new for this year is a spectacular amphitheatre made of more than 40 discarded pianos by ‘Artists in Resonance’ Pianodrome, located in Leeds City Museum and hosting a new programme, The Leeds’ Sessions, Live @ the Pianodrome.

Prime Minister and University of Leeds alumnus Sir Keir Starmer (Law 1985, Hon LLD 2012) said: “I am delighted to be able to support The Leeds International Piano Competition and so proud this wonderful city is home to one of the world’s most prestigious music competitions.

“The Leeds International Piano Competition combines two of my greatest loves: the city that absolutely formed me when I came here as a student; and the joy and discovery of music that changed my life. Everyone involved in this competition will know what I mean when I talk about that experience of being truly moved by a piece of music – of losing yourself and finding something new in the space that artistry creates.”