THE 7^TH STEINWAY YOUTH PIANO COMPETITION SOUTH-EAST ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL FINALS

2^nd August 2025
Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok

STEINWAY THAILAND, HOST OF THE 7TH STEINWAY YOUTH PIANO COMPETITION SOUTH-EAST ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL FINALS, CELEBRATES THE REGION’S MOST PROMISING YOUNG PIANISTS

 

Steinway Thailand proudly hosted the 7^th edition of the Steinway Youth Piano Competition (SYPC) South-East Asia Pacific Regional Finals, held at the Small Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre. This traditionally biennial event brought together eight exceptional young pianists—each representing a territory within the South-East Asia Pacific region—for an unforgettable celebration of musical excellence.

A flagship initiative by Steinway & Sons, the SYPC is dedicated to identifying, encouraging, and promoting young pianists in the formative stages of their careers. This year, over 1,400 participants from across the region took part in local rounds. Only one Grand Prize Winner from each territory—Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei—advanced to the Regional Finals in Bangkok to compete for a coveted spot at the 21^st International Steinway Festival in Hamburg, Germany.

Steinway Thailand was deeply honored to welcome Ms. Wei Wei, President of Steinway Piano Asia Pacific, along with a distinguished panel of international judges, including:

• Lisa Eisner-Smirnova – Steinway Artist
• Makoto Ueno – Renowned Pianist and Educator
• Zhe Tang – Steinway Artist and Honorary Professor

Their presence ensured the highest standards of artistic evaluation and mentorship.

The day began with each contestant performing a carefully curated three-piece repertoire during the morning competition sessions.

Jinghan Savitski (Taipei)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata No. 13 in E Flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1, I. Andante - Allegro - Andante Sergei Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75, No. 6 "Montagues and Capulets" Frédéric Chopin: Scherzo No.1 in B Minor, Op.20

Lim Yee Vaine (Kuala Lumpur)

Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonata in E Major, Hob. XVI:31, 1st Movement Frédéric Chopin: Waltz No.2 in A Flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1 “Valse brillante” Edward MacDowell: Hexentanz Witches Dance Op.17, No.2

Elnino Mevlana Ibrahim (Jakarta)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: I. Allegro con brio Sergei Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 14: II. Scherzo. Allegro marcato Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23

Tong Kaihan Newman (Singapore)

Frédéric Chopin: Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Sonata K. 330 Dmitri Kabalevesky: Rondo in A Minor Op. 59

Akin Nilphairojana (Bangkok)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op.10 No. 3 Franz Liszt - Niccolò Paganini: Etude No. 6 in A Minor Sergei Prokofiev: Sonata No. 3 in A Minor, Op.28

Nguyen Tran Quoc Thang (Ho Chi Minh City)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: I. Allegro con brio Johann Sebastian Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 871 (WTC, Book II, No. 2) Frédéric Chopin: Bolero in A minor, Op. 19

Jueon Lee (Seoul)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.27 in E minor, Op.90 1st Movement Franz Liszt: 3 Etudes de Concert, S. 144 - No.2 in F Minor "La Leggierezza" Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit, M.55 - III. Scarbo

William Matthew M. Lim (Manila)

Maurice Ravel: Sonatine No. 1, 1st Movement "Modere" Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3: I. Allegro con brio Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52

 

In the afternoon, the event continued with a Gala Concert and Prize Awarding Ceremony led by Emcee Dr. Apichart Intharavisit. Over 300 guests—including Steinway owners, prominent piano pedagogues and music enthusiasts—gathered to celebrate the exceptional talent of all eight contestants.

During the Gala Concert, each contestant was introduced to the audience, offering a glimpse into their musical journeys and artistic passions. Each young pianist then performed a solo work, captivating the audience with their passion, artistry, and technical brilliance.

The afternoon concluded with the much-anticipated results announcement and prize awarding ceremony. Jueon Lee from Seoul was awarded First Prize and will represent the South-East Asia Pacific Region at the 21st International Steinway Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Akin Nilphairojana from Bangkok and Tong Kaihan Newman from Singapore jointly received First Runner-Up, while Lim Yee Vaine from Kuala Lumpur was named Second Runner-Up.

The event was a resounding success, leaving lasting memories and inspiration for all in attendance. Steinway Thailand remains committed to nurturing the next generation of pianists and advancing the timeless art of classical music in the region.

MESSAGE FROM HOST DEALER

It has been a true privilege and honour for Robinson Piano Co., (Siam) Ltd. to host the South-East Asia Pacific Regional Finals of the 7^th Steinway Youth Piano Competition — held in Thailand for the very first time. To welcome such exceptional young talents from across the region and our home country of Thailand has been both inspiring and deeply humbling.

We are proud to have played a part in bringing together this vibrant community of musicians, educators and families who share a deep passion for music. This event is not only a celebration of artistic excellence, but also a reflection of Steinway & Sons’ enduring commitment to nurturing the next generation of pianists across our region.

At Robinson Piano Co., (Siam) Ltd., we are committed to supporting and uplifting Thailand’s music education community. We aspire to play an active role in nurturing young musicians and raising the standard of musical talent in the country. This regional competition serves as a unique platform not only to inspire our local students with performances from top young talents across South-East Asia Pacific, but also to introduce our rich and delicate Thai culture to participants from abroad. We are honored to bring Steinway’s legacy of excellence to the heart of our community, and we hope this event fosters meaningful artistic exchange and leaves a lasting impact on all involved.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all who have contributed to the success of this remarkable occasion.

THE 7^TH STEINWAY YOUTH PIANO COMPETITION SEAP REGIONAL FINALS

The International Steinway Youth Piano Competition was originated in Berlin, Germany in 1936, and inaugurated in South-East Asia in 2012.

This is the 7^th time the South-East Asia Pacific region (SEAP) has been included in the International Steinway Festival. As classical music becomes an important element in this region, there is demand for high-level competitions on a global level for these young budding talents.

In the 7^th Steinway SEAP Regional Finals in 2025, the representatives from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei will compete with each other to determine South-East Asia Pacific’s participant at the 21^st International Steinway Festival.

THE 21^ST INTERNATIONAL STEINWAY FESTIVAL IN HAMBURG, GERMANY

Created in 1987, the International Steinway Festival is an important biennial event sponsored by Steinway & Sons in Hamburg, Germany. Its purpose is to identify, encourage, and promote young pianists in the formative stage of their careers. Ever since, the selected pianists from different regions have been invited to Hamburg to experience an exciting festival program and, above all, a valuable exchange with like-minded people.

ABOUT STEINWAY & SONS

Since 1853, STEINWAY has set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Because of a dedication to continuous improvement, today’s Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world.

For more information, visit www.steinwaythailand.com