Page 867 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

25-year-old Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko wins Leeds piano competition. Picture:
Leeds International Piano Competition

In May he won the 2024 Montreal International Music Competition, taking home
more than $150,000 (£83,200).

“I would say the prize money is useful to anyone starting out in their career, but
it’s really not the primary end of these competitions,” Jaeden said. “My goal
whenever I enter competitions, is simply a desire to share my music with more
people and to gain more experience as a performer and to become a better
artist.”

Jaeden has been making headlines around the world after his win, a reality he
describes as “a little daunting”.

“I never had an aspiration to become famous or are very well-known in that
sense. All I can hope is that my music touches the listeners and that they enjoy
my performance of Brahms’ great masterpiece.”

Dame Imogen Cooper, chair of the jury, said: “Our aim was to find not just the
finest pianist, but the most complete musician, and with Jaeden we have
achieved that. He demonstrated exceptional artistic maturity and imagination,
remarkable technical command, and a profound ability to captivate and
transport the audience through his storytelling and poetry throughout the
competition, culminating in a truly unforgettable final performance.”