Young pianist sets sights on Chopin competition

Ma Tiankun took fourth place during the recently concluded 2025 Long-Thibaud International Piano Competition in France.

"I am very honored to have won fourth place. This competition has special significance for me, not only because of its history and high level, but also because I have had a musical connection with France for a long time," says the 17-year-old.

South Koreans Saehyun Kim and Hyo Lee won first and third prizes respectively. Japan's Kambara Masaharu also took fourth place, with the second prize left vacant.

In addition to prize money, winners will be invited to perform at venues such as the Opera de Monte-Carlo, the Festival de piano Aix en Provence, and the Royal Opera House of Versailles to help launch their professional careers.

According to Ma, the repertoire required for the first round of the 2025 competition included the first and fourth movements of Chopin's Second Sonata, as well as a piece of choice by Faure or Prokofiev. In the second round, he performed Chopin's 24 Preludes, which he says has always been one of his favorites.

"I have performed it many times, and I feel that it's like a collection of 24 emotional fragments — each one short and concise, yet each containing its own emotion and atmosphere. To perform Chopin in France is especially meaningful, since he spent a significant part of his life there," Ma says.

The young pianist began his musical journey in 2017 when he was admitted to the primary school affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music. In 2020, he entered the middle school affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music, and in 2024, he was selected for the university's top talent innovation training program. He is currently studying under renowned pianist and professor Huang Yameng at the Central Conservatory of Music.

"The most precious part of preparing for a competition is the process itself — constantly improving through the study and accumulation of a large repertoire, analyzing pieces, and refining oneself," says Huang.

"Ma Tiankun is always able to unleash his energy on stage, immersing himself in the music. For young musicians, a competition is an important platform. I hope he can demonstrate his talent and express the most moving music, so that the world will recognize him through the beauty of his music."

"He has a deep passion and an admirable focus. Many youngsters are talented, but it's rare to find someone who not only has talent but also such dedication," she adds.

At the end of April, Ma will travel to Warsaw to participate in the preliminary round of the 19th Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition. The main competition will take place in October.

The repertoire for the preliminary round includes two etudes, one nocturne, a set of mazurkas, and a scherzo. "In choosing my pieces, I hope to illustrate different aspects and personalities of Chopin's music, and also express my personal interpretation of them," Ma says.

"I think Chopin's character is sensitive and delicate, but at the same time, there is an inner resilience. This quality creates a natural sense of closeness for me when I approach his music," he says.

"Each time I perform his music, it's not just a technical challenge, but a kind of personal record — a record of how I feel playing it at different stages of my life, and in different environments."