Outstanding Young Pianists
Melody Zhao, Sam Lord, Ling Zhu and Julie Zhang
Melody Zhao Haydn Sonata in C Major 1st Movement Hob.XVI 50
Pitfield Prelude, minuet and reel
Sam Lord Beethoven Sonata op. 13 1st Movement
Ling Zhu Chopin Fantasie Impromptu op. 66
Julie Zhang Chopin Etude op. 10 no. 8
Chopin Barcarolle op. 60
Hough Fanfare
Biographies
Melody Zhao
Melody is 13 years old and started playing the piano when she was 6 years old. She is in her third year at Chetham’s School of Music where she is a pupil of Mr. Simon Bottomley. Melody has won prizes in several local music festivals and was a finalist in the EPTA piano competition in Belgium.
Sam Lord
Sam is 13 years old and started learning piano at age 7. He joined Chetham’s School of Music aged 12, when he started his piano training with Mr. Simon Bottomley.
Ling Zhu
Ling is 11 years old and has been studying piano for 4 years. She is currently under the tutelage of Mr. Simon Bottomley, at Chetham’s School of Music. Ling has won prizes in a Scherzo Piano Competition and Music Festivals in Hastings and Hazel Grove.
Julie Zhang
Born in 2008, Julie Zhang started learning piano at the age of 5. At age 6, she achieved ABRSM Grade 5 with distinction. In 2016, she entered Chetham’s School of Music, studying piano under Mr. Simon Bottomley. In 2018, Julie achieved Distinction for the ATCL Diploma. Just one year later in 2019, she achieved a High Distinction for the LTCL diploma, also the Second Prize in Category 2 for the EPTA International Piano Competition. And finally, she achieved the FTCL Diploma. Julie has also won many online competitions. Her repertoire stretches from Baroque to Modern music. Julie particularly enjoys the Romantic Period, especially the sheer beauty of Chopin. Julie also enjoys chamber music and piano concertos.