Global Music Review

GMR Editor

The PRM Piano Competition has announced the results of its 2026 Artist Category Grand Finals, following two highly competitive events featuring outstanding young pianists from Canada, the United States, China, and New Zealand.

In the Youth Division Grand Final, each of the five finalists presented a substantial solo program and performed a piano concerto with orchestra. The final results were determined through the comprehensive evaluation of nine distinguished jurors: Lydia Artymiw, Stephen Chatman, Stephen de Pledge, Michel Fournier, Jonathan Girard, Jie Li, Yong Hi Moon, Vladimir Viardo, and Yi-heng Yang.

The Youth Division results are:

Gold Award: Mina Stefanovic — Canada
Silver Award: Yiwei Tao — United States
Bronze Award: Pengcheng Zhou — China
Grand Finalist Recognition: Ryan Yeh — New Zealand
Grand Finalist Recognition: Ethan Shi — Canada

In the Junior Division, the Gold Award was presented to Qiaochu Wang of China, the Silver Award to Miranda Meng of New Zealand, and the Bronze Award to Shawn Chen of Canada. The remaining seven competitors received Grand Finalist Recognition.

The Grand Final and Gala Concert concluded with a memorable evening of high-level performances. Under the direction of Maestro Jonathan Girard, the PRM Orchestra joined the Youth Division finalists in a series of distinguished concerto performances.

The evening also featured special remarks by Daniel Marshall, Lydia Artymiw, whose participation and support contributed meaningfully to the occasion.

Audrey Sung, Executive Director of the PRM Organizing Committee, extended congratulations on behalf of the Committee to all award recipients and Grand Finalists, recognizing their exceptional musicianship, dedication, and achievement.

Edward Han Jiang, Board Member of PRIME Society, also commended the outstanding performances of all award recipients and Grand Finalists. Over its four editions to date, the PRM Piano Competition has raised more than CAD 1.4 million in charitable support. As the competition’s fundraising lead, Jiang offered particular gratitude to the institutions, donors, artists, and individuals whose contributions have helped sustain PRM’s mission and advance music education for young artists.