The winner of the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia 2012 was announced on July 21 at Sydney Opera House.
Canadian pianist Avan Yu, 25, took the first prize with $25,000, recording contract with ABC and Naxos, and national and international touring engagements.
Yu was born in Hong Kong and moved to Canada when he was nine. He is currently studying music in Berlin.
The competition's six finalists were required to play two concertos with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at Australia's iconic performing art center Sydney Opera House. Yu performed Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 17 K.453 in G major and Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 43.
The Canadian soloist will give a performance at City Recital Hall, Angel Place, in Sydney on Aug. 12.
The Sydney International Piano Competition is held every four years.
