RCM Alumnus Wins the 2024 Leeds Piano Competition

RCM Certificate Program alumnus, Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, ARCT ’16, has become only the second Canadian to win the Leeds International Piano Competition – one of the most prestigious prizes in the musical world.  

The top prize at The Leeds includes the Dame Fanny Waterman Gold Medal and a £30,000 cash prize, along with benefits designed to support the career development of the prize winners: concerto engagements with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a debut at Wigmore Hall, recitals across the UK, and international tours with the Steinway Prize Winner Concerts Network and Global Music Network. 

Said Dame Imogen Cooper, Chair of the jury: “It has been extraordinary to witness the remarkable artistry showcased at every stage of the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition. 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.” 

The Leeds International Piano Competition was co-founded in 1963 by renowned piano teacher Dame Fanny Waterman. Held every three years, the competition is open to pianists under 30 from around the world. Previous winners include Radu Lupu and Murray Perahia as well as RCM Honorary Fellow and alumnus Jon Kimura Parker, ARCT ’75, who was the first Canadian to ever win The Leeds in 1984. The Associate Diploma (ARCT) is one of the highest academic standings awarded by The Royal Conservatory's 138-year-old Certificate Program.

Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory, said: "I could not be prouder that the only two Canadians who have won The Leeds are graduates of the RCM Certificate Program. My sincerest congratulations to Jaeden on this spectacular win!"

In 2021, Jaeden was one of CBC Music’s “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30” and his Leeds Competition win comes on the heels of his win of the Montreal International Music Competition, in May of this year. Jaeden is also the recipient of a 2024 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship.

Watch Jaeden’s Gold Medal Performance at The Leeds 2024

Brahms' Concerto No. 2 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra