Young talent shines in major piano competitions

Competing in Multiple Competitions

At the 2026 National Festival of Piano Talent, held in Hanoi in early April, 19 contestants from Phan Thiet reached the final round. Of the 15 who competed in person, all received awards, including one gold medal, five silver medals, seven bronze medals and one consolation prize. The results highlight the increasing popularity of piano study and the arts more broadly in the region.

One of the standout performers was Khuong Truong Quoc Truong, born in 2014, who won a gold medal in the open category with a performance of “Sonatine” by Ludwig van Beethoven. He said he had not expected to achieve such a high result given the large number of contestants from major cities. The award, he added, has boosted his confidence and strengthened his determination to pursue music.

In July 2025, Truong was also the only contestant from his province to win a gold medal at the Asia Arts Festival in Singapore.

Another notable participant was Lam Tra My, born in 2020, one of the youngest contestants to achieve a high result this year. Having studied piano for around two years, she won a bronze medal in her first major competition. Her teacher said that participation in competitions has increased each year, with many students consistently achieving awards.

In 2025, students from the same centre also took part in “Vietnam’s Piano Got Talent”, winning a total of 15 prizes, including one gold medal, three silver medals and eleven bronze medals. They are expected to take part in the Crescendo International Music Festival (CIMFC) in the coming months.

A Growing Movement

The growing number of competitions has played a key role in encouraging the development of classical music in the area. Through connections with training centres, young students have had more opportunities to compete at different levels, both domestically and internationally. This has helped create a positive and engaging environment for music education, while also identifying promising young talent.

Teachers say that as the piano movement in Phan Thiet continues to expand, more competitions are needed to assess and support students’ progress. Over the past three years, many students have taken part in a range of competitions, often achieving strong results. The centre has also been authorised by the Australian Music Examinations Board to host examinations locally.

In the past two years, nearly 100 students have received certifications through this system. In the coming months, several students are expected to compete again at the Asia Arts Festival in Singapore, while others will take part in the Asia International Piano Academy Festival in South Korea.

These competitions are not only a platform for young musicians to showcase their abilities but also an opportunity to develop performance skills and gain experience on professional stages. They also serve as a bridge, helping young talents reach the international stage.