Having successfully competed in the International First Round in April, Junyan was one of 24 pianists selected to take part in the Leeds International Piano Competition in September. Junyan impressed both the judges and audiences in the Second Round, performing works by Beethoven, Liszt and Bartók.
She advanced to the Semi Finals where she presented a programme of music by Unsuk Chin and Birtwistle, alongside Liszt's Sonata in B minor and Ravel's Trio in A minor. Junyan was then chosen as one of five pianists to compete in the Concerto Finals at St George’s Hall, Bradford on 20/21 September.
In the final, Junyan performed Rachmaninov's Fourth Piano Concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Domingo Hindoyan. As well as receiving 2nd Prize and the Marion Thorpe Silver Medal, Junyan received the Alexandra Dariescu Award and the Yaltah Menuhin Award.
On the competition and her time at the Academy, Junyan said:
'Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine standing on the stage three times at the Leeds International Piano Competition to receive awards. This journey was incredibly tough, with intense programmes, a long preparation timeline and immense pressure, but the overwhelming support and kind messages kept me grounded, focused and motivated. It’s been an unforgettable experience, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones, all of whom have inspired me deeply with their incredible artistry.
'I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Academy and my amazing professor, Joanna MacGregor. I had the best experience studying there and I wouldn't be who I am today without all the support, concert opportunities and help from them over the past six years.'
Junyan completed her undergraduate degree, Master's degree and Advanced Diploma at the Academy. As a Bicentenary Scholar, Junyan recorded her debut album It's Time, which was released on Linn Records in 2022. She is now an Aud Jebsen Piano Fellow at the Academy.
Joanna MacGregor, Dame Myra Hess Chair of Piano, commented:
'I first met Junyan when she was 17; I’ve been delighted to teach her through four years of undergraduate study, then two as a postgraduate. Junyan’s always been a fantastic and generous student, contributing tirelessly to the life of the Academy and leading the way. She’s a real musician of the future: I’ve no doubt an exciting career lies ahead.
'Her success adds to the glittering track record of the Piano Department, following Alim Beisembayev's Leeds win in 2021, the YCAT successes of Ignas Maknickas, Daniel Lebhardt and Ariel Lanyi, and Anna Genuishene at the Van Cliburn.'
Images of the Leeds International Piano Competition by Frances Marshall