Linting Ruan

We are (I am) absolutely delighted that Sir Stephen Hough is serving as the Artistic Director and Jury Chair for the 2027 Leeds International Piano Competition. I have been so deeply moved by his pragmatic approach and his genuine thoughtfulness, which always put the long-term career development of musicians first.

This photo was taken back in October 2023, when the Leeds team met Sir Stephen for the first time here in Beijing — and from that very first meeting, a wonderful bond grew between us. All of his insights from his own performance experience, along with the thoughtful answers he crafted after careful reflection, have been integrated into the revised competition rules for the 2027 edition.

This is a dream we have cherished for a long time. In his own unique way, Sir Stephen has helped us address a long-standing challenge in the music world: how to free musicians from the constraints of competition and support them in dedicating themselves to a lifelong career in music with wholehearted freedom. We are so looking forward to all the wonderful things he will bring to us over the coming year!

@leedspianocompetition @houghhoughx2