Striking the right chord: Louis wins piano comp

Louis (4th from left) at the KBB Music Festival last year

After years of hard work and dedication, pianist Louis de Biasio (Year 12) has achieved a long-held goal: taking top honours at the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition and earning the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage in Vietnam in 2027.

The competition, held at the University of Auckland's School of Music, required entrants to present a 20-minute programme featuring both a classical sonata and a work by a New Zealand composer. Louis' recital showcased a Haydn piano sonata, Arapatiki by New Zealand composer Gillian Whitehead, and concluded with the dramatic final movement from Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 6, the first of the composer’s famous War Sonatas.

His performance earnt first place overall as well as Best Performance of a Classical Sonata and Best Performance of a New Zealand Work.

Winning the competition was an emotional moment.

“I was really elated when I won,” he shared. “It fulfilled a dream I’d had since Year 9. It was also rewarding to see the work I’ve put in recognised, especially because it was the first time I had competed nationally."

This builds on the success Louis has had locally. Starting piano lessons at age 7, he has been in multiple award-winning bands and ensembles in and outside of school. Last year, he also came first in New Zealand in the Cambridge IGCSE Music examination.

Despite his successes, nerves remain an inevitable part of the experience.

 “Competitions make me very nervous, so I focus on being proud of my work and art, which helps me relax before performing. Once I start, it’s fine.”

The competition victory has also opened the door to a new challenge: an international performance opportunity in Vietnam. The invitation came as a surprise.

“I only found out about the international round when they announced first place at the competition, so it is a pretty scary and exciting thing to look forward to,” he said.

While the prospect of competing internationally is daunting, he sees it as an invaluable opportunity for growth.

“Vietnam is a great goal for me to have to work harder until it comes around next year. I’m extremely lucky to be given that opportunity to compete internationally.

It will also force me to elevate my playing to international standards, which will be good."

Louis will be performing at Avondale College's upcoming Sound in Colour concert on 6 August in the Stadium - all welcome!