26 & 27 February 2011 - Young Talent during the Steinway Piano Contest for the Youth

This fourth edition was also organized by Pianos Maene, Stichting Robus, EPTA Vlaanderen/Brussel and the Conservatory of Antwerp. The young lions were divided into four categories: Cat I piano solo until 12 years old, Cat II piano solo until 15 years old, Cat III piano solo until 18 years old and Cat IV four handed until 18 years old.

The first two categories could come on stage on the 26th of February, the last two on Sunday the 27th of February. This competition is the ideal way to offer these young talents a platform. This year also, the bar was set very high. The candidates knew how to surprise the jury with their performance. On Sunday around 6 o'clock, the 15 finalists who could play during the finals in Antwerp (on Sunday the 27th of March in the Blue Room of "deSingel") were revealed.

These 15 finalists proved themselves again during the finals in the Blue Room of deSingel in Antwerp. The young pianists were able to seduce the jury again with their talent. James Ledgerwood, Sales District Manager Steinway & Sons Hamburg, did also attend to support the candidates.

On the 10th of April, 9 of the laureates were invited to the concert hall of Pianos Maene Ruiselede to give an exclusive laureate recital. The young lions got the chance to show their most musical side for the friends and sympathizeres of Pianos Maene. With their enthousiasm, their passion for the piano and their incredible talent, they knew how to charm the public. One of the finalists, the 10-year old Chuheng Guo, will represent Belgium during the International Steinway Festival 2012 in Hamburg.