Competing for music's top spot

Along with his band members of Major Music-cellist Qin Liwei and pianist Sun Yingdi, Lyu will perform at the opening concert on Saturday in Chengdu. As Qin is in Singapore, he will perform with Lyu and Sun online. Namisa Sun, a 20-year-old cellist who was the second prize winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in 2017, will also perform at the concert.

"Besides performing music from the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky, the young competitors are required to play music pieces from different eras and with different styles. Their technical and artistic levels will be judged," Lyu says.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Major Music, which was co-founded by Lyu. "It's crucial for young musicians to perform chamber music and the quality will also be judged during the competition," he adds.

The first, second and third prize winners will perform in concerts with the symphony orchestra of the Central Conservatory of Music under the baton of conductor Chen Lin. Lyu says this will allow the young musicians to prepare and perform complicated repertoires, and "lay the foundation for their future professional mastery".

"Like athletes looking forward to the Olympic Games, young musicians look forward to this competition," says Dan, renowned pianist and music educator. "It's also a great opportunity for young musicians to communicate and learn from one another."