“She is emerging as a pianist with a defined artistic identity, and one whose trajectory will be closely followed in the years ahead.” - Moto Perpetuo
At just 17 years old, Tianyao Lyu’s brilliant and sensitive performances were among the biggest sensations of the 2025 Warsaw Chopin Competition. She is one of the youngest prizewinners in the history of what is perhaps the world’s most prestigious piano competition. Her interpretations have been described as exceptionally mature, unique, and instantly moving. In July of 2026 Lyu signed a recording contract with Decca Classics, one of the world’s most prestigious classical labels.
Lyu’s playing combines imaginative expression, a clear tone, and a strong stage presence. She has studied at the Central Conservatory in Beijing with Hua Chang and is currently studying with Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń at the Academy of Music in Poznań.
Lyu is among the most intriguing pianists of the new generation, and her career has already taken her to perform in the world’s central concert halls around Asia, Europe and the United States. She has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras including the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra, the Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra, the Katowice Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Salzburg Chamber Soloists.
Recent and upcoming highlights for Lyu include an invitation by Gidon Kremer to perform in the celebration of his 80th birthday with Kremerata Baltica at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris in May 2026 and her first tour of Japan, including a debut recital at Suntory Hall and performances with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, performing both Chopin Piano Concertos in a single evening. Her 2026/27 season includes, among others, performances with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra under Krzysztof Urbański in Mozart's Piano Concerto, and an invitation to perform at the opening concert of Le Piano Symphonique 2027 at KKL Luzern with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra alongside Martha Argerich.
Lyu’s close connection to Chopin’s music is evident in her success at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. She advanced through all the rounds, winning fourth prize and the Best Concerto Prize at just 16 years old. In addition, Lyu has won First Prize at the International Chopin Competition in Szafarnia, Poland, as well as at the International Ettlingen Piano Competition. In Mänttä, we will have the opportunity to hear a programme filled with works by Chopin and be part of the rapid development of this young talent’s international career.
See more on the artist's website!