Leeds launch for Fanny Waterman’s brain child that she created in the 60’ s with her own unshakeable force and will power.

Fanny is no longer but her energy remains and is the guiding light for the team that now show us that Leeds still can lead

Sir Stephen Hough is now at the helm and by God they got it right.

A local lad who has taken the world by storm just as Fanny had done . Fanny always used to say to me ‘ you are so eloquent Chris ‘ but that is nothing compared to Sir Stephen’s knowing words of wisdom as he outlined the use of a competition.

Fanny at 99 was all ready to return to the helm but little did she expect that Sir Stephen would eventually replace her.

Fanny was unique and irreplaceable but my God I think Sir Stephen has got it right : ‘ It is not to find faults but to find the strengths of young artists on the crest of a wave. If recognised and nurtured instead of being injured and scarred they can grow and become true artists where quality not quantity are the true values in art’

Cherkassky adored Stephen’s playing as he said to me on listening to another star prize winning pianist playing the complete Beethoven cycle ‘ . ‘ I don’t think they listen to themselves ‘ .

Well Sir Stephen certainly listens to himself but also to others and his understanding of the use of International competitions is like a breath of fresh air in a market where top of the class has become the ethos of aspiring young artists who are forced by survival to think more of themselves than the composers they are serving.

Humility must go hand in hand with mastery as Sir Stephen has shown us for years in music and now with his wise words is so eloquently ready to lend his voice too , rightly taking his place by Fanny’s side at the helm of her impossible dream.

Rubinstein got it right ……..talent cannot be taught but it can be ruined if not nurtured with care and with a mutual selfless love of music.

https://youtu.be/gex0sOR7XZ0?si=4iPkqtDJI5DSykql

Leeds leads indeed !

Piano Competitions a consideration