THE VIII INTERNATIONAL LISZT FERENC COMPETITION 2025
Welcome to the Preliminary Round!
Exciting news for classical music enthusiasts! We're thrilled to announce the Malaysia Preliminary Round of the VIII Liszt Ferenc International Competition 2025, hosted at the Dominus Arts Venue within Fairview International School, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Witness the live competition where talented young musicians from various nations vie for a coveted spot in the final round, set to be held in Budapest, Hungary. Immerse yourself in their skills, enthusiasm, and musical artistry as they captivate the audience. Indulge in the enchantment of timeless masterpieces by renowned composers. Don't miss out on this grand piano music spectacle!
THE JURY PANEL
DR. PROF. P’NG TEAN HWA
- Professor and Director of the Institute of Music at UCSI University.
- Founder of UCSI University’s International Piano Festival and Competition; chairs the Finals judging panel.
- Performs internationally as a soloist and collaborative pianist, with appearances in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Hungary, and the USA.
- Conducts masterclasses, lectures, and workshops both nationally and internationally.
- Holds advanced degrees in piano performance and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Teaching; life member of Phi Kappa Phi.
DR. DAVID BALL
- Dr. David Ball is one of Hungary’s leading pianists, with performances at prestigious venues such as Teatro Colón, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Musikvereinsaal, and the ElbPhilharmonie.
- Since 2013, he has been a professor of piano at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and a visiting professor at Shenyang Conservatory of Music, China.
- Born in 1982 in Budapest, Dr. Ball trained at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, earning his doctorate in Liberal Arts (DLA) in 2011 and passing his habilitation exam in 2022.
- He has given masterclasses at top music academies in China, Hong Kong, Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Poland, Georgia, and Spain.
- Dr. Ball has recorded for Hunnia Records, Toccata Classics, and Channel Classics, and in 2024, his Liszt album received a certificate of merit from the 43rd Liszt Ferenc International Grand Prix Du Disque.
YONG SUE YI
- Yong Sue Yi holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Peabody Conservatory of Music (USA) with a full scholarship.
- She earned her BMus (Honours) in Piano Performance from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore, also with a full scholarship.
- Sue Yi has studied under renowned mentors and performed in masterclasses with international artists like John O’Conor and Stephen Savage.
- She has won second prize in the HSBC Classic Solo Piano Competition (2008) and is a sought-after collaborative pianist and adjudicator.
- Currently, Sue Yi serves as a part-time lecturer at UCSI University and a member of the Piano Faculty at Bentley Music Academy.
BRIAN LARSON
- Brian Larson completed a B.Mus, High Distinction at McGill University, studying with Mauricio Fuks and Tom Williams, followed by a Master’s Degree at the University of Montreal with additional studies under renowned mentors.
- Since 1989, he has performed over 3500 concerts as 1st violinist with Vancouver Symphony and Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as with major pop and film music stars.
- Brian is a frequent chamber musician, playing string trios, quartets, piano trios, jazz combinations, and serves as an electric violinist and string quartet arranger.
- He has over 25 years of teaching experience, developing a clear technical system inspired by Canadian pedagogues, and regularly adjudicates at Asian festivals.
- Brian co-created the Personal Pianist accompaniment practice software and has served in leadership roles such as Vice President of OCSM and Chairman of Orchestra Musician’s Councils.
TAN CHEE SHEN
- Tan Chee Shen, tenor, is a winner of prestigious awards, including the grand prize of the Singapore-Malaysia Voice Competition and the Bangkok Opera Southeast Asia Vocal Competition.
- He earned his Master of Music from Mannes College of Music in New York and has trained at the Music Academy of the West (USA) and the International Vocal Arts Institute (Canada).
- Since 2014, Chee Shen has been a sought-after performer, vocal instructor, and adjudicator, presenting masterclasses and performances across Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
- His operatic roles include Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Alfredo (La Traviata), Don José (Carmen), Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore), and Rodolfo (La Bohème), with notable appearances in Malaysia, Taiwan, and Estonia.
- Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, he lectures at the Institute of Music, UCSI University, and runs a private vocal studio.