Beisembayev beat four other finalists from Israel, Japan, Ukraine and the UK in the final
Tonight (18 September), 23-year-old Alim Beisembayev from Kazakhstan won the 20th edition of the Leeds International Piano Competition, a triennial event which is widely regarded as among the most prestigious prizes in the musical world. In addition to First Prize, Alim Beisembayev also won the medici.tv Audience Prize, voted for by the public, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Prize for performance of a 20th/21st century work. Beisembayev is the first prize-winner from Kazakhstan in the history of the Leeds International Piano Competition.
In addition to the £25,000 cash prize and The Waterman Gold Medal, Beisembayev receives a career-changing prize package which includes worldwide management with Askonas Holt, a recording contract with Warner Classics and a European tour organised with partners Steinway & Sons.
As the winner, Beisembayev will be performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 23 September and will also have future concert opportunities at Wigmore Hall and Southbank Centre, amongst others. Beisembayev will also receive a personal consultation with Steinway & Sons Director of Concert and Artists Services and mentoring by members of the Jury and The Leeds team in addition to coaching in PR and social media by Premier PR.
