photograph by Adrian Malloch

Shan Liu performs in NYO Victory.

Shan Liu, a 14-year-old pianist, a Year 10 student at Westlake Boys High School, embarked on his musical journey close to the age of eight when he commenced formal piano lessons. Under the guidance of esteemed music educator Stephen De Pledge, Shan has garnered notable achievements in national and international piano competitions.

His accolades include the Grand Jury Prize at the 5th Freiburg EU Conservatory of Music Youth Piano Competition (2018), the Grand Jury Prize at the 2nd Everade National Youth Piano Competition (2018), the Grand Jury Prize at the 8th Macao International Piano Competition (2019), the Grand Gold Prize at Pacific Rim (PRM) International Music Competition (2022) and the Gold Award at GOCAA New York International Music Competition (2023).

Additionally, Shan has secured first place in many prestigious competitions such as the 2020 Cesar Franck International Piano Competition (Belgium), the 2020 Kings Peak International Piano Competition (USA), the 2021 New Zealand Young Artist Piano Concerto Competition, the 2022 International Piano Competition for Young Musicians (The Netherlands), and the 2023 GOCAA New York International Music Competition NZ National Round. Notably, in 2023, Shan was the Winner of Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition, hence became the youngest winner in the event history. In 2023, Shan also received VAC (Variety Artists Club of New Zealand) Classical Music Award.

In recognition of his exceptional talent, Shan was awarded a full scholarship to Germany in August 2019 to participate in a masterclass with Manfred Fock at the Nubeck National Conservatory of Music.

Shan's performances have graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Sydney Opera House and Auckland Town Hall. In April 2022, he received an invitation from the International Music Festival Beethoven Orbit 2022 to present his Solo Piano Recital Concert in Aachen, Germany, earning acclaim from local media for his remarkable artistry.

A seasoned collaborator, Shan began performing with orchestras at the tender age of nine. He has had the privilege of appearing as a piano soloist with esteemed orchestras including New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NZSO National Youth Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) Up Close Concerts, Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Manukau Symphony Orchestra, Bay of Plenty Symphonia, St Matthews Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra Auckland.

Beside piano, Shan loves playing percussions and he is the section leader of Westlake Boys High School concert band. Shan also like playing chess, badminton, table tennis, swimming and reading.