Once again, the playy Studio in Munich was the setting for an intensive EUPLAYY masterclass, crowned by a students’ salon concert. A fitting way to round it off!

Prof. Sontraud Speidel, celebrated piano teacher and a supporter of the EUPLAYY competition from the very first moment, was once more a valued guest this February, inspiring the participants to special achievements. In this spirit, the young talents presented a richly varied programme.

Celina Höferlin played Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in E minor and Chopin’s Étude Op. 10 No. 4 with meticulous power. Yiyi Cao – barely eight years old – captivated the audience with her expressive drive in Haydn’s Allegro in C major and Chopin’s Waltz in D-flat major. Stefan Simu’s beautiful tone suited the Minuet from Beethoven’s first sonata with understated grace. Ih-Ruhn Katharina Jung combined great energy and charming nonchalance in Bach’s Fugue in B-flat major and Chopin’s “Black Key” Étude. Khongor Buyandalai brought vivid energy to the finale of the “Pathétique”. Luise Bold showed with Ravel’s Jeux d’eau how effortless demanding repertoire can sound. Finally, Eren Murat Parmakerli shaped Chopin’s Third Ballade with elegant stylistic assurance – a wonderful closing moment to a well-rounded evening.