Yuanfan wins 1st Prize in the RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition 2025

At the end of November 2025, Yuanfan Yang was crowned the 1st Prize winner of the James Mottram International Piano Competition 2025, after performing Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Geoffrey Paterson in the final stage.

Prior to the finals, Yuanfan performed two solo recitals, with programmes featuring an emphasis on Scarlatti, Chopin, and Debussy, in accordance to the late James Mottram's (the founder of the competition) wishes.

More information about Yuanfan's win can be found here: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/news/yuanfan-yang-wins-2025-rncm-james-mottram-international-piano-competition/

Yuanfan proudly graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in July 2025, having studied there since 2023 with Graham Scott. He considers himself extremely fortunate and grateful towards the institution for their important contribution towards his musical and artistic development.

Interestingly, 15 years ago in 2010, Yuanfan won 1st Prize in the Under 19 Category of the same competition, with the exact same orchestra, and the exact same concerto. Below are photos of Yuanfan with the 2025 jury, and the 2010 jury, as well as the trophies from the two competitions placed side-by-side.