On Friday 18 July 2025, the Walled City Music International Academy came to a thrilling close with the International Piano Competition Finale at the Great Hall, Ulster University.

After a week of intense learning, collaboration, masterclasses, and inspiring public performances, our visiting pianists took to the stage one final time –  showcasing everything they had developed alongside our world-class International Faculty.

A huge thank you to all who joined us for this unforgettable evening, and congratulations to every performer who brought passion and artistry to the stage.

 

Final Standings:

🥇 1st Place: Ruka Ogihara (Japan)
🥈 2nd Place: Henrique Rabelo (Brazil)
🥉 3rd Place: Yaoxuan Yu (China)
🏅 4th Place: Chance Scott (USA)

🏆 Steinway Series Florida Award: Ruka Ogihara (Japan)
🏆 Mayor of Derry & Strabane Award for Best Beethoven Performance: Henrique Rabelo (Brazil)
🏆 Outstanding Talent Awards: Timothy Berry (USA), Linda Pei Lin Liew (Australia), Eric Newton (USA), Minkuan He (China)

 

L-R: Cathal Breslin (Academy Director) and Ruka Ogihara (Japan), 1st Place Prize Winner at the 2025 WCM Academy International Competition.

 

Visiting international pianists, faculty members, Mayor of Derry & Strabane District, Cathal Breslin (Academy Director) pictured at the 2025 WCM Academy International Competition.