For everyone who learn piano in LA, take piano lessons or just love classical music, prepare for piano competitions or just enjoy listening to 91.5 in the car, Chopin competition is one of the major events in piano world, and 2025 competition has exceptionally high level of participants.

Sixteen-year-old Tianyao Lyu once again proved in the penultimate round of the Chopin Competition 2025 how the music of the Polish genius should truly be played. Whatever genre she touched, she captured its very soul.

Her music flowed naturally — effortless yet rich in color and character. The Mazurkasdanced and sang in perfect balance, the “Raindrop” Prelude shimmered with dreamlike melancholy, and the monumental Sonata in B-flat minor, Op. 35 was delivered with astonishing maturity. I have never heard the octaves in the second movement played with such explosive power, especially from such delicate hands! The Funeral March unfolded with profound stillness and beauty, and the closing Berceuse was a pure lullaby of emotion — a moment so intimate it felt as if she were recalling childhood memories with her grandmother.

Tianyao is among the rare few who can truly move listeners to tears — myself included. The audience adored her, and rightfully so. Bravo, Tianyao! For me, she is an unquestionable finalist!