Pinehurst Theatre was filled with music this week as 12 talented College students took to the stage for our third annual Pinehurst College Piano Competition.
The evening showcased an impressive range of repertoire, with students performing works by celebrated composers including Chopin, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Debussy. Each competitor brought something different to the stage, reflecting the many hours of preparation, practice and commitment that had gone into reaching performance night.
Taking to the stage this year were Zion F., Kathleen F., Anthony H., Wilson M., Miranda M., Sean S., Clark W., Max W., Steven X., Selena Y., Chloe Z. and Kyros Z.
We were delighted to welcome acclaimed New Zealand pianist and pedagogue Justin Bird to Pinehurst to adjudicate this year’s competition. A former New Zealand Young Performer of the Year, Justin completed his Doctorate in Music at Indiana University and now teaches at the University of Auckland alongside his work as a performer.
With 12 pianists competing for first, second and third place, Justin had the challenging task of assessing a remarkably talented field of young musicians and commended the depth of talent at Pinehurst. At the conclusion of the evening, three students were recognised as our 2026 placegetters:
First Place was awarded to Miranda M. for her performance of Robert Schumann’s Abegg Variations, Op. 1. Miranda began her musical journey at just five and a half and has since attained LTCL diploma level in piano and ABRSM Grade 8 Violin with Distinction. She has won numerous national and international competition prizes and has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras, including the UBC Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand International Young Musicians’ Festival Orchestra. Beyond music, Miranda also enjoys visual art, singing, dancing and reading.
Second Place went to Kyros Z., performing the Prelude and Gigue from J.S. Bach’s English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807. An accomplished pianist, Kyros achieved Distinction in both the ABRSM ARSM Diploma and Trinity College London ATCL Diploma in 2024 and has earned recognition across numerous national and international music competitions.
Third Place was awarded to Max W. for his performance of Isaak Berkovich’s Variations on a Theme by Paganini. Max has studied piano for five years under Mrs Xing Wang and, having achieved ABRSM Grade 8, is now working towards his ARSM Diploma. He is an active performer who has appeared at venues including Auckland Town Hall, St Matthew-in-the-City, the Sydney Opera House and Zhuhai Mozart Hall, and has enjoyed success in national and international competitions.
While the evening celebrated some exceptional individual performances, Justin also highlighted something equally important. He commented on how wonderful it was to see musicians performing at such a high level while maintaining such a strong sense of community – sitting together to listen as each student performed, cheering one another on and offering genuine support and encouragement throughout the competition.
That spirit was a wonderful reflection of the evening. Stepping onto a stage to perform individually requires confidence and composure as well as musical skill, but behind each individual performance was a group of young musicians who clearly wanted one another to succeed.
Congratulations to Miranda, Kyros and Max, and to every pianist who took part in this year’s competition. It was a special evening of music in Pinehurst Theatre and a wonderful celebration not only of the depth of musical talent within our College, but of the supportive community our young musicians have created around it.
