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Shuan Hern Lee, son of respected WA AMEB examiner and teacher, Yoon Sen Lee, won first prize at the Astana Piano Passion International Piano Competition in Astana, Kazakhstan in May in the aged 10 and under category.

Entry to the competition was by invitation only. Over 130 pianists from 30 countries around the world were selected to audition via DVD.  Shuan Hern was one of only eight in his age category selected to take part.  He was the only successful Australian with other competitors coming from Russia, Kazakhstan and China.

The competition was in two rounds.  The first round consisted of fifteen minutes of own choice music and in the second round competitors were asked to play a piano concerto with the Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra.  While the others performed Bach, Haydn and Mozart, Shuan Hern attempted the piano concerto in A minor by Grieg.

Shuan Hern's performance and presence were so well received that he was asked to co-host the the winner's concert and the Moscow organiser expressed a desire for Shuan Hern to perform in Moscow in the future.

We congratulate Shuan Hern on this fine achievement.

Media references

Rosslyn Feast (Australian Music Examinations Board)  (+61 8) 6488 3059