Saturday 23rd May 2026 1:45pm – 2:30pm
Outstanding Young Pianists
Sophia Sutherley, Ling Zhu, Kairui Guo and Julie Zhang
Programme
Sophia Sutherley
Haydn Sonata in F major Hob.XVI:23 2nd Movement Adagio
Schubert Impromptu Op. 90, No.2, in E flat major
Chopin 3 Écossaises, Op. 72
Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu in C# minor
Ling Zhu
Bach Prelude and Fugue No.9, Bk1, in E major, BWV854
Chopin Impromptu Op. 36, No.2, in F# major
Kairui Guo
Bach Prelude and Fugue No. 3, Bk1, C# Major BWV848
Mendelssohn Andante and Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
Julie Zhang
Stravinsky Three movements from Petrushka
i. Danse Russe (Russian Dance)
ii Chez Pétrouchka (Petrushka’s Room)
iii La semaine grasse (The Shrovetide Fair)
Biographies
Sophia Sutherley is 12 years old and started playing the piano during Covid lockdown age 7. She is in her third year at Chetham’s School of Music and is a pupil of Mr. Simon Bottomley. In her spare time Sophia enjoys playing the organ in her local church.
Ling Zhu is 12 years old and has been studying piano for 5 years. She is currently under the tutelage of Mr. Simon Bottomley, at Chetham’s School of Music. Ling has won prizes in a Scherzo Piano Competition and Music Festivals in Hastings and Hazel Grove.
Kairui Guo was born in China and moved to the UK in 2017. He began learning piano at six with his mother and joined Chetham’s in 2022. He studied with Mrs. Taylor for two years and now learns with Mr. Bottomley. At 17, he continues to grow as a pianist with focus and curiosity.
Julie Zhang was born in 2008 and started learning piano at the age of 5. At age 6, she achieved ABRSM Grade 5 with distinction. In 2016, she entered Chetham’s School of Music, studying piano under Mr. Simon Bottomley. In 2018, Julie achieved Distinction for the ATCL Diploma. Just one year later in 2019, she achieved a high distinction for the LTCL diploma, also the Second Prize in Category 2 for the EPTA International Piano Competition. And finally, she achieved the FTCL Diploma. Julie has also won many online competitions. Her repertoire stretches from Baroque to Modern music. Julie particularly enjoys the Romantic Period, especially the sheer beauty of Chopin. Julie also enjoys chamber music and piano concertos.
Next week’s concert – Voluta String Quartet
