AWARD-winning pianist Kaining Wang (13) enjoys nothing more than playing beautiful music in front of a packed auditorium.
Kaining, of Innaloo, started playing piano when he was five years of age and currently attends Yoon Sen Lee Music School in Dianella.
The Hale School student won first prize as the only Australian in the 10 to 13 years age group at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Szafarnia, Poland last month.
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READ NOWHis 20-minute recital included pieces by Chopin and other composers. Watch it below:
The win followed a third-place finish in Imola in 2016, first in Golden Key and second in The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented competition in 2014.
Kaining, who also plays the cello, said he felt very happy and fortunate to win.
“I felt I played very musically but the sound quality could’ve been better had I practised more,” he said.
“I was fascinated by the lovely sound of piano since I was very little.
“I feel very cool to perform in public and do many competitions.
“The joys of playing beautiful music and being the recipient of audience applause are best feelings for me.”
He said his short-term goal was to achieve distinction in his Licentiate diploma exam in September and his long-term goal was to become a top pianist or music teacher.
Mother Wendy said it was her son’s dream to play his favourite Chopin piece in Poland.
“I know it is not easy to be a good musician,” she said.
“I just hope Kaining could follow his interest and strength in choosing his career in the future.”