Conservatory Pianist Rodolfo Leone won first prize at the 15th International Beethoven Competition in Vienna.
Congratulations to Colburn pianist Rodolfo Leone, who took home first prize and a cash award of 10,000 Euro at the 15th International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna earlier this month. For the final round, Rodolfo performed Beethoven’s Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, “Emperor” in the Golden Hall of Vienna’s Wiener Musikverein.
This accomplishment adds to Rodolfo’s impressive collection of high-profile wins, including top prize at the 2013 Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition and second prize at the 2014 Toronto International Piano Competition.
Rodolfo is a student of Fabio Bidini, holder of the Colburn Grigor Piano Chair. He graduated with his Master of Music degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music, and will continue his studies in the Artist Diploma program in the fall. He hails from Italy, and previously studied at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin and at the G. Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro, Italy.
The International Beethoven Piano Competition is held every two years, focusing on Beethoven’s works. It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious contests for next generation of young pianists. This year, 259 pianists from around the world applied to the competition, and 34 were selected to vie for top prizes in Vienna. Second prize went to Sahun Hong of the United States, and third prize was awarded to Bolai Cao of China.