Sandton pianist Sinran Emilie Yang wins top prize at national music competition
The Redhill School learner took home the first prize, a gold medal, and a solo orchestra performance invitation following her performance in the national finals.
Sandton pianist Sinran Emilie Yang has added a prestigious national music prize to her list of achievements.
The Redhill School learner was awarded the Johanna van der Spuy Memorial First Prize at the 2026 Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, held from September 22 to 26.
Yang was among eight young musicians selected as finalists from 47 participants aged 13 and younger who competed in the event. Her first prize includes R20 000, a gold medal and an invitation to perform as a soloist with the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra at the opening ceremony of the 2027 competition.
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Despite the significance of the final, Yang said winning was not at the forefront of her mind when she took to the stage. “I actually wasn’t thinking about winning. I just wanted to do my best and share the most beautiful music I could with the audience,” she said. “Once I started playing, I just focused on the music and enjoyed being on stage.”
During the competition, Yang performed five pieces showcasing a range of musical styles and composers. Her repertoire included Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata in G major, K260, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Sonata in B-flat major, K333, First Movement, Frédéric Chopin’s Étude in G-flat major, Op 10 No 5, ‘Black Keys’, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op 32 No 12, and A. Johnson’s Jazz Impromptu No 1.
Of the five, Rachmaninoff’s Prelude holds a special place for the young pianist. “My favourite to play is Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G-sharp minor because I feel I can express my emotions through it. I love it when I can feel something strongly in the music and then share that feeling with the audience.”
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Yang added that her main passion lies in creating music. “The piano can make so many different sounds – soft, loud, gentle, powerful, happy or sad – so you can create lots of different colours and feelings.”
She began learning the instrument formally at six years old, but her curiosity has grown far beyond the keyboard. “I loved playing and making music almost from the beginning. I also felt that I was quite good at it, and the more I played, the more confident I became.
“I actually love playing different instruments, not only the piano. I also learn the violin, and I play the clarinet at school.”
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