At just 10 years old, Ethan Wang is already making a name for himself in the classical music world. The Calgary pianist recently won the Grand Prix in his age group at the Canadian Music Competition in Sherbrooke, Quebec, last July. At the time, he was nine years old and scored an impressive 98 percent from the judges after performing the first movement of Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, a technically demanding Romantic work.
A Mature Young Talent
Ethan's teacher describes him as "already quite an intellectual at his young age and very mature." Indeed, when talking to him, one immediately notices that he does not speak like a typical 10-year-old. He is unusually poised and polished in his responses, especially when discussing his success as a pianist.
When asked if he ever gets nervous before performing, Ethan explains, "Anxiety and nervousness is a call to action. It means you are not fully confident that you have practised enough." This level of self-awareness and discipline is rare for someone his age.
A String of Accolades
The victory in Quebec is just the latest in a long list of achievements for Ethan. In the past few years, he has taken first prize in the Nashville International Piano Competition and in Germany's Kronberg International Piano Competition. He also won second prize in both the 32nd International Piano Competition in Szafarnia, Poland, and Toronto's Canadian Chopin Competition, where he was the youngest finalist.
Ethan made his orchestral debut at the age of seven with the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra in Canmore. Late last year, he performed a full piano concerto with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Earlier this month, he became a finalist for the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists, which will be held in July.
Following in Famous Footsteps
Ethan's trajectory suggests he may be following in the footsteps of fellow Calgarians Kevin Chen and Jan Lisiecki, both of whom began as supernaturally precocious musicians. Lisiecki, now 31, has an internationally renowned career, having played major concert halls in Europe, Asia, and North America, and earning five Juno nominations. Chen, 21, has also made a name for himself on the international stage.
Given that Ethan will turn 11 this summer as his stock continues to rise in national and international competitions, he could become the sort of talent that comes along once a decade.
Early Beginnings
Like many prodigies, Ethan's introduction to the piano came early. He had showcased impressive skills at the age of three in daycare, where he would sing back songs by memory after only hearing them once. His parents, Ryan and Daisy, enrolled him in an abacus math program at the age of four, which uses the abacus tool to teach rapid calculation. Ethan proved to be so dexterous on the ancient calculating tool that a teacher suggested he might be good at piano.
Ethan's story is one of hard work, talent, and maturity beyond his years. As he continues to compete and perform, the classical music world will undoubtedly be watching closely.
