Who should note 16 March in the calendar. Two remarkable talents will then be awarded with prizes at Concertgebouw Amsterdam and richly deserved.
There is the loyal, famous conductor Iván Fischer who gets to receive the Concertgebouw Prize – in 2011 we were already able to present him with a Golden Label Podium in DeSingel in Antwerp. It needs no further explanation why Iván Fischer unquestionably deserves this prize.
Alongside the man with an impressive résumé, there is a very young talent who has already caught the attention of Klassiek Centraal as a student at the Musica Mundi School in Waterloo where he studies piano. 15 years may be somewhat young to receive the Concertgebouw Young Talent Award, but Klassiek Centraal is fully, 100% in agreement with the choice: Liam Nassereddine (Netherlands), a robust fellow, friendly, playful, sympathetic, intelligent and above all boundlessly musical. His interpretations of the most brilliant works give the audience goosebumps. Emotionally rich, great understanding of the master and his work, exceptionally virtuoso, phrasing in truly all colours, refined finesse, in short a natural musician, a natural pianist. The type of musician that once you have heard him play, you want to experience again.
In the Concertgebouw's press release we read, among other things, the following: "It is fantastic to see how Liam, who has already performed with us several times, has developed at a rapid pace. The joy of playing radiates from him. A deserved winner of our Young Talent Award!", according to General Director Simon Reinink.
The award, made possible in part by main sponsor Van Lanschot Kempen, consists of a bronze sculpture, a study grant of €5,000 and support for the further professional development of the winner by Concertgebouw. On 16 March 2026, the award will be presented at a gala dinner at Concertgebouw. The young pianist will also make his debut as a soloist in the Grand Hall on that occasion.
