BBC Young Musician: Teenage pianist Lauren Zhang wins 2018 title

Teenage pianist Lauren Zhang has won the BBC's prestigious Young Musician competition, just days before she starts her GCSEs. The 16-year-old took the title after playing Prokofiev's challenging Piano Concerto No 2, accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Kerry Andrew, chair of the judging panel, said the performance “left us all breathless”. Lauren beat cellist Maxim Calver and sax player Rob Burton to win the title. “I'm astonished!” she said after receiving the prize.

“The journey, right from the start of the competition, has been incredible.” - Lauren Zhang