CIM's Shen Lu Wins International Piano Competition

Shen Lu, a piano student at the Cleveland Institute of Music in HaeSun Paik's studio, won top honors in the 2014 Hilton Head International Piano Competition in March 2014.

First held in 1996, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition seeks "to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers in a competition adjudicated by internationally acclaimed judges."

This year's competition was held the week of March 10 through 17 with 20 pianists, ages 18-30, from around the world competing. The 2014 jury was comprised of ten internationally acclaimed pianists from eight countries, six of whom conducted master classes during the week with competitors who had not advanced to the semifinals.

Shen's final performance of the competition, earning him first prize, was Mozart's Piano Concert No. 21. In addition to a cash award, Shen will return to play as a soloist with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, perform a recital at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall during the 2014-15 season and record a CD on the Steinway & Sons label.

Shen is a native of Jiangsu, China, and had previously won first prize in the Hong Kong Open Piano Competition and second prizes in the Jingzhong Competition and the Asia Chopin Piano Competition.  Having earned a bachelor's degree at the Central Conservatory of Music in Bejing and a master's degree at New England Conservatory, Shen is currently in CIM's artist diploma program, studying with world renowned pianist HaeSun Paik.