Cypriot pianist Leonidas Nicolaou wins Grand Prix in London

Ten-year-old Cypriot pianist Leonidas Nicolaou was awarded the Grand Prix at an international piano competition held at Duke’s Hall, Royal Academy of Music, in London. Nicolaou, the sole participant from Cyprus, competed against 35 young musicians globally. In his specific age category of 8 to 10 years, he outperformed 11 other contestants to secure the top honor. He performed Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca from Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K.331. The young musician began studying piano at age five and currently maintains a rigorous practice schedule of at least 1.5 hours daily with three weekly lessons. Beyond the piano, Nicolaou is involved with the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he studies the double bass, and performs in a children's choir. He also attends the GC School of Careers and has previously competed in Austria and Germany. His family noted that he has been fascinated by musical instruments since the age of two.