Ten-year-old Cypriot pianist Leonidas Nikolaou wins Grand Prix in London

Ten-year-old Cypriot pianist Leonidas Nikolaou achieved significant international recognition this June by winning the Grand Prix at a piano competition held at Duke’s Hall, Royal Academy of Music in London. Competing against 34 other young musicians, Nikolaou was the sole representative from Cyprus and secured the top prize in the 8–10 age category with his performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s "Alla Turca" from Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major.

Nikolaou’s interest in music began before he reached the age of two, with formal piano instruction starting at age five. According to his parents, his musical education has since become a central part of his daily life. Currently, he maintains a rigorous practice schedule, dedicating at least 90 minutes to the instrument each day, supplemented by three additional lessons per week with his teacher.

As a young prodigy, Nikolaou has expressed his ambition to pursue music as a professional career in the future. His recent success in London marks a milestone in his development, as he continues to balance his academic pursuits with intensive musical training.