Steinway Piano Competition: Laureates Recital
Dubai Opera proudly presents the Laureates Recital of the 1st Steinway Piano Competition GCC 2025, a celebration of exceptional young pianists from across the region. This special concert features the top prize-winners of the inaugural competition, held at Steinway & Sons Dubai in April 2025.
The Steinway Piano Competition is the first of its kind in the GCC region, organized by HOUSE of PIANOS and Steinway & Sons Dubai, in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture, and in collaboration with Dubai Opera, Emirati Musicians' Association, and Music Booth.
Open to children aged 6–17 from across the GCC, the competition featured two distinctive categories:
– Classical Music, highlighting the timeless masterpieces of Western classical tradition
– Emirati Talents, dedicated to the music and culture of the UAE, open exclusively to young Emirati musicians
Over 250 applicants in both categories competed for top honors. The most outstanding performers have been invited to take the stage at Dubai Opera Studio for this remarkable recital, offering audiences the opportunity to witness the rising stars of the region.
The program offers a rich and diverse musical experience, featuring beloved works by renowned classical composers alongside evocative Arabic and Emirati pieces, celebrating both international artistry and local heritage.
Celebrate the artistry of the region’s finest young pianists in an unforgettable evening that reflects Steinway’s legacy of excellence and its commitment to nurturing future generations of musical talent.
Photo Gallery
Approximately 2 hours including an intermission
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable
Part I:
Zayed Alzaabi (11 years old) – 1st Prizewinner I Emirati Talents Category, Age Group B
Omar Khairat – The Piano Book Vol.1: "Khally Balak Men Aklak"
Frederic Chopin – Waltz in A Minor, Op. posth
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Sonata in C Major, K.545: I. Allegro, III. Rondo (Allegretto)
Mariam Sajwani (17 years old) – 1st Prizewinner I Emirati Talents Category, Age Group C
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – "Swan Lake", Op. 20: "Scene" (arranged for piano by K. Nappier)
Omar Khairat – The Piano Book Vol.1: "Khally Balak Men Aklak"
Hamad Altaee – Spring vibes
Omar Khairat – The Piano Book Vol.1: "Am Ahmad"
Prapti Rajguru (12 years old) – 2nd Prizewinner I Classical Music Category, Age Group B
Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata No. 2 in G Major , Op. 14: I. Allegro
Alberto Ginastera – Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2: II. Danza de la moza donosa
Lowell Liberman – Gargoyles Op. 29: III. Allegro Moderato
Franz Liszt – Tarantella from "Venezia e Napoli"
20-minute intermission
Part II:
Erik Byurkland (13 years old) – 1st Prizewinner I Classical Music Category, Age Group B
Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata No.7 in D Major, Op.10 No.3: I. Presto
Sergey Rachmaninoff – 6 Moments Musicaux, Op.16: No. 4 in E Minor
Frederic Chopin – Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante in E-flat Major, Op. 22
Shuyao Shi (14 years old) – 2nd Prizewinner I Classical Music Category, Age Group C
Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata No.6 in F Major, Op.10 No.2: I. Allegro
Franz Liszt – Concert Paraphrase on Verdi’s Rigoletto
Sergey Prokofiev – Sonata No.3, Op.28
6+ years would require a ticket to enter the event.
Below 6+ years are not permitted for the event.
Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
