Avan Yu is the only Canadian in the semifinal round of the Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary. He knows what it's like to be a winner. In July, he took first prize and a slew of other awards at the Sydney International Piano Competition in Australia.
Yu was born in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver when he was nine. He's currently living and studying in Berlin.
Yu was kind enough to fill in some blanks in his professional resumé for CBC Music.
If I hadn't been a pianist: I'd have been a scientist, most likely an astrophysicist.
I can't go onstage without: my handkerchief.
The most comical thing that happened to me onstage: The fire alarm sounded and fire chief went on the PA and said "Everyone please remain calm! Everyone please remain calm!" while I was still playing.
The last book I read is: Dubliners by James Joyce.
I am addicted to: chips.
My favourite smell: caramel sauce.
My favourite city: New York.
One thing very few people know about me is: I played the violin for two years when I was a teenager, and let's just say that there is a reason why very few people know that I played the violin.
The most important thing I have learned about competitions so far: compete with yourself, and yourself only.
Avan Yu will be performing twice in the semifinal round of Honens, and you can watch and listen to his performances live at honens.com.
Collaborative recital: Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. MT.
Solo recital: Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. MT.
Related:
Meet 10 pianists competing for $100,000 at Honens Competition