For some young musicians, a dream comes true with the announcement of their qualification for the final. For others, the real magic only begins at that moment. This was the case for the pianist Tai-Wei Huang, who stepped onto the stage of the Carl Filtsch International Piano Competition in July with both excitement and a deep desire to fully embrace his first moment on stage with an orchestra. It wasn’t the prize that overwhelmed him, but the sound of the orchestra during the general rehearsal; a moment when the music took on a new dimension and turned a dream into reality. What followed was a second-place award in Category C, but beyond the ranking, what stayed with him was the unique moment when music confirmed he was exactly where he was meant to be, and that all the years of effort had been worth it.
How would you describe your experience at the Carl Filtsch International Competition?
My experience at the Carl Filtsch International Competition was truly impressive and unforgettable. I was in a beautiful and culturally rich city, tried some delicious local soup, met many talented young pianists, and had the amazing opportunity to work with a conductor and orchestra. I feel very lucky to have won a prize.
How did you feel performing on stage with the orchestra, under the baton of conductor Miguel Campos Neto?
This was my first time performing a concerto with an orchestra, and I was incredibly excited. The moment I heard the orchestra's sound; I was almost moved to tears. I still clearly remember our first rehearsal - when I heard the orchestra play the introduction, I was so deeply touched by the sound so close to me, and the realization that we were about to perform the piece together. I almost couldn't control my emotions.
I also greatly appreciate Mr. Neto. He was always patient and led us in such a positive and encouraging way. He cared about how we felt and gave me valuable advice on tempo, sound balance, and how to collaborate with the orchestra. These were all extremely helpful. Working with him was so much fun, and I feel very lucky to have had him as my first conductor.
What was the most emotional or memorable moment of the competition week for you?
There were two moments that were especially emotional and memorable for me. The first was when I found out I had been selected to perform in the final with the orchestra. I was the last competitor in the second round and was extremely nervous afterward because I knew the results would be announced soon. I kept refreshing the website to check, haha! When I finally saw that I had made it to the final, I felt incredibly inspired—knowing I was about to realize my dream of performing with an orchestra.
The second moment was during our first rehearsal, which I mentioned earlier - hearing the orchestra play the introduction live was just unforgettable.
What inspired your choice of repertoire for the competition?
First, I checked the competition's requirements, then I chose pieces that I felt confident performing on stage. I also considered the overall structure and effect of the program, which is very important to me. Even though it's a competition, I believe it's still essential to communicate and share something meaningful with the audience and judges. That’s what makes music truly moving and meaningful.
How did you prepare for the competition, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?
I prepared in the same way I usually do in the practice room, so there weren’t any particular challenges during the preparation. I think this is the routine for every musician: we go to the practice room, play, reflect, and then correct or improve things.
What does winning this prize mean to you?
Winning this prize means a lot to me. I heard many outstanding performances during the competition—there were so many talented young pianists, and I feel truly fortunate to have been selected. This prize reminds me of my week in Sibiu, all the different experiences I had, and the moments I spent on stage. It encourages and motivates me for the challenges ahead.
In what way do you think this experience contributed to your artistic journey?
The experience of playing with an orchestra is very different from performing solo. It requires more collaboration and responsiveness between musicians, and these are not easy to practice with just a second piano. I feel lucky to have had this opportunity, and I also realized there are many things I could have done better. I still have so much to learn.
Would you encourage other young pianists to apply to this competition?
Absolutely! This competition is a wonderful opportunity to get to know a talented but lesser-known composer, Carl Filtsch, and to visit the beautiful city of Sibiu. I’d also like to give special thanks to Ms. Manta, who organized everything so well and always responded to us quickly. Thanks to her support, we were able to fully focus on our practicing.
For Tai-Wei Huang, the experience in Sibiu was both a natural step and a surprising one – an emotionally enriching journey that triggered inner breakthroughs. After years of training in Germany and appearances on international stages, the pianist from China stepped onto the final stage of the 2025 Carl Filtsch Competition without ego, but rather with humility, deep humanity, and receptiveness to everything around him. The audience’s reactions, the conductor’s support, the sound of the orchestra – all became for Huang living lessons, more valuable than any technical exercise. He says he still has much to learn, but we believe it is precisely this honesty and openness that allow him to grow in a truly special way. Interview by Cristina Ghinea, PR Sibiu State Philaharmonic Photo credit: Mihail Nistor
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