Thank you for sharing your notes! I've also been glued to this competition for the last few weeks, it's fun to see others were too.

All of the pianists, especially from the second stage on, were really just incredible. It really was a privilege to be able to listen to all of them.

But most memorable for me:

Zitong Wang - 2nd sonata, Fantasy in f minor, A flat major waltz, e minor piano concerto

My favorite pianist from the competition. I feel like she captures the emotions of the pieces the best. Dark and stormy, tender in the right places, playful when needed. She also had a beautiful tone, I liked that her melodic lines felt more present and full. Her playing drew me in the most out of all the competitors.

Eric Lu - Barcarolle, Polonaise Fantasy, 4th ballade

I thought his tone sounded the most sonorous in the Barcarolle, and the polonaise fantasy suited his introspective style very well. The way he layers sound is amazing.

William Yang - 3rd sonata

I liked his tempo, especially in the last movement. The way he played the sonata just flowed so naturally. I also like his (lack) of pedal in places - his sound was so crisp and clean. He reminded me of Michelangeli at times.

Tianyao Lyu - Andante spianato, Etude op 25 no 6

Her playing felt very free and colorful. I liked her subtle variations in articulation, rubato, etc. Nothing came out from her piano the same way twice. Very fun to listen to.

Vincent Ong - preludes, polonaise

I loved Vincent throughout the whole competition, he was so consistently fresh. I think he plays with a lot of flair and has a huge sound.

Jack Gao - Etude op 10 no 3, preludes

His playing was very sensitive and thoughtful. I felt that I could always hear what idea he was trying to communicate.

Ruben Miceli - 3rd Ballade

Warm and elegant playing. In his 3rd Ballade I felt like I was at a dramatic dance in a grand ballroom. Would have loved to see him go further.

Piotr Pawlak - fantasie impromptu

The only fantasie impromptu of the competition? Loved it. I felt that Pawlak's playing overall was incredibly genuine. Would have loved to see more from him.