Fifteen-year old Battle of Beethoven winner Jovian Cheng
The CBC Radio Battle of Beethoven was fought in Vancouver’s CBC Studio One. Students aged 13 to 18 from around BC competed for fame, glory and national broadcast exposure on CBC Radio Two. Competitors were asked to perform their most compelling rendition of music written by the brooding 19th century Viennese composer.
The winner of the contest was fifteen-year old Vancouver pianist Jovian Cheng. Jovian started piano lessons at six with Peggy Yip and now studies with Dr. Sasha Starcevich, Last year, he won first prize at the Canadian Music Competition (Piano 14 years and under). He recently had his debut with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performing the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto. Jovian plans to continue his studies and pursue a career in music.
"Jovian Cheng shows a musical maturity far beyond his 15 years. The power and elegance of his playing and the expression in his musical voice set Jovian apart from the other competitors. I'm sure we'll hear more from this fine young pianist in the years to come" - Matthew McFarlane, judge and producer, CBC Radio Battle of Beethoven
Hear Jovian Cheng’s performance of Beethoven’s “Waldstein” Sonata 
(last movement) (runs 10:33)
Organized in conjunction with the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festivals
