Starmer hails ‘culture and creativity’ as he backs ‘The Leeds’ piano competition

Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his support for the Leeds International Piano Competition as he revealed music had given him the “confidence to perform” and also taught him “so much about culture and creativity”.

The event, which starts on September 11, sees 24 pianists aged between 20 and 29, from more than 10 countries, competing over the next 11 days in Bradford and Leeds.

The Prime Minister, who played the flute, piano and violin as a child, shared a written message which features in the event’s programme, saying: “The Leeds combines two of my greatest loves: the city that absolutely formed me when I came here as a student; and the joy and discovery of music that changed my life.

“Everyone involved in this competition will know what I mean when I talk about that experience of being truly moved by a piece of music – of losing yourself and finding something new in the space that artistry creates.

Art and culture are an integral part of who we are, and international competitions like The Leeds are a fantastic part of Brand Britain

Sir Keir Starmer

“The piano does that like no other instrument. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, in particular, never fails to take me to that state.

“Although that may also be because my wife chose it as her entrance music for our wedding!”

The Labour leader and wife Victoria have two children, and a Siberian kitten named Prince, and he graduated from the University of Leeds in 1985 with a degree in Law.

He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2014 New Year Honours for “services to law and criminal justice”.

Reflecting on his own musical background, Sir Keir said: “I was fortunate to grow up studying music, learning the flute at the Guildhall in London.

“It offered me incredible opportunities, gave me the confidence to perform and taught me so much about culture and creativity. Above all, it made me believe that music was something for me. I want that same belief for everyone.

“So, as Prime Minister I am determined to put creativity at the heart of our school curriculum and ensure that every young person has access to music and all the arts – something I know was a lifelong passion of this competition’s long-time founder, chair and artistic director, the late Dame Fanny Waterman.

“I will also proudly celebrate and champion British art and culture, not just for its invaluable contribution to our economic growth but also for its contribution to our personal growth.

“Art and culture are an integral part of who we are, and international competitions like The Leeds are a fantastic part of Brand Britain.”

Last year in an interview with Classic FM, the former director of public prosecutions said the flute was the instrument he was “best at”, adding that “the violin and piano took slightly further back down the rankings. So I played in orchestras, in quartets, you name it”.

Sir Keir’s programme message added: “More than 60 years since its inception, once again this competition will launch and nurture the careers of the next generation of the world’s greatest pianists.

“As it does so, it will continue to lead by example in promoting environmental sustainability and gender equality within the music industry, including through the new prize for the best performance of a work by a female composer.

“It is also fitting that this year’s final is taking place in Bradford, strengthening the cultural bonds between these great two cities, and acting as a prelude to the exciting programme of events planned for the UK’s City of Culture in 2025.”

The finals of the competition take place on September 20 and 21, with the top five contestants performing a Concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Global audiences can watch the competition on The Leeds Media Hub and official competition YouTube channel, with the final on September 21 broadcast on BBC Radio 3 In Concert.

Fiona Sinclair, chief executive officer of the Leeds International Piano Competition, said: “Leeds has truly come alive with the sound of pianos over the last few weeks with our innovative Piano Trail Festival, and with the competition now under way that will only increase.

“I wish all our competitors the best of luck and I can’t wait to see them perform over the next 11 days.”

The Piano Trail Festival, hosted in the cities of Leeds and Bradford, has transformed public spaces into cultural hubs with the help of public piano installations and more.