2023 Radda Rise International Piano Competition

 Benjamin LeSuer

Honorable Mention of Category 2

 
 
 

At just 11 years old, Benjamin LeSuer from McKinney, Texas, has emerged as a remarkable young talent in classical music. Benjamin began his musical journey at the young age of 4, showing an early aptitude for piano. Since then, his musical abilities have grown to include violin, which he has played for 3 years, and drums for the past 2 years.

Under the guidance of esteemed instructors like Dr. Alex McDonald for piano, Xiang Wang for violin, Benjamin has studied diligently which has led to numerous achievements. In the 2023 Dallas Piano Solo Competition, he distinguished himself by winning 1st Place in Division VIII for those aged 15, showcasing his mastery with Moritz Moszkowski's Etincelles, Op. 36, No. 6. Earlier that year, at the Artciál International Piano Competition held in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Benjamin earned 2nd Place, performing Frederic Chopin's Etude Op. 25, No. 2, in F minor. His success continued in the 2023 Texas A&M University – Commerce Sonata/Sonatina Competition, where he achieved 1st Place in the 11th grade category with Haydn's Sonata in F Major, Hob XVI/23, Mov. I. Additionally, in the Third Radda Rise International Piano Competition, he impressed judges by securing 1st Place in Category 1, demonstrating his skill with Liszt’s Six Grandes Études de Paganini, No. 5 in E Major and Edward MacDowell's Hungarian Op. 39, No. 12. His accolades from 2022 also include 1st Prizes in the University of Texas Arlington Fall Piano Contest and the International Virtual Music Competition's Violin Elementary Group. These wins, along with his multiple recognitions in the Dallas Symphonic Festival and Collin County Young Artist Competitions over the years, underline Benjamin's remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.

As a result of his accomplishments, Benjamin has had the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues throughout 2023. As a winner of the Piano Star International Competition, he was invited to perform in the winners recital held at Carnegie Hall. Additionally, he performed at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the Articiál International Piano Competition winners recital and was chosen to participate in their piano masterclass.

In addition to his competition successes, Benjamin has been recognized for his music theory achievements. He received First Class Honors with Distinction in the Royal Conservatory Level 4 and 6 Piano Practical Examinations, along with the State Certificate of Excellence in Level 4 and 6 Piano for obtaining the highest mark in the 2021 Academic Year. His excellence in theory was also acknowledged with Gold Medals in the Texas Music Teacher Association Theory Examination in 2021 and 2023.

Recently, Benjamin has joined the Dallas Symphony Youth Choir as their youngest member, performing with the Dallas Symphony at the Meyerson Performance Hall. He also enjoys composition and is the current piano accompanist for his church’s youth choir. Beyond his musical endeavors, Benjamin is a well-rounded individual with a passion for sports. He is actively involved in basketball and competitive swimming with the Lakeside swim team. Looking to the future, Benjamin aspires to continue his studies and pursue a professional career in music.


Etincelles Op. 36, No. 6 by Moritz Moszkowski


Au bord d'une source by Franz Liszt