National Asian Youth Music Competition

Dr. Dorian Leljak – Guardian of Piano Art and Cultural Heritage

 

Dr. Dorian Leljak, a distinguished figure in the international piano community, is renowned for his masterful performances and profound musical insight. As a piano professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia, he also serves as the artistic director and jury president for several prestigious international piano competitions, with his influence spanning Europe and Asia.

 

Dr. Leljak’s illustrious piano journey began with his boundless passion for music. Mentored by renowned teachers Arbo Valdma and Boris Berman, he achieved remarkable accolades in competitions such as the Rachmaninoff Piano Competition and the Novi Sad Piano Competition, which became significant milestones in his artistic career. His performances, described as “a perfect fusion of technique and emotion,” have graced stages at Carnegie Hall and major concert venues across Europe, captivating audiences with melodies that flow like a gentle stream, touching hearts deeply.

 

However, Dr. Leljak’s contributions extend far beyond the concert stage. He firmly believes that the vitality of piano art lies in its preservation and development through education and cultural exchange. As the artistic director of the Isidor Bajić International Piano Competition and the president of the World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA), World Piano Conference (WPC), and the WPTA International Piano Competition, he leverages his expansive vision and foresight to create platforms for young pianists worldwide, breathing new life into the art of piano.

 

As an inspiring educator, Dr. Leljak adheres to a student-centered teaching philosophy. His approach emphasizes a balance between technical mastery and artistic expression, encouraging students to discover their unique musical voice and shine on the international stage. Under his guidance, countless students have achieved success in international piano competitions, transforming and flourishing under his mentorship.

 

In recent years, Dr. Leljak has focused on the dynamic growth of music in Asia. In 2024, he was invited to join the Singapore Asia Art Association (Music) as a lifetime member and is set to serve as a juror for the Singapore World Piano Competition. He believes that the rich cultural heritage of Asia holds endless inspiration and creativity, and music serves as the perfect medium to bring this cultural essence to the world.

 

Dr. Leljak views piano art as a universal language that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, resonating deeply with the human soul. His music is not merely the pursuit of technical perfection but a delicate portrayal of the spirit. His teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but about preserving the essence of art. Each of his performances is a silent poem, and every lesson is a spark that ignites dreams, ensuring that piano art continues to shine brightly amidst the tides of time.