Decca Classics Signs Breakthrough Pianist Tianyao Lyu
“For me, playing the piano itself feels like resting — it is my most natural state.”
Tianyao Lyu
Decca Classics is delighted to announce the signing of Chinese pianist Tianyao Lyu to an exclusive multi-album recording agreement, following her breakthrough at the 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, where she became one of the competition’s most talked-about young pianists.
At just 16 years old during the competition, Tianyao became one of its youngest finalists. Although she did not take first prize, audiences around the world were captivated by her warmth, spontaneity and unmistakable joy at the piano. By the final round, audiences in Warsaw felt they were witnessing the emergence of a major new artist.
In addition to receiving joint 4th Prize, Tianyao was awarded one of the competition’s most prestigious special prizes for the best concerto performance, recognising the exceptional impact of her appearances with orchestra during the final round.
Throughout the competition, critics repeatedly singled her out as one of its most distinctive young artists. Polish critic Adam Suprynowicz Gmys described her performances as a “near revelatory moment”, while Piotr Chęćka called her a “serious talent”. Writing in Gramophone, Jed Distler praised her playing for its “consistent sparkle and rhythmic point in every phrase”, describing her concerto performance as the one that truly “brought this concerto to life”.
As the competition progressed, Tianyao rapidly became one of the names audiences whispered about most between performances. Clips of her playing spread widely online and listeners returned repeatedly to her performances, drawn not only to her playing, but also to the joy she brought to the stage.
Lyu has often spoken about approaching music not as competition, but as communication. Reflecting on the Chopin Competition, she later said: “I viewed the competition as a concert that belonged to me, rather than as an arena.”
That philosophy was especially evident in her performances with orchestra, for which she received the competition’s special prize for best concerto performance. “For me, a concerto is a mutual journey,” she explains. “It is not a monologue of the piano, but a dialogue.”
Born in China, Tianyao comes from a musical family. Her father is a pianist and her mother played the violin. She began studying piano in Beijing before continuing her artistic development in Poland with the distinguished pianist and pedagogue Professor Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, former Chair of the International Chopin Competition jury.
Living in Poland has deepened Tianyao’s connection to Chopin and to the musical culture surrounding his work. Poznań has become a second home for the young pianist, bringing her closer to the musical tradition most closely associated with Chopin. During the Chopin Competition, Polish audiences embraced her with extraordinary warmth. As the Fryderyk Chopin Institute explained: “The competition is where the audience met the wonderful pianist Tianyao. Polish music lovers affectionately call her Nasza Marysia, which translates as ‘our dear little Mary’, an affectionate way to say thank you for her wonderful music-making.”
Still only 17, Tianyao already performs major works by Chopin, Bach and Mozart with remarkable maturity and individuality. Asked why she feels so connected to Chopin’s music, Tianyao explains simply that it reflects “humanity itself”. She has also spoken about approaching music not as self-expression, but as understanding: “Once true understanding is reached, one’s own voice emerges naturally within it.”
Music became deeply personal to Tianyao following the illness and death of her grandmother when she was eight years old. During that period, her grandmother listened daily to Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Chopin. “Music gave her immense strength during her most painful days,” Tianyao recalls. “That experience taught me that music is not merely an art — it can be a force that sustains life.”
Away from the piano, Tianyao enjoys horseback riding, skiing, skating, ballet, drawing, writing and composing. Despite her growing international career, audiences and colleagues alike have been struck by her sincerity, curiosity and natural connection to music.
Decca Classics Executive Producer Helen Rogers says: “From the earliest rounds of last year’s Chopin Competition, Tianyao Lyu transported us all into her world through effortlessly beautiful, imaginative interpretations. Her poise and youthful approach was captivating, and her profound joy in sharing her artistry with an audience was palpable. We couldn’t be happier to welcome her to Decca Classics.”
President of Decca Records Laura Monks says: "Tianyao Lyu is an outstanding young talent who has already captured people’s attention around the world. A true star has emerged. We are so proud to be Tianyao’s exclusive recording partner as she begins what I am sure will be an illustrious recording career.”
Tianyao says: “I am delighted to join the Decca Classics family, where I feel so grateful to have found both an exceptional team and true friends who share my passion for music. Recording is a process of constant rediscovery and rethinking of music, and it will allow me to capture and preserve my life’s milestones, sharing my understanding with listeners. I am especially happy to begin this journey with Chopin. His timeless music speaks to our deepest human emotions, allowing us to see ourselves and feel our connection with one another.”
Tianyao’s first recording projects for Decca Classics will centre around the music of Chopin, with further details to be announced soon.
